Karson Pennington Visits Section 36!

Photo: Matt Boyd

Section 36 had another visitor! Karson Pennington is passionate about reading, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Georgia. 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 Karson Pennington visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Georgia crown?

I celebrated by spending lots of time with my family! They are the reason behind everything I do. I am very close with my mother, father, and sister, so when I finally got home after spending almost two weeks in Columbus, GA, we did what we always do—play card games and watch movies! I’ve been competing in the Miss America Organization since I was 13 years old, and couldn’t have been more surprised when my name was called as Miss Georgia 2021. It’s been an absolute honor thus far, and I’ll be celebrating this victory for the rest of my life.

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

Honestly, I’m probably the most nervous about the onstage interview! Even though I’m a Teaching Assistant at the University of Georgia for introductory American Government classes and spend much of my time in front of my classroom, I still get nervous when put on the spot. However, I love being the connection that students have between the classroom and real life. So, being a Teaching Assistant has helped me in overcoming some of the nervousness I experience during onstage interview!

You were recently able to appear in the iconic Show Us Your Shoes parade at the Miss America 100th anniversary celebration. What was that experience like?

The Show Us Your Shoes parade has been one of my favorite events of my reign! I was able to represent my college, the University of Georgia. While in my undergraduate studies at UGA, I was a four-year member of the Georgettes Dance Team with the Redcoat Marching Band. I had the opportunity to dance at 3 SEC Championships, 2 Sugar Bowl Games, and the 2018 National Championship. UGA sports have played a huge role in my life, so I was honored to demonstrate my love for the school by wearing the iconic Georgette white boots in the parade. I’ll never forget riding in the parade and yelling “Go Dawgs” to everyone I saw!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Reach Out and Read”? 

When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with onset fluency disorder, or stuttering. I had trouble connecting my thoughts to my speech, and struggled to get words out of my mouth. My pediatrician recommended to my parents that they teach me to read as a way to build confidence in my speaking skills. I haven’t put books down since! Reading saved my life, so now I travel the state in hopes that education and literacy can save the lives of others as well.

While at UGA you were a member of the Georgettes dance team. What was that experience like?

Being a Georgette was an experience unlike any other! I will never forget the feeling of dancing in Sanford Stadium in front of 93,000 fans. One of my favorite memories was the Notre Dame game in the 2019 season, which was my senior year. I traveled with the band to Notre Dame in 2017 when we pulled off a close win, so getting to see the Dawgs beat Notre Dame again, at a night game in Sanford Stadium was truly chilling. I love sports, and being a Georgia fan hasn’t always been easy! But, I’m very proud to have been a small part of our recent success. Go Dawgs!

You’re currently a doctoral student in Political Science and International Affairs. Where do you see that field taking you?

I never imagined that I’d be getting my PhD in Political Science & International Affairs, but, now I can’t imagine my life without my research and teaching opportunities. I found my passion for political science in fall of 2016 as a freshman in an Honors Introduction to American Government class, which I had truthfully dreaded taking! I was an English and Journalism major at the time, and didn’t believe I knew enough about politics and government to be successful in the class. When I realized how important history was to political science, it began to peak my interest. By the end of my first semester at UGA, I had changed my major to political science and had a million questions about how our government operated. Now, I complete research about the judiciary and teach classes each week. I love what I do and cannot wait to become a collegiate professor and advocate 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

I would absolutely be Belle! Though the prospect of being trapped in a castle with a beast sounds horrible, I would love to have access to all the books in the library. I would spend the entire week reading, which is basically my idea of a perfect week anyway! And, my favorite color is yellow, so I’d love to have her ball gown in my wardrobe.

The Braves just won the World Series this year for the first time in over 25 years. As a Braves fan, what was it like to have them do that during the year you’re representing the state as Miss Georgia? 

I’ve been a Braves fan my entire life, so I am absolutely overjoyed that the Braves have won a World Series title for the first time in my lifetime! I had the opportunity to attend Game 3, and of course brought my sash into the game for some pictures. It was such a surreal experience to be wearing “Georgia” across my heart while sitting in Truist Park. I can remember being a toddler, wearing my dad’s oversized Braves t shirts, and sitting on his lap during the games. When the Braves won the World Series in 1995, my dad bought a denim jacket with the Braves logo on it. 26 years later, I wore my dad’s jacket to Game 3! I’m so proud to be a Georgian, and a Braves fan. What a year to be Miss Georgia!

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

My favorite tradition is when Timothy Miller sings “God Bless America”. It’s incredibly moving to see the entire stadium sing along. It makes me more proud than ever to be a Braves fan and an American!

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That sounds like a fantastic experience! 

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

As Karson continues her time as Miss Georgia, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Georgia website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown next month. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Karson, and good luck!

2021 Topps Series Two Big Blaster Break!

I'm actually assuming that these aren't called "big blasters" but I honestly don't know what else to call them. So, that's what I'm going with. The cards are the same as last time, but there's just more of them.

Let's see how it went!

Here's the box. It's apparently a Target exclusive, which is cool. I should also be on the lookout for exclusive Juan Soto cards. Good to know.

And, since the front didn't mention it, the top of the box mentions all the extra packs I'll find inside.

Just look at them all!

Chris Sale looking especially tall. 

An Arauz rookie. Great shot of number 36!

A fun throwback design of Rafael Devers. The picture captures a lot of action, but doesn't present the best face for Devers.

A nice celebration team card showing the team having a pretty good time.

A sparkly green card of some Yankee. 

A nice action shot of Matt Barnes. The horizontal format really works for this shot.

Look! It's the exclusive Juan Soto I was supposed to be looking out for. Apparently he's not kidding around. The black background is nice too. Wait, are they supposed to be black?

Or...is this a numbered variation? Well done by me!

Basic shot of Arroya batting. I think the cropping really works on this card.

Another rookie. Another crazy action photo. 

Great shot of Eovaldi staring down an opposing batter.

Michael Chavis wondering if he should take another base. I really like these "posed action" type shots. Clearly this is the middle of a play, but it's still a well composed shot.

And, then there's the opposite. As I said last time, this might be the best action shot in the set.

And we close it out with Vazquez threatening to gun down another baserunner.

So, quite the haul. Obviously, the extra packs gave extra opportunities. But, the Red Sox turnout was much appreciated, and the Soto parallel made sure it was a decent box. Very nice all-around.

Have you opened any of these?

How did it go?

Katiana Amafala-Marquard Visits Section 36!

Photo: Caylin Z

Section 36 had another visitor! Katiana Amafala-Marquard is passionate about mentorship, a talented singer, and the current Miss Aloha Hawai'i. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Katiana Amafala-Marquard visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Aloha Hawai’i crown?

By the time I finished with photos, and feedback from the judges it was around 10:30 PM! For anyone that knows Kailua Kona town there aren’t many restaurants open late. I spent my winning evening at Denny’s! They so graciously stayed open for us later than usual! I had country fried steak with zucchini, broccoli pancakes the side with a cup of tea and it was the PERFECT meal after competition!

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Aloha Hawai’i?

My deepest heart's desire is to honor the culture, this town and island! I grew up here and it’ll always have such a special place in my heart. I want to be sure I do right by the people and the community that has supported me throughout my life! 

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

During the opening number we had about 16 counts of

Photo: Caylin Z

choreography that we had to do ourselves! It was our first debut on stage and an opportunity to show off our personality and catch the judges interest! I don’t have a lot of dance experience and it was very nerve-racking for me to do this part! At the moment we were on stage and everything was happening all I could feel was excitement!

How did you select your social impact initiative?

I decided to create my own program! The Everybody Foundation. A place where local professionals are able to be paired with youth of Hawai’i for internships. So they can discover their spark, interests with the guidance and leadership of these mentors. Focusing on a wholeness experience of mind, body and spirit. With the help of life coaches, counselors and mental health specialists. Although the program is in at sapling stages now I hope that it will takeoff throughout the year and years to come!

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

Photo: Caylin Z

I sang the song ‘The Prayer’ in both Hawaiian and Italian. It was a thank you to both of my adopted cultures! And it was also a dedication to my family. Having the opportunity to honor the people and community I loved was so special for me. 

How would you complete the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I see people being uplifted and their destiny realized. I want to be the trampoline that people are able to bounce off of to greater heights!

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Moana! I am a girl who loves my island and a girl who loves the sea! My people were originally Wayfinders, and I did outrigger canoeing for a while too! Being Moana would be such an amazing experience for the week!

How does a Miss Hawaii candidate turn out to be a Red Sox fan?

I lived in Pennsylvania for two years going to a ministry school studying worship music and leadership skills. On the weekend whenever I could I would sneak away up to Boston and catch a game! And of course I would stop at Tasty Burger! Growing up on an island you don’t have the opportunity to travel throughout the states and that’s something that I will always treasure! A dream of mine would be to sing on that field! And you can always catch me at the beach or on a hike wearing my Red Sox cap! 

Is there a feature or activity at a game at Fenway Park that you’d especially like to experience?

The moment when you walk up the stairs and see all of the

Photo: Caylin Z

people, and feel the buzz of excitement in the air. With lights blinding as your eyes adjust and the smell of popcorn and nachos, is one of my favorite moments! I feel in the smallest things and the biggest things I can always find wonder and awe for life! 

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That is definitely amazing!

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

As Katiana continues her time as Miss Aloha Hawaii, I encourage you to check out her title and organization Instagram accounts! They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also want to wish Katiana luck when she competes for Miss Hawaii! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Katiana, and good luck!

List of 36: Things I’m Thankful For in 2021

As I like to do every Thanksgiving, I wanted to run down a list of things I was thankful for during the last year.

1. Fans at Fenway

2. A pennant race
3. Vintage Red Sox cards
4. The farm system
5. JD Martinez not opting out

6. People wearing Section 36 gear

7. The left side of the infield

8. Enjoying my 1975 Topps Set

9. Cards back in Target

10. Comeback wins

11. A healthy Chris Sale 

12. Twitter followers

13. Pictures with Section 36

14. The Astros losing

15. Opening blasters

16. Instagram followers 

17. Beating the Yankees

18. People who’d rather be in Section 36

19. Beating the Rays

20. Garrett Whitlock

21. Facebook likes

22. Games on the radio

23. Alex Verdugo's potential

24. Reaching the ALCS

25. Visits from titleholders 

26. Beating the Yankees

27. Nathan Eovaldi

28. Fellow bloggers

29. Comments on posts

30. The continued success of Section 36 Forevers

31. Playoff baseball

32. SGA Bobbleheads

33. The incredible growth of Section 36 Music

34. Cora's option pick-up

35. The promise of 2022

36. Readers like you

What are you thankful for?

Katelyn Andrist Visits Section 36

Photo: Tobie Andrews

Section 36 had another visitor! Katelyn Andrist is passionate about self acceptance, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Walnut Valley. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Katelyn Andrist visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Walnut Valley crown?

After being Crowned Miss Walnut Valley I celebrated my win with my family, friends, candidates, and the little princesses who came to watch. It was very important to not make this about myself, but to make it something special for the little princesses because one day they will be in my shoes.

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Walnut Valley competition that will help you when you compete for Miss Kansas this summer?

At the Miss Walnut Valley competition I learned I have the voice and the power to command a room. While in the private interview and on stage I had all eyes on me to advocate for all ages about self-confidence. I saw my inner and outer self- confidence grow into something unstoppable. I learned with my skills and talent I need to have more self-compassion for myself. I need to break away from the mindset of being perfect in every single aspect of competition. I am human and make mistakes. Overall, I have learned to be more soft and create self-compassion for myself. When competing for Miss Kansas this June there is a lot of pressure put on myself that I create. Now, this year I can learn to be more soft, gentle, and kind to myself like I do for others. I advocate for self-love and self-confidence which is a journey that I need to understand as well.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Walnut Valley?

During my time as Miss Walnut Valley I want to double my community service projects from last year. I completed 14 different projects all over Kansas. This year I want to do at least 20 different community projects with different groups of local communities. As Miss Walnut Valley I want to make a difference in my community and change people’s lives the best way I can. I want people around me to feel seen, loved and important. I want people to remember me for my servant heart because people remember how you made them feel. Therefore, my goal is to create a legacy and become a role model for my community.

How did you select your social impact initiative?

My social impact initiative is “Inner Self-Love, Self-Beauty Creates Your Journey to Acceptance.” I wanted an initiative that was genuine and powerful. A lot of ages and genders do not like talking about their mental health, body image, and self-confidence. I wanted to be that person to speak out and educate others around me. My journey could be that example for a little girl or boy who is struggling about finding out who they are. I am still growing and changing day by day. Throughout anyone’s life we all have struggled with one or all three of these topics. It is important to connect and create a bond with people through my initiative. I want to change people’s lives and mindset. Creating healthier, positive and stronger communities with mental health, body image, and self confidence.

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

Performing on the stage allows me to show my heart and passion to the audience. They can see my softer side because I perform lyrical or contemporary. This allows the audience to see my struggle, pain, happiness, and growth throughout my dance. My dance showcases my journey of understanding myself of the aspects of body image, self-confidence, and mental health. Being a dancer of 20 years I have struggles with self-confidence and body image. Throughout my years of dancing I have built up my self-confidence and understanding of my body. Therefore, when performing I always want to showcase my skills of dancing, mindset, and physical aspects.

How would you complete the sentence “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I get great satisfaction when I know I have made a difference in one person’s life because the smallest act of kindness has the biggest impact on one’s heart.

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would be Cinderella because she is kind, giving, genuine, and overall a selfless person. I think she is a good role model to show everyone kindness and respect even if they don’t deserve it. In my life I want to always show kindness and respect to each individual. Again, people remember how you made them feel and the kind / soft gestures you did.

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

I would take my 97 year old great grandmother Mary. She has been my biggest support system in everything I do. I always want to strive to be the selfless, genuine, kind, outgoing, and powerful woman she is. Everything I do in life and pageants is for her. I love sharing moments and memories with her. She is something so special to me and this world. It is a blessing to be able to still have her in my life.

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

At a baseball game I would like to experience meeting new people and talking to the crowd, staff, and baseball players. I love hearing everyone's experiences and stories of life. I am humble and grateful people intrust me to hear their moments of struggles and happiness. I have a few activities in mind which would include singing the National Anthem, pitching on the field, and having a table full of education flyers, gifts, and candy to advocate for my social initiative.

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That all sounds like a lot of fun!

As always, I want to thank Katelyn for visiting with us, and for sending along the picture to go with the interview.

As Katelyn continues her time as Miss Walnut Valley, I encourage you to check out her title and personal Instagram accounts! They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also want to wish Katelyn luck when she competes for Miss Kansas! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Katelyn, and good luck!

2021 Topps Series 2 Blaster!

It's time for another blaster! I know the update set is already out, so series two might be old news. But, that doesn't mean I can't talk about it, right? Right?

Let's see how it went!

As always, here's the box.

And here are the packs. 

As much as these "patch" cards grow one me, I still can't quite like them. They don't give off the "fake memorabilia" vibe that they used to give. They're more of a "whatever" sort of thing. If the "patch" or the theme is a good one, I can tolerate them. Neither is true in this case.

Topps using its 70th anniversary to show off their old designs. Which is lucky, because they never do that anywhere else.

Again.

Here's the current design! On a rookie even.

Why on earth would you put a card of JBJ in a Sox uni in series two? 

This may be the best card picture of the year. If not ever.

Or, you know, this one is. Oh, and Topps, it's a laundry cart...not a shopping cart. How much shopping do they think players do in the dugout during a game? Do they really need a cart for it?

And those are the highlights! A few fun cards, but nothing close to a super hit. Still a fun collection of Sox cards, though.

How did your box go?