Brianna Cross Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Brianna Cross is passionate about second chances, a future investigator, and the current Miss Carson City. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Brianna Cross visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Carson City crown?

Nevada is an open competition state meaning I did not have to compete for my local title! I met the requirements and was graced with this platform. Definitely cried happy tears when I received my first ever title as my hometown!

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

During my reign as Miss Carson City the biggest thing I’ve worked toward accomplishing is turning my project into a non profit to benefit recovering addicts. “The B.A.R.R. Foundation” will take off and work towards a cleaner and healthier state.

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Carson City? 

Going into this I didn’t know what to expect, by far the most pleasant surprise has been becoming best friends with all of the other local titleholders. We’re such a close group of friends I wouldn’t want it any other way. 

How did you select your community service initiative, “Raise the B.A.R.R.”?

Before I was born both of my parents were drug addicts and dealers. If they didn’t receive help I would not be here. Everyone deserves a second and better chance at life, and I want to be someone to assist with that process. 

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

“I get great satisfaction when I am able to spend quality time with my friends and family outside of my community service.”

You’re working towards a career in law. What drew you to that field?

Criminal justice is something that I’ve always been passionate about. Being a victim of a few crimes myself and never receiving justice, I want to make sure that doesn’t happen to anyone else. Every person deserves justice in some form. My ultimate goal is to work for the Nevada Department of Investigation, where I’d be gifted the opportunity to catch crimes before they are committed. 

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

I’d have to choose Rapunzel from Tangled. Despite her being held in captivity almost her whole life, when she gets out she has this stunning outlook on the world. Even though she was met by consistent negativity in her situation she only saw the good and the beautiful in the world when she escaped. 

If you had an extra ticket to see a Reno Aces baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

The extra ticket would go to my sister. Nicole is my best friend and my true inspiration, I take her everywhere I can. She’s done nothing but love and support me in all of my endeavors, the least I can do is take her to a game. 

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

Recently at an Aces game I was pulled to play one of the games that happen between innings. I’d love to be able to do that again. 

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Those games do always look like a lot of fun!

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Nevada! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Brianna during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Brianna, and good luck!  

2022 Topps Stadium Club Blaster!

Time for another box of Stadium Club! Such a beautiful set that is always fun to open. I can appreciate a set that simply lets the photos do the talking. No need for fancy obtrusive graphics. Simply a picture, with the important details hidden away. Very well done. 

How did this box go?

Let's find out!

Even the box lets the photo really shine. 

Same with the packs, and that really annoying "Master Photo" thingie. Did Topps take a poll and figure out what size to make the card to ensure it wouldn't fit anywhere in anything to make storage impossible? Or, were they just lucky that way?

Now, that's a photo. Definitely not the sort of thing you see in flagship.

Another great shot. Is the best part the look on Xander's face? Is it the sheer excitement you can see in Devers...even from behind? Or, is it Section 36 making a cameo in the upper right corner? I'll let you decide.

Duran may have struggled as a rookie, but he apparently hit at least one home run, and got a ride in the cart. Have teams been instructed to do these dugout celebrations? These days every team seems to celebrate with a cart or a hat or a jacket or whatever, and parades down the dugout with a perfectly placed camera. Seems like a directive from the MLB PR department.

But, there you go. A couple former Sox, and one who will hopefully star for years to come. Not a bad mix.

How have your boxes gone?

Ava Walker Visits Section 36!

Photo: Jonathan Adams

Section 36 had another visitor! Ava Walker is passionate about supporting camps, and the current Miss Green Mountains' Teen. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Ava Walker visits Section 36!

What made you decide to compete for the Miss Vermont’s Teen crown?

I decided to compete for Miss Vermonts Teen for the sole reason of the scholarships at the beginning. I shortly realized that it’s SO MUCH MORE than that. It’s the sisterhood, and mainly the service that I have loved. 

What is your favorite memory from the recent Miss Vermont’s Teen competition?

My Favorite memory from Miss Vermonts Teen weekend was my talent on stage, but offstage I would have to say hanging with the girls. There are only a few advantages Vermont gives us, and one is having Miss Vermont and Teen weekend in one. I was able to become so close to not only the teens, but the Amazing Misses!

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Green Mountain’s Teen?

My biggest surprise as Miss Green Mountains Teen was to meet my Miss Yamuna. In Vermont, since it’s such a small but beautiful state, I was able to choose my title, and I chose Miss Green Mountains Teen, since it resembles me best. I met Yamuna and I knew she was giving the girls a real run for their money(all of them did!!) and Yamuna won!! I cried, I have to admit!

How did you select your CSI?

I selected my CSI Happy Campers: To allow kids with cancer to go to summer camp; because I have grown up going to summer camp, and also cancer runs in my family unfortunately. I wouldn’t have the life I have without camp, as I am fortunate to go every summer, which some kids are not as lucky. With my CSI, I have created Avas Ribbons which are childhood cancer ribbons for a dollar a piece. All money is going to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta. 

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

If I could be a Disney character for a week, I would 100% choose Rapunzel. Tangled is my favorite Disney movie, right behind Dumbo and Bambi are close seconds. I would also love to have her long amazing hair!! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox, I would bring my best friend Emily. She is actually the person who got me somewhat interested in baseball and almost forced me to do the competition!

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That sounds like fun to me!

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Ava during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Ava!  

2022 Topps Gallery Blaster!

Let's hear it for more cards! How about some 2022 Topps Gallery? (Can you tell I was recently forced to go on a trip o Wal-Mart?) Unlike the Bowman Platinum, I at least see the point of this concept. A set of cards that feel like art is a fun idea. Although, they've been straying a bit from that theme lately. Instead of true art pieces, it's closer to just regular cards with a frame border. That's not exactly the same. But, it's still fun to open different cards.

How did this box go? Let's find out!

Here's the box. Notice the frame border? Does that make it look like it belongs in a gallery?

How about when there's a bunch of packs in a pile?

Here's an actual card. This isn't bad. I know in my head, "gallery" means "paintings". But, it can be a nice photograph in a gallery too. And, this is a nice posed shot of the greatest hitter that ever lived. The 3-D effect of the ripped edges does make it look like it's hanging on a wall.

This one, though, just seems like a regular picture. Nothing about this screams that it should be on a wall. Maybe I'm just clueless about art. But, I think this one is straying a bit from the theme.

And there's the Red Sox from the box. Just the two of them this time. One regular, and one shiny foil version. At least that's something.

How did your box go?

Marina DeNunzio Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Marina DeNunzio is passionate about sustainability, an event planner, and the current Miss Buckeye State. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Marina DeNunzio visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate the Miss Buckeye State crown?

I decided to get food with friends at our favorite Mexican place on campus! It was a great way to celebrate with friends and get excited about Miss Ohio.

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

My biggest goal was to meet with student Environmental/Earth Club’s around Central and Northeast Ohio. I’ve actually been able to already accomplish that goal! I’ve met with three clubs already, sharing educational resources from our organization partners and helping them create goals for their club for next school year. As a future educator and environmental advocate, empowering our students to care for Earth is so important to me and these students have taught me just as much as I have taught them! 

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

I’m most nervous about the private interview portion- mainly

because I’m so excited to tell the judges about myself and my mission I hope I can get it all in in 10 minutes! 

How did you select your community service initiative, “The SAVE Initiative”?

I started SAVE when I was around 15 and competing in the Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen program. It’s taken on a few names since then but the love of environmentalism and teaching people about sustainability has remained the same. My mom instilled in me a love of the environment early on so when I first started seriously volunteering with Cleveland organizations like the Donnybrook Watershed and Drink Local Drink Tap, it became the obvious choice for my teen platform and now my CSI. SAVE has led to me take on roles like Director of Sustainability in Ohio State’s student government and expand my reach into Central Ohio as well. I love this planet and think its super important we take care of it, so I’m just sharing that message with everyone who will listen! 

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

I’ve been singing since I was little and it’s my favorite form of expression. Being able to share that love of music with the judges and audience is something so special.

You are pursuing a career in education. What do you enjoy about that field?

I student taught for spring semester last year and had a blast. Being able to connect with my students is on of my favorite things. I’m super excited to have my own classroom one day soon and share my love of history with middle or high schoolers. Not every student enjoys history but if I can make it even a fraction more fun for them, that’s enough for me. 

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

Jessie from Toy Story! I love the Toy Story movies and I’d love to be a cowgirl in that universe. 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Guardians, who would you take with you? Why?

Funnily enough, I have tickets with my family to go see the Guards play the Red Sox right before I move into my Miss Ohio host home. My first answer would be my dad who gave me his love of baseball but since he and my mom are already going, I’d love to take my best friend of 12 years, Tiffany. 

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

I would love to throw the ceremonial first pitch or sing the National anthem! I’m hoping to do both very soon. 

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I'll definitely be on the lookout for pics from all those opportunities!

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Ohio! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Marina during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Marina, and good luck!  

2022 Bowman Platinum Blaster!

Let's open some more cards! How about some 2022 Bowman Platinum? I don't think I remember the last time I've opened any BP. I know, I can probably look it up. Let's just say its been a while. This is another one of those sets I don't really understand. So, it's just a glossy version of players you can find in Bowman that's not Bowman Chrome? Is this something people were begging for? No matter...might as well open some packs.

How did this box go? Let's find out!

Here's the box. See? It's "platinum" and fancy.

A few packs, which is nice.

So, maybe a "shiny Fire" is better than "shiny Bowman"? Here's Xander hoping he can outrun the black hole behind him.

OK. Maybe it's Bowman after all. I have no idea who this is. 

This guy I do. I seem to get one of him in every blaster. At least he's started having a decent season after last year's disappointment.

And, then this guy.

So, four Red Sox using two different backgrounds. The fact that I had to double check means it probably wasn't worth the effort to change them up. I'm not sure I understand.

What do you think of the set? How did your boxes go?

Yamuna Turco Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Yamuna Turco is passionate about reading, a talented singer, and the current Miss Vermont. I was glad she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Yamuna Turco visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Vermont crown?

Winning Miss Vermont was an incredible honor and experience. I was incredibly lucky that my friends and family were able to attend. After pictures and meeting everyone who had come to attend the competition, my family and friends took me to dinner! We got sushi, which was much needed.

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

During my year as Miss Vermont there are several goals I’d like to accomplish, but the most important is the expansion of my Community Service Initiative (CSI). I hope to get as many different books as possible into schools, libraries, community centers, and into the hands of kids all across Vermont. My “big goal” is to go to every library in Vermont!

As the first member of this Miss America class to be crowned, how does it feel to be able to see new sisters being added to the class?

I am so excited to meet my new sisters! Getting to watch my class grow means I can experience their excitement with them and support them as they compete.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “One Book, One Child”?

I chose my CSI “One Book, One Child” because books have always been an integral part of my life. My parents read to my sister and me every night and have always encouraged us to explore the different kinds of books that exist in libraries and in our schools. As a first-generation American, books allowed me to learn about the culture I was growing up in, and the cultures my parents and friends came from as well. Books help get you lost in stories different than your own and broaden your view of the world. 

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

There is something indescribable about performing on stage for people. The lights, the stage, and the people, they all add to the experience of performing and it brings out something that you can not practice. You can engage with the audience and they motivate you to sing the best you can; you feed off each other’s energy. I love being able to see my friends and family in the audience, they give me a boost and help me power through a song and add the flourishes that really make a performance.

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

If I could be a Disney character I would probably be Ariel, when she was a mermaid. I love the ocean and the sun, also being friends with a group of singing fish seems pretty cool!

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox, I would probably take my friend Meagan. Not only did she take the time to explain baseball to me, but she is also a huge fan of the Red Sox and is from Boston. Attending a game with her would be so much fun!

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

I really want to pitch at a game. Admittedly I would have to practice a couple of times, but it seems like so much fun and would be such an honor to do. 

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Oh, I'm sure we'd all have to practice a bit if given that opportunity!

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Yamuna during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Yamuna, and good luck!  

2023 Topps Series One Blaster!

The time machine has been bouncing around lately. From 1991 to 2022 and not back to 2023. It's one of the best parts of card collecting...the ability to travel through time with the flip of a binder page. Now it's time to return to present day and see how this year's cards stack up. So, we're opening another box of 2023 Topps!

How did this box go? Let's find out!

Here's the box, and this year's featured player.

See? He's on all the packs too.

Ok, so maybe instead of "current" we're time traveling again. Remember when Matt Strahm was on the Red Sox? Now you can relive it.

Or, Jeter Downs? He used to be on the Sox too.

And Tommy Pham? It's so nice to open the current year's packs and get all the current players.

Here we go! Alex Verdugo is definitely a 2023 Red Sox player. Not sure where the Sox would be without him.

Here he is again, featured prominently on this team card.

Two current players in a row! Ignoring the blinding yellow uniform, this is a fantastic card. Well framed. Well cropped. Well timed. Hard to find a flaw. Simply beautiful.

A current, and by all accounts future, Sox one again. Another fantastic picture. Clearly Raffy has done something pretty amazing once again. At least, I hope he has.

And there you have it. The time traveling is complete. Actually quite a few Red Sox cards in this box. Even if some of them are no longer on the team, they all count towards the team set. I guess I can't complain about that.

How did your box go?