It Feels Good to be Right!

I mean, I'm sure you knew that. And I certainly would have assumed it to be the case. And it's certainly been true every other

time it's happened. But, it's still nice to have it proven again. Being right feels good.

Because, I was right about the Red Sox. Again. The season wasn't doomed. They didn't dig themselves an impossible hole that they'd never escape. They calculated a plan, stuck to it, and are now seeing the rewards. Other people may have been screaming and yelling a month ago when they were 6-12 and already 6.5 games back in the East. Some saw tragic flaws in their starting rotation that may never be fixed.

Of course, we here in Section 36 saw the plan. I believed Cora when he pointed to mid-May as a turnaround point. He was willing to punt on the first month of the season again, in order to have a stronger finish.

Once again, I'm a little surprised that fans aren't more patient with the Sox when they're following a model of success proven by the Patriots. The Red Sox basically started their season in a 28-3 hole. But, like the Patriots in Super Bowl LI they have the better conditioning down the stretch. They are going to be facing teams who tried their hardest in April, and are a month more beaten down than the Sox.

Advantage Boston.

Now, of course, the Sox aren't all the way back. They're still in third place, 3 games back. But a three game lead on May 14 is nothing. That can go away in a weekend. The Sox have gotten the first White touchdown. They're on their way...just like we thought.

I was also shown to be right about Dustin Pedroia, on a comment I made five years ago. When the Sox signed him to his terrible contract, I said it would come back to bite them. I said he'd try to come back from injuries too soon, and miss even more time because of it. I said it'd take a miracle for him to be worth even his reduced contract value in 2018-9.

And? Here we are. Pedroia tried to come back from an injury too soon this season. Cost the team a couple games, then went back on the IL. Still tried to do too much, and had to be shut down yet again. This is not going to go well for the Sox. If only they had listened  to me all those years ago.

I guess I'll just have to comfort myself with the knowledge that I was right.

Again.

Debbie McNally Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Debbie McNally is a STEM advocate, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Mayflower. I was so excited

that she was able to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So let's see what happens when Debbie McNally visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Mayflower crown?
Well after calling and texting pretty much everyone I know, I had a wonderful dinner with one of my fellow contestants Melissa Soong! The celebration didn't last for long though, as I actually had to finish up a final project for one of my classes!

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Mayflower?
I want to make at least 50 appearances in my community during

this next year, with half of those being focused on STEM. Having a title gives me incredible power to be a community figure, and I want to utilize that to its fullest potential.

What part of the upcoming Miss Massachusetts competition makes you the most nervous?

I actually don't get nervous during the competition; I try my hardest to prepare ahead of time, and once I hit the stage I just flip a switch and rely on that training. Preparation wise, I focus most of my time on staying involved and informed for the interview portions.

How did you select your social impact statement SPARK

SPARK is an acronym I created for spreading passion and resources for knowledge; I actually chose the word "spark" because I'm an electrical engineer and it was a clever tie-in to the experiences I try to share! I developed this platform because I've had some incredible opportunities at NASA and the FIRST World Championships that were only available to me after I had chosen to pursue a career in engineering.

Seeing a rocket lift off with my work onboard was incredibly inspiring, but I started to wonder if those experiences would better serve students unsure of STEM. If I could help them become involved with these hands-on lessons, maybe I could grow their curiosity and interest in the subject? My greatest accomplishments have been powered by curiosity and passion, and once that interest is sparked there is no telling what these students may accomplish.

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?
I love making connections with my audience, and helping them realize that poetry can hold so much power. Each word holds its own emphasis and importance, and it's a wonderful challenge to

share that with all those listening.

Which Disney character would you say is most like you?
I have always loved Belle! In my free time I love sitting and reading, especially on my porch since it's no longer snowy!

Who’s your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?
I really admire Mookie Betts -- not only is he an incredible player, but he truly seems like an even better person. He demonstrates how to use your fame to give back to your community, and I can only hope that I impact my community just as much!

Is there a feature/aspect of a Red Sox game at Fenway you would most like to experience?
Just going to a game! I haven't had much downtime during the season so far, but it's on my list of things to do this summer! I've sung Sweet Caroline so many times at family weddings, and I think sharing that moment inside Fenway (preferably in Section 36) would make it even more memorable!

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series?
I was anxiously watching the game at my apartment! I remember that as soon as the game officially ended, there was cheering all throughout my building to create such a joyous moment!

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That must have been quite the scene with all the cheering!

As always, I want to thank to Debbie for doing this interview, and for sending along the amazing pictures. They really help make the post much more fun to read.

As Debbie continues her time as Miss Mayflower, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Mayflower Facebook page and Instagram account. 

Of course, I also want to wish Debbie luck this summer as she competes for the Miss Massachusetts crown! Would love to have another former Section 36 visitor take that title!

Thanks again Debbie, and good luck!

That's Why JBJ Plays!

I mean, it couldn't be more clear. Right? With the game on the line last night, Jackie Bradley Jr made a phenomenal catch to rob a walk-off home run. The Red Sox won the game the following inning. He misses that ball, and the Orioles win. But, he made the catch so the Red Sox did. Cut. Dry.

And it's the same answer when you dig a little deeper too. Because I know what some of you are thinking. He wouldn't have needed to make that catch if he had gotten a timely hit or two earlier in the game. Which is true. If he had gotten a hit with men on the corners instead of an inning ending strikeout, the game might not have even gone into extra innings. (Of course, if any number of people had gotten a key hit, the game wouldn't have gone into extra innings.) But, let's explore that a little more.

Bradley is hitting a rather abysmal .147 on the season. That comes from only getting 15 hits in 102 at-bats. So, I can understand that some people want someone else coming to the plate. But, who? If you're looking to not start JBJ, then you're putting another player in there instead. Looking at the current roster, the most logical choices are Nunez or Pearce. They both happen to be batting below .200 at the moment as they battle injuries. (Geez, the bench is pretty thin at the moment.) But, for the sake of argument, say they were hitting a Bogaerts-like .250. That means that in 102 at-bats, they would get 25 hits. That's ten more than JBJ has. So, about one more hit every ten at-bats. Or, one more hit every three games.

So, by replacing Bradley with a “real hitter” the Sox would expect to get an additional hit per series from JBJ’s spot in the order. That hit may have come with men at first and third, or maybe not. But, I do know that putting Pearce or Nunez in the game instead of JBJ reduces your ability to make that catch. Or, a similar catch...because I know, Mookie is probably in center if JBJ’s not and he could have made that catch. But then you have Martinez or Pearce in right or left or wherever. That would be a downgrade over Mookie or ‘Tendi. You get the idea. You need to take a big hit to your outfield defense in order to get an extra hit per series.

Now, I fully admit that some of this decision comes from the fact that I assume JBJ will eventually snap out of this. We all know that every year there's a month or two where he practically carries the team with his bat. To the point, in fact, where his final numbers are just below average. I'll concede that over a full season JD’s much better bat would probably make up for his inferior glove. But, when you're looking at short bursts here or there, it's not nearly that dramatic. It's well worth keeping JBJ’s glove in the outfield in that scenario. I know it can be frustrating at times. But that doesn't mean it's not the right idea.

I'm not sure how anyone can think otherwise.

Can't Win Them All

Ok.  I'll admit it. I didn't pay a lot of attention to last night’s Red Sox game. The two Boston playoff games naturally fought for my attention. Add to that the fact that the Sox were starting a fill-in for a road game after playing in another city the night before, and this game didn't scream “must see potential Red Sox win!” to me.

And I was right. The Sox looked like a team that had recently arrived in town, and the Orioles looked like they were facing a fill-in starter. That's the way it goes sometimes.

Which is fine. Sure, their record isn’t great yet. But, it doesn’t have to be great on May first. I don't care if they're above .500 in the month of April, as long as they're above .500 for the month of October.

So I don't mind taking one on the chin last night. Sure, it would have been nice to grab a win. One game under .500 would be better than two. A little closer in the division would be more fun. But, that will come.

I know I sound like a broken record. "Don't worry. It'll be OK when it matters." But, again like that record, that's what happens when fans decide the only games that matter are the ones in October. It becomes hard to get worked up about the others. The Sox won 108 games last season, but I wasn't "allowed" to enjoy it because "It doesn't mean anything if they lose in October." Even worse, "Just because they won 108 doesn't mean they should be favored in October...that bullpen you know." So, if I can't get excited about an historic regular season, when can I be? If I'm supposed to just bide my time until October, then I guess that's what I'll do. If that's what the team is supposed to do, I guess that's what they'll do. Why try to win every game in May if you get zero credit for it? In fact, it's almost better to do poorly in the regular season. Then you get to be that exciting team that storms from the Wild Card spot. Instead of the clearly better team that just rolls to the title.

So a win in May? Doesn't matter. A loss in May? Doesn't matter. Just wait until October.

Apparently that's all that matters.

Laura Aramini Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Laura Aramini is a recruiter, a Red Sox fan, and a rookie member of the New England Patriots

Photo by Dwight Darian

Cheerleaders! I'm flattered that she was willing to take some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about those topics, and a few more. I know you'll love reading what she had to say.

So, let’s see what happens when Laura Aramini visits Section 36!

You are currently working as a healthcare recruiter. How did you get into that field?
After college, I needed a full time job and I fell into recruiting. I have always loved learning about people and helping others so I thought recruiting would entail both of those passions.

You were recently the choreographer for the Danceworks Boston production of “7 Years”. What was that experience like?
It was great to create a piece from scratch and have my vision come to life onstage.  I was able to experiment ideas on my group of dancers and play around with dynamics, formations, and patterns. The song was filled with emotion and I wanted to make the

audience feel something while watching the dance.  "7 Years" was the closing piece of the show so I was determined to create a dance that resonated with the audience. My goal was to make the audience cry, and that goal was accomplished!

What made you decide to try out to be a New England Patriots Cheerleader?
The Patriots Cheerleaders encompass all qualities that I value. I have looked up to the team as intelligent leaders who are kind,

genuine, and talented. I have always wanted to be part of that so I knew I needed to audition. Also, the fact that the Cheerleaders are so involved in the community and have the ability to make such a positive impact in people's lives was very appealing to me. Most of all, who wouldn't want to dance/cheer for the best team in the NFL?!!  Auditioning to be an NEPC was hands down the best decision I have ever made.

How did you celebrate making the squad?
Making the squad was the best day of my entire life!  My family and I actually had tickets to a musical that night so that ended up being my celebration!

Photo by
Justin Hammond

What are you most looking forward to during your rookie season?
I am excited for every single part of this season. Dancing on the field, promotional events, making a difference in the community, meeting fans, bonding with the team, and meeting so many inspiring and accomplished individuals are just a few.  I'm excited to learn from the veterans and continue to improve as a dancer and brand ambassador. I have already learned so much throughout the audition process and the practices so far. I'm excited to challenge and push myself every day to improve in all aspects of this position.

What is your personal fitness routine?
I like to switch up my fitness routine! I love hitting the gym, taking extra dance classes, and taking various fitness classes. Recently,

Photo by
James Jin

when working out on my own I've been doing a lot of cardio and weights.

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?
My favorite Red Sox player would have to be Dustin Pedroia because he's been such a staple of the team!

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway park that you'd especially like to experience?
I would love to sit on the Green Monster with my Dad and brother!

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series?
When the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series I was with my family and we were all watching the game together. We are a big, loud Italian family so the excitement level in the moment was just unreal!


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I can imagine things got pretty loud!

As always, I want to thank Laura for visiting with us. It was great hearing everything she had to say! It's always fun to combine two New England championship sports teams in one interview like this too.

As a way to follow along with Laura, I suggest you visit her New England Patriots Cheerleaders bio page. It's full of great information and pictures. It's a great way to follow her journey through the season, and hopefully the Super Bowl!

Thanks again for the visit Laura, and Go Pats!