Happy 36th Eric Gagne!

Today we wish a very happy 36^th birthday to former Red Sox reliever Eric Gagne!

Yeah, I know. Gagne’s Red Sox career wasn’t exactly stellar. OK. It wasn’t exactly decent either. But, boy, when the Sox made the move to acquire him, it was pretty big news. The Sox were caught in a race for the division. They were able to add a former elite reliever at the deadline to really bolster things. In the first part of the 2007 season, Gagne had actually been putting up some pretty decent numbers. But, in Boston, things went terribly wrong. Nobody’s exactly sure why. The one that is the most plausible is that Papelbon wouldn’t give him the closer’s job. Not that it’s entirely Pap’s fault. He was the better closer at the time. But, Gagne said he never really got over the feeling of looking over his shoulder. As a closer, he was used to it being his game, good or bad. As a set up guy, he kept thinking that one bad pitch could have him taken out of the game. He never really got it mentally, and it crushed his season.

Amazingly, he was on the playoff roster for the ALCS, which is where I got to see him pitch for the only time live. He came in to finish off game six against Cleveland. Notice I said, “finish off” and not “close.” When Gagne came into the game in the top of the ninth, the Sox were clinging to a ten run game. Amazingly, he held the lead. He pitched a perfect 1-2-3 ninth to put the Sox one win away from the World Series.

The Sox, of course, went on to win the World Series that year. That means Gagne has a ring from the Red Sox. That has to keep him in our good graces at least a little bit. A little bit.

Happy 36^th Birthday Eric Gagne!

Who Has the Best Bikini?

It’s reminder time again! This is to let you know that there is only one month left in the 2011 Section 36 Scavenger Hunt! Get those pictures taken and emailed to me (section36 at gmail dot com) as soon as you can so you’re not left out. If you’ve forgotten what you need to find, you can always click on the link on the sidebar to go to the list.

Let’s remember what’s at stake. In addition to worldwide fame and admiration, the winner will also receive an official Section 36 scorebook, and 400 different Red Sox baseball cards. The cards pictured are the actual ones you will receive. How cool is that? Oh, and if you happen to win and are a fan of one of those other teams, just let me know. I can try and replace as many Red Sox cards as I can with cards of your favorite team. Can’t promise 400…but I’ll do my best.

So keep finding those items, and keep taking pictures. And don’t forget to tell all your friends about this fun activity.

One Month Left!

I Like My Nachos Extra Cheesy

Not too long ago, I opened a pack of cards. Yeah, I know. Quite the news flash there. It had a card I thought I remembered seeing on a wantlist over at Nachos Grande. Upon checking, I found that I was correct. So, I packaged the card with a few more I found on wantlist and sent them off. In return, Chris was nice enough to send along a package of Red Sox cards to me. They were all most welcome. Let’s take a quick look at a sampling of the package.

For me, the highlight is the Josh Beckett. It came with a note letting me know that “I sparkle!” It is, of course, one of the gimmicky sparkle variations from 2011 Topps. I was thrilled to add it. To be honest, I had done a poor job with these variations. I had never even seen a photo of the Beckett card, and wasn’t even sure that he was the Red Sox representative. So, it was fantastic to have one in my hands.

The rest of the shipment was a smattering of Red Sox cards from Lineage, Allen & Ginter, and Heritage. The Tris Speaker was a great card too. I’m sill not sure I’m a fan of former players in a modern set. But, the Speaker was still welcomed. As I mentioned, I’ve become a bit of a fan of his since reading his wonderful biography not too long ago. Maybe I should start a PC of him. I bet it would be easy and cheap to complete!

So, a big thank you goes out to nachos Grande for the incredible package. I’ll certainly keep my eye on his wantlists in the future.

I Sparkle!

Card of the Week: 2010 Topps Heritage Kevin Youkilis #316

The Topps Heritage line has been very popular with collectors. I can’t decide what the reason for it is. Is it that new collectors are tired of the flash in new designs, and really just like the older feel? Or is it people who collected these sets as kids who like collecting the new players in the designs they remember? Whichever it is, it’s working.

This card has a nice crossover effect to it. It’s a classic design, but has the nice “action” shot of Youkilis manning his third base position. Interestingly enough, he’s listed as a first baseman, but shown playing third. Maybe Topps should have at least listed both positions. The card design works too. It gives you everything you need nicely tucked out of the way. Player name, position, team name. None of it is floating over the image. None of it flashes at you in gold. It’s just there when you need it. The photo is nicely cropped, focusing right in on Youk. There are no distractions in the background.

I notice that someone at Topps had some trouble coloring within the lines. I assume that was a tribute to the older inferior presses from the original release. It’s nice of Topps to admit that they weren’t very good at it back then. With everyone digitally remastering their old movies, it’s nice to see a company leave well enough alone.

Nicely done, Topps.

Happy New Year!

As a Red Sox fan, it feels good to turn the calendar away from the disaster that was the 2011 season, and face 2012 head-on. It should be a lot of fun. This is a day when everyone reflects on their life. They think about the good things, and cringe at the bad. It’s a great time to hold onto what you like, and try to change what you don’t. Here at Section 36, I’m not above jumping on a good idea. So, what are my new year’s reflections? Reflection from the Section, you might say? (But, probably won’t)

For me personally, as a Red Sox fan I think the year went well. I was able to make it to seven games at Fenway this season. That’s a number that I find works pretty well for me. I was able to add some star players to my “seen live” list, including Adrian Gonzalez. I was able to attend throwback night when the Cubs came to Fenway. I was even able to visit my fourth park when I made it to PNC in June. I didn’t get to see the Sox play, but it was still a grand time. For 2012? I’d love more of the same. I’d love to make it to another six or seven game in Fenway. I expect to get the most out of the Fenway's 100 seasons celebration that I can, even though I can’t imagine I’ll be at the birthday game. Hopefully I’ll be able to see some players I haven’t seen before…especially Andrew Bailey. Most of all, I’d like to see a playoff game. Of course, wouldn’t we all.

As a Red Sox collector, I’m also quite pleased with the year. I was able to add what I think are some nice pieces to my collection. Through some trades with the wonderful blogging community, I was able to add quite a few oddities that were missing from my sets. I imagine that I speak for lots of us when I say that in 2012 I want to streamline my collection, and give it more focus. I sense that I’m casting too wide of a net over the recent releases. Maybe I don’t need Topps, Topps Chrome, Topps Opening Day, Topps Target, and Topps Wal-Mart. Maybe I should trim a few of those, and chase down older things instead. I’d love to be able to add some tobacco cards to my collection or other unique cards that are out there. With all the Fenway 100 years merchandise that is available, I’m sure I’ll be adding some of that to my Sox collection as well. Hopefully I’ll be able to show at least some restraint in that area. I also want to make a lot more trades this year. I think they’re a great way for everyone to improve their collections.

As a blogger, 2011 was an exciting time. Section 36 made it up to 81 followers, so at least some people thing I’m doing a decent job. I’m also pleased with the success of the Pix from 36 feature. I want to thank everyone who shared their pictures from the Section this year. As a goal for 2012, I’d love those contributions to continue. So, I guess it’s really a goal for all of you. Keep the pictures coming! I’d also like to expand my I Scored posts to include more scorecards from all of you. Once again, that’s your goal, not mine. So send in your scans of scorecards! And, speaking of keeping score…don't forget my official scorecard. The more people who use it, the faster I can make it better. With any luck, I’ll also reach 100 followers this year. More help please! As for things I can control, I have some of those too. I want to try and put out the quality, and quantity. It will be a delicate balance. But, I’ll do my best. I also want to be even more of a presence on other blogs through comments, and the like. The more everyone gets out to everyone else, the better. 

I think that covers it. Here’s to a great 2012 everyone!

(Except Yankees fans)