I Don’t Care

It seems that Major League Baseball has finally done it. They have joined the other major sports in making their regular season irrelevant. The Red Sox just lost a crushing game to the hated Yankees with first place in the division on the line, and I don’t care. My overriding feeling? “Eh, they’ll be in the playoffs. Probably still win the division. Not gonna worry about a loss.”

Now, to be fair, I’m not exactly sure what caused this ambivalence. Yes, MLB expanded the playoff structure to allow more teams that don’t deserve a shat at a title to get one. But, really it’s just been an extra team added recently, and that ream does have to do the single elimination thing. But, as we saw last year, a team can quite easily get on a run from the wild card to the ALCS. It’s all about the match-ups, like any playoff series. So, the new structure probably isn’t the entire reason for my apathy.

There’s also the parody…or lack thereof. At the moment, there are probably a handful of teams that have a legit shot at a playoff spot…of which there are a handful of. I suppose if there were ten teams fighting hard for the top spot in the American League, I might worry about the Sox missing out on one of the five spots. But, there’s really not. With the number of teams actually tanking or so bad they might as well be, things aren’t really in jeopardy.

Sure a win against the Yankees would help, potentially, with playoff seeding. The head-to-head matchup could decide the division. But, geez, the Sox play the Yankees at least a dozen more times this season. I know every game counts…but this would be like freaking out about an Opening Day loss.

Maybe I could be annoyed that this was once again the bullpen not being able to pitch in the eighth inning. I still don’t understand what it is about that one specific inning. But, help is apparently on the way for that. So that doesn’t even stress me.

Frankly, the only things about last night’s game that bug me are Yankees fans. When the Yankees lose, their fans are silent. When they win, they’re beyond obnoxious. And suddenly everywhere. So, I’d much prefer a Red Sox victory for that reason alone. But if I have to stay of twitter today, I suppose I can.

After all, it all goes back to normal tonight.

Arriving on Time

You see it a lot at the beginning of games. The seats are a bit more empty than you'd imagine. Announcers will mention the "late arriving crowd" and assure you that the seats will fill up soon. And, they usually do.

I always envisioned that those sentiments really only applied to week nights. That "late arriving" was a requirement when the game starts at 7:00, and work gets out at 5:30. Sometimes the best you can do is get there after the first inning. Or traffic snarls might delay you more than you'd like or expected.

Sometimes I've heard of people being in the concourse at the start of the game (especially if the weather is iffy). The line for soda or ice creams was just a little slower than usual.

But, I've started to be aware of people who had absolutely no intention of making it to the game on time. The other night, I happened to be in the area as the game started, and saw many people on the sidewalk restaurants around the second inning who were still working on appetizers. The thought all along, apparently, was to stroll in around the third inning.

Why would this be a plan.

I completely understand if you can't make it to a game on time. Especially if you go to a lot of them. I can even understand leaving a game early if conditions warrant. But, just not even planning to try? It strikes me as such a uniquely sports related mindset. They don't know what's going to happen in the game while they're not there, but they're willing to assume it'll be OK.

I went to see Avengers: Infinity War last weekend. (you need to, if you haven't, BTW) It's a long movie...2.5 hours or so. I didn't notice anyone planning to come in a half hour late. Nobody was sitting in the lobby having a sandwich as the opening credits rolled through. They didn't know what was going to happen during the first parts of the movie, but they still didn't want to miss it. 

Or a broadway show. People who spend money on their tickets to see Frozen show up on time to see the opening act. Even though they most likely pretty much know what's going to happen. They don't hang out in Times Square until halfway through.

So, why do baseball fans do that? Is it the sheer number of games the Red Sox play? Do fans who go a lot just assume that 75% of 81 games is enough for them? Are they not baseball fans? Just going to games for the social aspect, so the bar is just as good for a little while? (In which case they should have just saved the ticket money?) Because I can't think of many other times people pay for something with the full intention of only using 75% of it.

What the reasoning?

Madison Cota Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Madison Cota is a vlogger, a Red

Sox fan, and the current Miss Boston! She was nice enough to visit with us not long after winning her crown to discuss those topics, and a few more. I’m awfully glad she did.

So, let’s see what happens when Madison Cota visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss Boston?

I was absolutely blown away when I was announced Miss Boston 2018! I believed in myself and my abilities - but there were so many other talented, intelligent, and driven young women on the stage with me as well. I am beyond grateful that the judging panel saw something in me that spoke to being a successful Miss Boston, and one who could make an impact.

I didn’t even consider the idea that I might walk away with the title, so I hadn’t made any grand plans. I went to a favorite hole in the wall burger joint of mine with my friends and family, had a burger with all the toppings I could fit on it, and then enjoyed a much needed full-nights sleep!

You’ve had pageant success before, having been crowned both Miss Vermont USA and Miss Vermont Teen USA. What made you decide to compete in the Miss America Org at the Miss Boston competition?

I can’t say I’m surprised by this one! I came to the Miss America Organization in a very organic way - I never set out knowing this was my end-goal. I started competing with other organizations during my sophomore year in high school. It began as a way of proving to myself that I was capable of achieving a goal, but turned into an experience much more meaningful than just that. My roots in pageantry are something I will cherish forever as a period of invaluable growth into the woman that I am today, and something I would never change about myself.

Last fall, I took an honest appraisal of my situation in terms of my education and career goals, seeing as I was entering my senior year of college. After a phenomenal and educational internship experience in an Interior Design firm, I decided that was the direction I wanted to take my career in. Simultaneously, I became aware that in order to reach the level of success I desired for myself professionally, I needed to study interior design and architecture in greater depth. I also felt a nagging feeling that I had more to give—that I was doing a disservice to my community by not advocating and sharing my personal experience with food allergies and sensitivities.

Competing in the Miss America system through the Miss Massachusetts programs has enabled me to address and advance all of these objectives. I can propel my education forward, actively pursue my career ambition, and educate my community about the stigmas surrounding dietary restrictions. This opportunity has been the intersection of all of my passions in one perfect storm.

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

I can’t say that the nerves have hit me yet! I’m enjoying the process of organizing and preparing for each phase, getting to know my fellow local titleholder sisters, and diving into the work of being Miss Boston by getting out and getting involved in the community. I’m a firm believer that being Miss Massachusetts is a job that requires a specific mentality. I’m working to grow into what I believe is a true manifestation of who Miss Massachusetts is, so that regardless of the outcome I walk away from this year a more educated and connected person than I was when I began.

You recently started your own vlog. What can you tell me about “Life of Mads”?

Life of Mads has been one of the most exciting, albeit scariest

adventures I’ve ever embarked on. It’s not easy to bare your imperfections and insecurities in front of a global audience—but it’s also one of the most meaningful and freeing decision I’ve ever made. Millions of people across America suffer from food allergies and sensitivities, yet it is still considered a taboo subject that often isn’t believed as legitimate and is a subject of ridicule. I hope that by baring my experiences, and things I’ve learned along the way I can provide a sense of community and make the experience easier on people who are going through the same trials and tribulations that I have.

How did you select your platform, “Food Allergies: The Internal Struggle?

For a long time I hid my sensitivities and reactions to food triggers because I was embarrassed about how people who perceive me once they knew. However, my food sensitivities have significantly influenced my life and overall lifestyle—quite frankly they make me who I am. Statistics show that millions of others also suffer from similar conditions. I came to the realization that it was my duty to share my experience, in order to help others through similar situations—and most of all provide good laugh about the day-to- day hilarity that inevitably ensues from coping with these conditions. I’m a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine.

What is your favorite part about performing your talent, tap dance, on stage?

I absolutely loved my tap dance at the Miss Boston competition—it was exciting, energetic, sassy, and made me feel free in a way that only dancing ever does. I’ve studies so many styles of dance over the years, but I always come back to the pure, unadulterated euphoria I feel in my heart when I get to connect to the music and to the lyrics.

Is there a feature of Fenway Park that you’d like to experience?

Is it cliché to say the first pitch? It’s something that I’ve loved watching since I was a kid, and I think it would be the most incredible experience to be able to do it myself - maybe this year could be my year!

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

I’m not sure if he’s my favorite yet, but I’m definitely most interested to see how the season shakes out for J.D. Martinez. There’s been quite the hype around getting him to Boston in the first place, and then consequently how he’ll fit into the lineup. We definitely need a good bat, and I’m keen to see if he can execute.

How do you think the Red Sox will finish the 2018 season?

I’m optimistic for our boys this year! Last year we laid a solid

foundation for ourselves, and now with a couple new additions to the roster I think we have the makings of a successful year. As an athlete myself, I can appreciate the fire that is lit after not finishing a season the way you wished, and I know they’re coming back ready to prove themselves.

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Definitely agree! I think they're ready to show the world what they can do.

As always, I want to thank Madison for visiting. She is the first Miss Boston to visit with us, and it just seems natural to have her visit. I also want to thank her for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They always make for a better post!

As Madison continues her time as Miss Boston, I encourage you to follow her on the official Facebook page and website. I also suggest you check out her vlog "Life of Mads" whenever you can!

And, of course, I want to wish Madison luck this summer when she competes for the Miss Massachusetts crown. Section 36 visitors have performed well at that competition, and it would be amazing to have another one come out on top!

Thanks again Madison, and good luck!

36 Pack Wax Match: Pack 17

The Stage has been set. The Match is underway. Who will come out on top? There’s only one way to find out.

Keep going, and open that seventeenth pack!

As we dive into this pack, 1988 continued to chip away at 1990's lead with a victory in pack sixteen! Can it close the gap even more? Let's see!

Hall of Fame +1

It sure wants to give it a shot! This card of Sutton should get extra points for show Red Sox players in the background...but it doesn't. 

Yankees -2

And just like that, it drops like a rock. This picture of John, and his elbow, brings the pack total into negative numbers.

Hall of Fame +1

Back to zero with the fun card of the Hawk. This simple design to the all-star cards seems to work for me, and I really have no idea why.

Hall of Fame +1

Just nudging into the positive numbers thanks to this card of Phillies legend Mike Schmidt. This probably isn't the most flattering picture they could have picked of one of the greatest of all time.

Unfortunately for 1988, that's where the scoring ends...with just the one point. That still could be enough, but it'll be a bit tense. Let's see!

Red Sox +2

 The 1990 pack wants this win! It comes out swinging with this Red Sox sticker for a fast two points.

Red Sox +2

And it takes another bound with this Red Sox card of Kevin Romine. 

That's where we end it! The 1990 back gets its groove back with a pact 17 victory!

Box Bottom: 1988 +1 (1-0)

Pack 1:  1990 +6 (1-1)
Pack 2:  1990 +4 (2-1)
Pack 3:  1988 +3 (2-2)
Pack 4:  1990 +1 (3-2)
Pack 5:  1990 +1 (4-2)
Pack 6:  1988 +2 (3-4)
Pack 7:  1988 +3 (4-4)
Pack 8:  TIE   +0 (4-4)
Pack 9:  1990 +2 (5-4)
Pack 10: 1990 +4 (6-4)
Pack 11: 1990 +4 (7-4)
Pack 12: 1990 +1 (8-4)
Pack 13: 1990 +5 (9-4)
Pack 14: 1988 +3 (5-9)
Pack 15: 1988 +2 (6-9)
Pack 16: 1988 +3 (7-9)
Pack 17: 1990 +3 (10-7)

What will happen next time?

Having a Grand Time!

The Red Sox hit another grand slam last night. Incredibly, it’s their sixth one if the season. You may have heard, the Sox didn’t hit a single grand slam last season. Not a one.

You may have heard that mentioned once or twice.

It was one if the reasons that some people felt that the Ree Sox desperately needed a power bat over the off-season. It’s why people were so desperate to sign JD Martinez to bring that power. And, clearly, it worked.

Or, did it?

I have to admit, I’m not sure what really happened. It’s not like JD has hit six grand slams this season. Or, even six home runs. So, it’s not like adding him changed the whole production of the team. The grand slams are being hit by guys who were on the team last year. It’s nit like Bogaerts suddenly improved and is now a home run hitter. (OK, bad example with Xander. He is improved now that he’s healthy. But, he was healthy last April, wasn’t he?) The Sox changed managers, but I’m not sure what that would have done. Was John Farrell telling the guys, “you know what, when the bases are loaded, don’t hit a home run.”? Did Cora come in and say, “OK guys, when we have the bases loaded, let’s try and hit a home run”? Do you even want a manager to tell players to try and hit home runs?

Or is it just dumb luck? After all, the Sox ties an Expos record for most slams in April. You know, one of those powerhouse Expos teams. Oh right. Hitting a ton of home runs doesn’t always mean hitting a ton of grand slams. So I wonder if not hitting grad slams doesn’t mean not hitting lots of home runs.

Whatever the reason, whatever the explanation, the Red Sox are clicking. They have hit the most April grand slams in their history, and they had the most April wind in their history. There’s a chicken and the egg argument to be had, but it doesn’t really matter.

I’m just going to enjoy it!