The Spectrum of Spectacles: From Vance Worley to Kurt Russell

Here at NotGraphs, we have often tried to shine a light on how spectacles make the game of baseball better. How much better? Well, it’s hard to quantify. But I think it’s safe to say “lots.” They make baseball lots better.

But there is a spectrum of spectacles. On the one end are these monstrosities worn by Vance Worley, which understandably led to a 7.21 ERA and a 5.55 FIP for the Twins in 10 starts:

 

 Now compare them to these spectacles worn by Kurt Russell during his three seasons as a minor league second baseman baseball in the Angels’ system from 1971-1973:

No, those glasses did not lead to big league success (although Russell did hit a respectable .292/.361/.365). But they did lead to this:

 

And this:

 

And this:

And, most importantly, to this.

 

And aren’t we all better for it? A shame, in that last one, that his sight in that eye got so bad that he had to stop using it altogether.

Yes, that was a long walk for an eyepatch joke and Snake Plissken reference. But much like Snake himself, I don’t give a fuck about your long walks. What’s my point? Aside from the fact that Kurt Russell is awesome? Choose your eyewear carefully, my friends.