2020 In Review: Status of the Blog

So, I've already discussed some of the highlights in social media areas enjoyed by Section 36 in 2020.

But, what about just generally? How did the blog perform in 2020 at just being a blog? How did I do as a blogger? As a collector? I'm not going to pretend you actually care...but what else am I supposed to post about on New Year's Eve?

In 2020 this will be my 114th post, down from 137 last year. At just over two posts a week, that's lower than I would have liked. I think three posts a week is a good goal for a minimum, and would like to be slightly above that. I'll admit I was having trouble writing this year. It's something I plan to discuss in a future post, but the season during a pandemic really made me question what being a fan meant and I had trouble writing about the team like it was a normal season. Hopefully writing about the 2021 season won't feel quite so awkward for me.

On the bright side, those posts almost always included an interview on Friday. Hopefully you've been enjoying all the visits from celebrity Red Sox fans (or, at least baseball fans). I think they're a lot of fun, and enjoy hearing input from those types of fans. (This year, I had the surprise honor of including Miss America herself, Camille Schrier, to the list of visitors. That was a fantastic thing to be able to do.) If you enjoy the interviews too, that’s wonderful. If you don't, hopefully once a week isn't too intrusive. Because, looking back, it's actually been almost once a week. Hope I can keep that up.

The Section 36 store also had a great year. More people keep buying shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, and whatever else. I'm always humbled whenever a sale goes through. Hopefully you've enjoyed all the pictures people have sent in wearing their gear. With any luck, both sales and picture submittals will increase in 2021!

2020 was also a continuation of my blogging perspective to help me find my voice or my place in this wide world. Even with the team itself not quite creating the content, I am still a Red Sox fan. I like talking about the team, and about collecting their memorabilia, and reading the books, and talking with their fans. Just because I don’t discuss WAR on a daily basis or analyze every potential trade doesn't make this a bad blog. Nor does it mean that I can't discuss WAR every now and then. If the people I interview aren't exactly diehard Red Sox fans, that's ok. They can still talk about the type of fans they are. It's called a Red Sox fan blog for a reason. Because it's by a fan, about being a fan. Whatever type of fan that is.

Hope that's OK with you.

2020 Year in Review: Social Media

These days a blog just can’t be a blog. I mean, it can...but it’s not as easy or nearly as much fun. How am I supposed to make sure that the blog is on your mind every waking second of every day? How can I make sure you see some sort of new content as often as possible?

Of course. Social media.

Which is why Section 36 needs to have a presence. OK. More accurately, it's why I want Section 36 to have a social media presence. Even on the sites where I have no idea what’s going on. So, I hope you know about all the other ways you can follow along with Section 36! And, how have those social media sites gotten even better in 2020?

I’m glad you asked.

Instagram is probably the place I’ve seen the most movement in the past year.

It’s been so much fun connecting with fans and visitors through that site. For Section 36, in the past I have posted exclusively pictures I have taken. It’s a way to enjoy different views from a Red Sox fan. I've continued adding pictures people have submitted of themselves holding a “I’d Rather be in Section 36” sign, or pictures of themselves with Section 36 gear. (So, if you were wondering how you could appear on the Section 36 account, that’s how.) It’s been a great way to add variety to the feed, and publicize some great pictures people have submitted. And the best part? The account keeps adding followers and seeing more interaction, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Here's hoping that number keeps growing. If you’re one of the followers, thanks! If you’re not, what’s keeping you?

Twitter is still the old standby.

I find that it’s a great way to spread the word about new posts

to the blogs. The Section 36 account tweets out links to posts here on Section 36. It also converses with fans, especially during Red Sox games. At over 1100 followers, it’s a fun group to be involved with.

Facebook provides fun opportunities.

I find it’s a nice combination between Twitter and Instagram. It can post links and pictures with ease, and has the ability to allow sharing with friends. The Section 36 page will post links to every post here on Section 36. Facebook is also great for pictures, so it posts pictures that I’ve taken. It’s also a prime spot to post pictures submitted by others. So almost every picture someone submits of themselves with Section 36

behind them, or in Section 36, or holding a “I’d rather be in Section 36” sign, or with Section 36 gear gets posted there. Section 36 has more than 500 likes and adds more all the time, which is great!

Beyond that?

Section 36 also has a presence on Snapchat and Pinterest, although I honestly have no idea why. Hopefully in 2021 I’ll figure something out. Feel free to follow/add to see the progress! In fact, follow all of Section 36 on all social media accounts.

It’ll be a lot of fun.

List of 36: Things I'd Like to See Under my Tree Tomorrow Morning

1. Tickets I can use
2. Jim Rice 1975 throwback jersey
3. 1909 Philadelphia Caramel Ed Cicotte
4. A Red Sox game used jersey
5. Terry Francona autographed 2004 World Series baseball

6. 2018 World Series Program
7. Chris Sale autographed 2018 World Series baseball
8. Koji Uehara autographed 2013 World Series baseball
9. Section 36 t-shirt
10. Fenway used bunting
11. Pedro Martinez away jersey
12. Dustin Pedroia autographed 2013 World Series baseball
13. 1954 Bowman Ted Williams
14. Fenway used locker room chair
15. Stephen Drew autographed 2013 World Series baseball
16. Kelly Clarkson autographed 2004 World Series baseball
17. Matt Carpenter autographed 2013 World Series baseball
18. Andrew Benintendi jersey
19. Game used lineup card
20. Fenway used base
21. 2020 Red Sox media guide
22. Jacoby Ellsbury autographed 2013 World Series baseball
23. Fenway Park seat
24. Carl Yastrzemski SGA replica statue
25. Xander Bogaerts shirt
26. 1904 Fan Craze Jimmy Collins
27. Fenway dirt
28. 2018 World Series baseball
29. Steve Pearce autographed 2018 World Series baseball
30. John Henry autographed 2004 World Series baseball
31. Alex Cora autographed 8x10
32. Rafael Devers autographed jersey
33. Red Sox Lego minifigure
34. Mike Napoli autographed 2013 World Series baseball
35. 1939 Playball Ted Williams
36. Autographed baseballs of Section 36 visitors

What's on your list?

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 39 (343-351)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 39?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  0. Nope. Not this time.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Managers as players are cool. In this case, we get two in Boone and Muser! Although, Bob Boone looses 1000 cool points for having Aaron F'n Boone as a son.

My favorite card on the page: I mean, not exactly looking at the Louvre with this page, eh? I want to say the Carrol or Frisella. But, even their goofiness isn't over the top. I guess I'll go with the Muser because those red and blue White Sox uniforms still catch me off guard. 

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Sophie Phillips Visits Section 36!

Photo by Paul Sirochman

Section 36 has another visitor! Sophie Phillips is passionate about environmental racism, a talented pianist, and the current Miss Milford. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Sophie Phillips visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Milford crown?
I hugged my cat and dogs and ate a nice dinner with my family!

This year’s Miss Milford competition was virtual. What did you like about that experience?
At the time of the pageant, I was going to be visiting my family in New York. When I found out the date of the pageant, I was going to have to cancel my drive up. Because it ended up being virtual, I was able to visit them AND compete at the same time. I feel it gives more girls a chance to compete because they have the flexibility of being anywhere and they don’t have to risk exposure to COVID-19.

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Milford competition that will help you at Miss Delaware?
I learned that my platform is one that a lot of people don’t know much about. It gave me the confidence and drive to dive into my platform more and think of creative ways to teach the public about environmental racism issues in my state and in the country as well as ways to make a difference. That confidence and excitement about change will help me show the Miss Delaware judges what I am capable of.

How did you select your social impact, “Environmental Racism in Delaware”?
My masters thesis is all about environmental justice issues. In my degree program, Energy and Environmental Policy, I’m learning about the history of environmental racism and everything I can do make a change. While learning about issues in my state in particular, I knew I had to educate others about the reality that we live in. My goal is to raise awareness, change policy, and hopefully drive others to want change as well.

As a talented pianist, what do you enjoy the most about performing on stage?
I love getting lost in the music and bringing others into that feeling as well. I often forget the audience is even there!

What is your personal fitness routine?
Before the pandemic, I was going to the gym a lot, often taking spin and yoga classes. Since the pandemic has started, I’ve gotten more into running (even though it does take some motivation to do so). A couple of weeks ago, my parents got a Peloton bike, which has given me the opportunity to get back into spinning. When I was in high school, I completed two 100-mile bike rides in Lake Tahoe, CA, raising over $10,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and in college I was the president of the University of Delaware Cycling Team. Cycling is one of my favorite things to do, so getting back into spinning has been really awesome. I also LOVE hiking! The past few weekends I’ve been able to do some really awesome hikes, like Old Rag in Shenandoah National park and Mt. Tammany in the Delaware Water Gap.

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?
I would be Snow White because she talks to animals! In addition to environmental justice, I also take a lot of wildlife classes and spent my time in undergrad learning all about the environment. I absolutely love animals, so the opportunity to speak to them would be so rad.

You grew up playing softball. What did you like about that opportunity?

The team atmosphere! We were like a family that always had each other’s backs. We each had to play our part to be successful. I am still close with a lot of the girls I played with and I thank them for the love I still have for teamwork and collaboration.

Is there a feature or activity at a Major League Baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?
I always bring my softball mitt to games so I can catch a foul ball, but I’ve never actually been able to. The opportunity to catch a ball, whether it be a foul ball or a home run ball would be a dream. Even better…if I could get the team (preferably the Mets) to sign it for me. I grew up in New York so I’m a huge Mets fan. My dad grew up right next to Shea Stadium, so the Mets have been in our lives forever. If I could meet the Mets, especially members of the 1986 World Series team or Jose Reyes (my favorite player), all my little girl dreams would come true.

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I wish I could catch a ball at some point too! (I'm going to pretend she didn't mention the 1986 Mets.)

As always, I want to thank Sophie for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Sophie continues her time as Miss Milford, I encourage you to check out her official and personal Instagram accounts. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Delaware title. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

 

Thanks again Sophie, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 38 (334-342)

 I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 38?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  0. Although, Jim Fregosi was close.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Managers as players are cool. For this one, Fregosi definitely qualifies. Cards of young Hall of Famers are cool. We can debate if Jim Palmer was "young" in 1975. But, he did have ten years left of his Hall of Fame career at that point.

My favorite card on the page: The Greg Gross card just calls to me. Virst, the color combination is off the charts. The red and yellow borders match the uniform color almost exactly. And, what a uniform it is! Plus, the addition of the rookie cup just give it yet another level of awesomeness.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Brooke Young Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Brooke Young is passionate about multigenerational interactions, a talented performer, and the current Miss Heart of Ohio. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I’m just as excited that she represents the first visitor from the state of Ohio!

So, let's see what happens when Brooke Young visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Heart of Ohio crown?

I was fortunate to be crowned Miss Heart of Ohio on March 14th. As many people in 2020 can recognize, this was during the beginning of the Pandemic, and Social Distancing was coming into prevalence. Winning in my hometown of Mansfield, Ohio, with my Mother in the audience, was the most amazing gift I could have been given. My Sister and Father watched via Livestream at home, and during the short drive back, they decorated the mailbox for my win. I adore my family.

What part of the upcoming Miss Ohio competition are you most nervous about?

In all honesty, I'm a tad nervous to share my voice and

message through my Vocal Talent on the Miss Ohio Stage. Singing, and sharing a part of your heart, is absolutely vulnerable; I am both nervous and elated.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Heart of Ohio? 

My utmost goal is to share and educate as many as possible with my message. My Social Impact Initiative focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for individuals of different generations to learn from, grow from, and engage with one another. I'm so passionate about this, and was fortunate to embark on the following projects thus far: A Statewide, MultiGenerational PenPal Program: Pandemic Pals, zoom speaking engagements, a partnership with Colorado Non-Profit Wish of a Lifetime, partnership to create meaningful veteran services with children via Ohio's Hospice, creation of Assisted Living Zoom Concert Series, and I continue open to any way to impact. I love service.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Fostering Meaningful Interactions between Generations”?

Selecting my Social Impact was exceptionally simple, as the passion for Multigenerational Interactions has remained strong throughout my life. At the age of 8, I trained my First Therapy Dog, Molly, along with my Grandpa, and spent over 5 years serving with the elderly population in our State. Being so young, and so exposed to these concepts and the way these friendships changed and impacted my life, while leaving a profound impact on my older friends as well, changed my life. Exposure to this shifted my perception of the world, and I want every person, regardless of age, to experience joy, meaning, and pursue through the generational gap.

You once appeared as the “leg lamp” in the Christmas Story Musical. What was that experience like?

An avid Musical Theatre Performer for more than a decade:

dance, song, and acting have always been in my veins. I often joke and share that performing as A Human Leg Lamp in the Christmas Story Musical is my favorite Christmas Memory, and bringing genuine chuckles to the audience forever remains my favorite Theatre Memory.

What is your personal fitness routine?

Exercise and wellness plays a significant role in my life, especially for stress reduction. Owner of a Saint Berdoodle (Saint Bernard/Goliathdoodle Poodle), We embark on at least 2 walks per day, and I spend a great deal of time with pilaties, yoga, strengthening exercises. I'm active in my everyday life, with Golf and Recreational Baseball.

If you could work for a Major League Baseball organization, what would you want to do? Why?

Having collaborated with a regional network to provide Sports coverage in College, working as an In-Park Host for a MLB Organization continues to be my greatest dream. Growing up in a Baseball family, I knew that holding that microphone and appearing on the JumboTron would remain one of my biggest life dreams: Sport Reporting is my passion.

As a sports broadcasting minor, you’ve been able to interview several national champion athletes. Do you have a favorite that sticks out in your mind?

Being able to connect and honor Sports as the wonderful

unifier they serve as in our culture is one of the greatest gifts and honors. Entrusting me to tell stories, whether in-game hits, or personal interviews with National Champions (I have been blessed to speak with several), I'm grateful for the chance to sit down and authentically experience, authentically share with talented athletes.

Is there a feature or activity at a Reds-Indians game that you’d especially like to experience?

I'm known for my sporadic dance moves. Anytime I hear a good beat, I just have to get my feet moving a bit. The environment, the culture of Baseball and the collective energy in the air is my favorite part. I can't wait for sunny afternoons, smiling, and maybe a bit of dancing, at the ballpark again.

----

I think we’re all ready for that!

As always, I want to thank Brooke for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Brooke continues her time as Miss Heart of Ohio, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Ohio title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

 

Thanks again Brooke, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 37 (325-333)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 37?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  1. The immortal Dick Drago makes a calm appearance.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Team cards are cool. Especially when those team cards show Hall of Famers as managers. While Tony Oliva isn't a Hall of Famer, this late is his career offering is a fun card of a multiple time all-star.

My favorite card on the page: Going to go with the Indians team card. Love the idea of adding a fun Frank Robinson to the collection. And, it's not like there's a TON of competition on this particular page. Plus, I just enjoy team cards.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Elle Mark Visits Section 36!

Photo by
Makayla Rae Photography

Section 36 has another visitor! Elle Mark is passionate about mental health, a talented singer, and the current Miss St. Croix Valley Festival. I was excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Elle Mark visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss St. Croix Valley Festival crown?
The first thing I did was cry a little - I was truly shocked! Then, my family and I went to the local pub and ordered pizza while debriefing the whole day. I had been preparing diligently for a month prior for just one big day - there was a lot to discuss!

What has surprised you about your time as Miss St. Croix Valley Festival?
I was crowned on February 29th, so the pandemic hadn't quite hit yet. Once it did and quarantine began, I thought I would be lacking engagement and volunteer opportunities - which is my favorite part of being a titleholder. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has instead encouraged me to become creative in how I reach the people in the communities I serve and beyond! I found ways to volunteer while practicing CDC guidelines, upped my social media game, and somehow still managed to "meet" new people despite our far distances thanks to Zoom! Though it isn't what I expected, it has truly been a lot of fun.

 
What part of the upcoming Miss Minnesota competition are you most nervous about?
The competition has been postponed to June of 2021, which

has been a blessing in terms of the extra time to prepare. However, I have to admit that I am nervous it may be postponed again! I have been ready to interview for the job of Miss Minnesota since this last May and I am eager to prove to the judges that I would be a phenomenal representative for the organization. I am counting down the days!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Campaign to Change Direction”?

I LOVE this question! I was diagnosed with a mental health disorder while in college and I felt very alone. I didn't really want to tell anyone and was ashamed to ask for the help that I desperately needed. I stumbled upon the Campaign to Change Direction as a resource for those who are struggling and for those who love someone that is struggling. As a global non-profit, they are passionate about helping all who are battling a mental health disorder by reminding them that they are not alone and connecting them with local resources to help them heal. 

When I found healing, I got involved with a local Change Direction Steering Committee. I learned they do so much more than just help to treat mental illness, they also work to prevent it through the "5 Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being"! At the time, I was in school for Public Health and pursuing the title of Certified Prevention Professional. My passion for preventing mental illness and promoting mental wellness came naturally after that! 

I continue to share the "5 Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being" across the state as a titleholder and I am working to get a local steering committee started in Minnesota. I am eager to continue this work as  Miss Minnesota! 

How would you complete the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when…”?
I am making others happy!

Photo by 
Makayla Rae Photography

As a talented singer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?
I love taking on a persona of someone else when I am performing! Even better is when I can personally relate to the lyrics and / or character and I can find moments of healing through performing. 

If you could play a role in a Disney musical, who would you choose? Why?
Cinderella! Growing up, my favorite movie was the musical version of Cinderella starring Brandy. I have dreamt of playing her ever since! 

If you had an extra ticket to a Twins game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would definitely take my dad to a Twins game. He is the one who introduced me to baseball at the young age of 6. He was even my T-ball coach! While I wasn't great at playing the sport (I got hit in the eye while playing first base and decided I should stick to performing arts), I always enjoyed watching baseball on our big TV on our porch with him. We still bond over our shared love for the team today! 

Is there a feature or activity at a Twins game that you’d especially like to experience?
The list is LONG for this question, so I'll try my best to narrow it down. I've always wanted to join the "mascot race" they have every game, even though I would definitely lose! I'm sure it is harder than it looks! I also dream of singing the national anthem for the Twins someday... Maybe as Miss Minnesota 2021, eh? 

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Those would all be wonderful to try!

As always, I want to thank Elle for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Elle continues her time as Miss St. Croix Valley Festival, I encourage you to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! You should also check out her website for more help in promoting mental wellness!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Minnesota title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

 
Thanks again Elle, and good luck!