Spotted: Chris Sabo Jersey at Miller Park

Went to the Brewers-Reds game last night at Miller Park. Decent amount of Reds fans there in a modest crowd (27,000-ish).

Often, I make a point of taking noticing the most popular jerseys worn by the visiting team’s fans. Joey Votto was pretty popular, of course. Saw a few Johnny Bench’s. Strangely, I don’t recall seeing any Brandon Phillips jerseys.

But I did see this:

I sought him out to shake his hand.

I found that the very thought of Chris Sabo brought me a childlike joy, and I’m not sure why. It’s more than just nostalgia, the goggles, the ethnically ambiguous and slightly silly surname.

After perusing the results of a “Chris Sabo” Google search, I realized that my fond associations might have something to do with the fact that my memory of Chris Sabo incorporates one of the easiest, most inviting smiles and demeanors the game has known.

Mayhap Chris Sabo helped save your ass some cash on eyewear in the ’90s?
You’re welcome.

Some things about the man that wore such a demeanor:

Chris Sabo depended on LensCrafters for both sports specs and everyday eyeglasses.

Chris Sabo likes to read.*

Chris Sabo hates when you eat with your mouth open.*

Chris Sabo would have been a high school coach if he never made the Majors.*

Reds manager Pete Rose gave Sabo the nickname “Spuds” during his rookie season (1988), citing a resemblance to a bull terrier character in Bud Light commercials named Spuds MacKenzie. (Stolen from Wikipedia.)

Chris Sabo liked to autograph cards in dedication to the recipient:

To Matt, these goggles kinda hurt. Please help. Yours, Chris Sabo

To Ethan, I’ve been turned into a cartoon. Please help. -C.S.

Chris Sabo was pretty awesome.