Why Buy Food at Fenway Without the Souvenir Container?

I was at Fenway a week or two ago, and was struck by something.

People kept coming back to their seats with food...in regular containers. Time and time again, people would come back with french fries, or sodas, or chicken fingers, or ice cream in just regular cardboard containers.

Why would you do that?

I mean, you're buying the food or drink anyway. Why wouldn't you also get it in a cup or tray that you can take home with you? It's like a free collectible.

Well, OK. It's not free. It usually costs a little bit extra. But, judging by the amount of food people are bringing back with them, money doesn't seem to be an issue.

I'll admit that I might be a bit odd when it comes to this. After all, I've already posted wondering what I'm supposed to do with all these cups and hats I've amassed. But I still won't buy an ice cream that's not in a helmet...or even a Wally bowl. All my popcorn comes in helmets. All my chicken fingers come it glove trays. And, most definitely, all my soda comes in the souvenir cups. It's a have to. I'd much rather have a Red Sox item that I might not use as opposed to a regular cardboard cup that I'm definitely going to throw away. With the souvenir trays, at least there a possibility Ill find something to do with them. I may eventually figure out what to do with all my helmets. But, until then, they look just great sitting on a shelf, or on the floor. Or wherever they need to be.

Even if that's all they ever do, I'm glad to have them.

Even worse are the people who buy the souvenir items, but then leave them behind. You got so close. You paid the extra money. You made the right decision. Then, you just left the cup on the ground when you left?

What's wrong with people?

When you're at a game, do you pass on the souvenir food?

From the Pedro Binder

1999 Fleer Ultra

Yeah, this card makes me jealous. Why wouldn't I be? Look at all those fans getting not only an autograph from Pedro, but apparently engaging in some sort of conversation with him! That hardly seems fair.

The card has some other things going for it as well. You know I love the full bleed pictures. It's what cards should be. It's a different image than the standard "pitcher pitching" subject. I like that Fleer tried to mix things up a bit and go outside the box.

But, what's with Pedro's name? It's enormous. I know he's the focus of the card. But, why go to the full bleed picture if you're going to cover half of it with a flowing script name? Even if you thought his name should be big because, well, he's Pedro...did you need the extra flair at the end? The extra double swoop really makes it take up a lot more space than it needs to. What a way to take a good idea and just ruin it!

I do like how the rest of the info, especially the Fleer logo, is small and hidden. Pedro's name may be bigger than life, but at least his position knows not to cover up much of the picture.

And, lets be honest. while I admire the selection of a different picture...did it have to be that one? What's with Pedro's face? Was that the best they could do? I bet the picture taken just before or after that one would have been much better. But, I won't complain too much because I don't want to knock the attempt.

Overall, the card could have been much better. The name could have been smaller. The picture could have been better.

And I could have been on it getting Pedro's autograph!

Maybe the Red Sox Just Like People Named Dave?

For the second time in recent weeks, the Sox have made an off the field move that is a bit of a head scratcher. First, they brought in Dave Dombrowski to be President of Baseball Operations, which led to Ben Cherington walking away from the team. Granted, Dombrowski is a well respected baseball mind. When someone like that becomes available, it's generally a good idea to get him on your team. But, Ben was pretty well-respected as well. He won a World Series just two years ago. So, while you can understand making the move, it's sort of fixing a problem that didn't really exist...if it existed at all.

The Sox just did it again, with another Dave. This time they pegged Dave O'Brien to replace Don Orsillo as NESN play-by-play guy. Just like with Dombrowski, the move makes sense when you consider that O'Brien is one of the best play-by-play men in the county. But, so was Orsillo. So, once again, even if you consider the move an upgrade, it's an upgrade that wasn't really necessary.

Frankly, I would have understood the move more if NESN went in another direction completely. If instead of replacing Orsillo with another pro, they went for a shtick guy. A wild entertainer full of catch phrases and antics. At least I could say they felt they needed to go in another direction to increase viewership. It would be disappointing and wrong, but it would be a reason. This one just seems like a move for a move. Just like the other Dave.

Or, maybe it's what people have been begging for all along. It's frustrating to me when people go on and on about fixing the culture in the clubhouse, but you can't get rid of Pedroia. He's the heart and soul. Ignoring the fact that he's apparently the heart of a team that has finished last more often than it has finished first since he's been on the team. Do the Sox need a change, or not? The same, to a much lesser degree, applies in this case. People don't like the "culture" promoted on NESN. How tone deaf are they, people tweet, to keep playing an "Everything is Awesome" ad? They need to stop acting like mediocrity is OK. They need to change things up. So, they did...and everyone threw a fit. If it wasn't the on-air talent, what were people complaining about?

Now, to be fair, I haven't watched NESN in years. But, I have listened to games on the radio. So while I don' know exactly how often Don talks about mittens on air, I don't remember O'Brien doing it. In fact, I remember him stopping things like that. Joe Castiglione and Jerry Trupiano used to have this continuous gag going where a player with a name like "Trout" came up, and they would declare him a member of the "all-fish" team, and continue on forever naming other members of that team. Tim Salmon, Mike Carp.  It happened with all sorts of names and teams. "all-cities" "all-presidents" "all-fruit" It was endless. I remember when Dave first broadcast with Joe. Joe started the gag by saying a player was a member of one of those teams. Dave responded with an "uh-huh."

Again, I don't know how much of a change this will be. But if you're looking to change the way a team is portrayed, the way people think about the team, the way it enters someone's consciousness...the play-by-play guy is a decent way to start.

So, for everyone who begged the Red Sox to fire everyone. To change the culture. To make it about baseball again. Careful what you wish for. The Red Sox listened.

Pedrioa might be next.

Visiting Cooperstown

I think it’s a fairly safe assumption to think that I haven’t been the only Red Sox fan to visit Cooperstown this summer. If the gift shop inventory is any indication, Sox fans have been invading town for a month or so.

Of course, we’re all there because the great Pedro Martinez was inducted this summer. I didn’t make it up for the induction itself. I actually thought about it. But, when the visitors guide reminded you that “It’s summer. It’s outside. It’s long. You WILL melt” (I may be paraphrasing a bit) I decided to pass on the ceremony. As long as I got there in time to see the Pedro display, and the plaque, things that would be enough for me.

So, that made this trip a little different for me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but even though I hadn’t been to the Hall in years, I suddenly had an agenda. I realized I was less interested in all the wonderful displays, and more interested in checking those things off my list.

Where is the Red Sox stuff?

Where is the Pedro stuff?

Don’t get me wrong. I still enjoyed the museum completely. It just felt like it was more “what’s next” as opposed to enjoying the moment. Bad job by me.

Of course, even in this apparently rushed viewing, there were still several highlights.

One of the first rooms you go into are the current teams displays. These have fairly recent artifacts from the existing teams, in a locker room format. One of the first items that caught my eye was the Cleveland Indians locker. They had a set of phantom tickets to the 2007 World Series. They mentioned that if the Indians had made it to the series that year, these are the tickets that would have been used. Struck me as odd that a recent highlight was almost doing something. Couldn’t they have at least shown the tickets to the ALCS that were actually used?

Naturally the Red Sox locker was full of great stuff. There were Dave Roberts’ cleats from The Steal. The last out from the 2004 World Series. That one was funny to me because of the made up controversy surrounding who got to keep the ball. It ended up in the right place after all.

There were displays from the first set of Red Sox championships too.

Of course the current inductees were the big draw. Each of them got their own display.

And, of course, there was the plaque itself. I still love the fact that they’re right there available for touching.

One of the things I was nervous about when going there was if Pedro’s plaque would be there. I know the Hall had loaned it to the Sox for a couple days, and had this mini dread that it wouldn’t be there. As it happened, while Pedro’s was there, Randy Johnson’s was a replica, since his was on loan to the Diamondbacks. Can’t imagine making the trek from Arizona to see a cardboard copy.

But it worked out for me. Even if the aforementioned Pedro inventory in the gift shop was lacking. Johnson and Biggio stuff everywhere…but Pedro you had to look for.

But, a minor hiccup in an otherwise fantastic trip.

I should really go back soon.

Alayna Westcom Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! This time it's Red Sox fan, and Miss Vermont, Alayna Westcom! I'm sure that Alayna is unbelievably busy these days as she prepares to head to Atlantic City next month to compete for  Miss America. I'm incredibly grateful that she took the time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for the blog about the Sox, her time as Miss Vermont, and her future plans. Let's see what happens when Miss Vermont visits Section36!

Alayna (r) poses with Miss
Vermont's Outstanding Teen
Sophia Parker...and Section 36!

What was your first trip to Fenway like?
My first experience at Fenway was when I was 10 or 11 years old. I had grown up watching the Red Sox play but there is no experience like seeing them in person. It was a family trip down to see the Sox play, and we went a few times as family vacations. At that point Johnny Damon was my favorite player and I was so excited to be able to take a picture of him.

If you could sit in Section 36 and watch a Red Sox game with anyone in the world, who would you pick?

My Uncle, he is one of the biggest Sox fans you will meet, and he was the one who introduced my brother, sister and me to the Red Sox when we were young. He has always supported the team no matter how the year may be going.

Who is your all-time favorite Red Sox player? Why?

This is a tough one, I grew up loving Johnny Damon. To this day I still think that he is my favorite player, even though he stayed out of the spotlight for the most part. He was clearly an integral part of the team but he wasn't afraid to let others have the spot on them and let them be highlighted. That is admirable for a professional player.

What about the Fenway experience makes your drive to the park worth it?

Everything. There is nothing like being able to sit in the stands in the sun and watch a great American pastime. The food, the people, the atmosphere, everything about it is fun.

Alayna and Sophia waving
to everyone!

I love that your "talent" is a science experiment. How did you decide on which experiment to perform?

I chose a demonstration that I do often when I visit schools. Not only is it educational, it is so much fun. The entertainment value of this demonstration is a key part, having foam shoot into the air engages the audience and it shows just how relatable and entertaining science can be.

Why is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) so important to focus on in our schools?

STEM is everywhere. No matter what you are doing throughout the day, STEM is involved. I believe that it is important to focus on this to show students that STEM is tangible. At times many students think that they will never use STEM education later in life but it is important to show them that it is all around us.  Focusing on STEM is critical to ensuring that the US as a country is able to move forward with the changing times, new medicine, new technology, architecture, and so much more. Without STEM education and students pursuing STEM degrees, there is no way we are going to be able to solve the problems that we as a human race have created.

What has been your favorite part about being Miss Vermont?

Traveling. The lack of sleep and the days that are hard are completely outweighed by the number of students I get to meet throughout my year, and the smiling faces of the folks in nursing homes, after school programs, and schools. They make it all worth it, and being able to travel to see so many is my favorite part. My goal as Miss Vermont is to visit all 251 cities and towns in our state.

Other than winning, what are you most looking forward to about the Miss America competition?

The experience as a whole. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be on the stage with 51 other young women who are driven, smart, and so personable. Having met all of the young women in Orlando, I know that the two weeks that we have in Atlantic City are going to be spent creating stronger friendships, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

You’re currently working as an autopsy technician. Is that where you see yourself in the future?

Yes, sort of. My goal is to become a Medical Examiner, so after a few more years of school I hope to still be in the morgue but in a different role. I would love to have the opportunity to teach students and encourage them to think outside of the box when it comes to careers, although they may not be the "typical" career, it doesn't mean that it isn't the right one for them!

***

That's great advice!

I want to send a huge thank you to Alayna for taking the time to provide these great answers. Another big thank you for sending along the pictures of her from Vermont Day at Fenway Park. Especially the ones of her posing with Section 36! Don't they look great?

And, of course, good luck Alayna next month in Atlantic City at Miss America! We're all pulling for you!

Thanks again!

(Feel free to find Alayna on: twitter, instagram, or facebook)