1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 26 (226-234)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 26?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  1. Diego Segui isn't exactly a Red Sox legend. But, he did throw an inning during the great 1975 series.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Cards of young Hall of Famers are cool. Catfish Hunter isn't exactly "young" at this point, but George Brett definitely qualifies.

My favorite card on the page: Easily the Brett. Without this card, the idea of completing the set never gets off the ground. I mentioned last time that one of the most appealing aspects of collecting the set in the first place was that at the time there were only the two key rookie cards. And thanks to this Brett, I already had one of them. It doesn't really show up in the pic, but this card is in rough shape. It looks like someone scraped the card over some gravel leaving a string of scratches on the upper right. When I bought this, a good Brett was selling for over $100. I paid $10 for this one, and before I did the card shop owner told me there were probably better ways to spend my money. But, I didn't care. It was a glorious card of a Hall of Famer. And the reason I'm writing this post.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Stephanie Magee visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Stephanie Magee is passionate

about helping the arts, a talented cellist, and Miss Meadowlark 2019. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more! I’m just as excited that she is the first visitor from the state of Oregon!

So, let's see what happens when Stephanie Magee visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Meadowlark crown?

My family and I have a tradition of going to our favorite late night diner for stuffed hash browns and strawberry waffles.

What surprised you the most about your time as Miss Meadowlark?

How different my experience at state would be. Because I was on my own, without a local board, I had more time for myself and time to get to know more of the other candidates.

You finished in the top five at this year’s Miss Oregon competition. What do you remember most from that experience?

I remember feeling very calm due to the fact that I felt surrounded by my friends. I felt supported and proud of my performance, I was proud to be myself.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Art at the Heart”?

I grew up being told that the arts were trivial and more of a hobby however, art class was why I went to class. I knew others had to feel the same way so I chose to advocate for myself and students everywhere.

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

I enjoy being able to show people how groovy the cello is. I

play an electric cello, her name is Roxanne, as well as acoustic named Templeton. Whenever I show up with my electric, I immediately get questions and comments of excitement. It makes me proud to play such a classical instrument in a modern way. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

Yoga

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

I would be the genie from Aladdin, I think it'd be a hoot to grant wishes. Not forever, just a week. 

How difficult is it to follow the Red Sox from the other side of the country?

Thankfully there are several ways to watch the games with a subscription. I do miss going to games in person when I lived on the east coast. I plan to move to Europe someday and I recently found out I'll have to wake up at 4 am to watch live games...

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

Throwing the first pitch at Fenway Park would be my dream come true. Sitting behind the Green Monster would be a close second.

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I’ve always wanted to do those things too!

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

As you attempt to keep up with everything Stephanie has going on, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track! 

You should also be sure to check out the website and Instagram account for her social impact, Art at the Heart.

Thanks again Stephanie!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 25 (217-225)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 25?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  0. Shutout once again.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Managers as players are cool. Even Yankees players and managers. Cards of young Hall of Famers are cool. Don Sutton fits that bill. Rookie cards of Hall of Famers are especially cool. Robin Yount definitely qualifies.

My favorite card on the page: Definitely the Yount. One of the most appealing aspects of collecting the set in the first place was that at the time there were only the two key rookie cards...and neither one was the "break the bank" variety. There were no Aaron or Mantle level rookies. While it was reasonably affordable, the Yount definitely makes the set much better in my eyes.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

2019 Topps Chrome Update Blaster!

You may remember that the Easter Bunny was good to me this year, bringing plenty of card packs for me to open. I thought I'd continue to share them with you because, well, even with the season underway there doesn't seem like theres other stuff I should write about.

We'll continue with the next box, the 2019 Topps Chrome Update!

Once again, excited the Easter Bunny was able to find older wax to open. I'm sure you've all seen plenty of this set by now. But, you can always skip over this. Right?

So...

This is what the box looks like. Looks like I'm hoping to get one of those six guys in the packs.

The packs themselves...same six guys. But they're in a different order. Why did Topps do that? Why come up with a second layout, but use the same players? Seems like a waste of time and effort to me.

He's not one of the six guys. But, he's an all-star. So, I'll take him. Or trade him. Or sell him. Whatever.

He's not one of the six guys either. Although, he really should be. This card always annoys me because the big blue advertisement in the back always makes me think I've pulled a blue parallel of some sort. Alas, it's just free ad space for Oxi-Clean.

Yay! One of the six guys I'm looking for! He's actually front and center on both the box and the packs. That must mean something, right?

He's not on the box either. But, it's a RC of a former Red Sox first round pick. That's definitely something to add to the collection.

How did your boxes go?

Taryn Smith Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Taryn Smith is passionate

Photo by salinab.photography

about helping the homeless, a talented singer, and the current Miss City of New York. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Taryn Smith visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss City of New York crown?

I feel so silly saying this but… I went to taco bell. (After I dried my tears and pinched myself) I turned to my girlfriends and said, “where is the nearest Taco bell.” And we walked across Manhattan, myself and this wonderful group of women who I have come to love as my family – and I sat in an NYC taco bell and ate a burrito in an emerald green Ralph Lauren evening gown. It’s one of my favorite memories of living in New York now!

What made you decide to compete for the Miss City of New York crown?

When I moved to New York in 2018 I new I wanted to serve this city through the Miss America Organization. But I waited two years to do it because I knew that when it was my time- I wanted to really know New York. I wanted to be a great local title holder. You can’t serve well without knowing and loving those you serve.

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss City of New York?

I think how clear and focused on my mission I have been able to be. I have been a title holder with MAO before and always loved it… but serving NYC has really ignited a passion in me that has kept me focused on my SII and focused on my community and it’s been incredible. It continues to be incredible.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “S.O.S. Supporting Our Shelters”?

Back in 2015 I served as Miss Seattle, back then my SII or then, “platform” was focused on increasing literacy in lower income communities. That brought me into family shelters. I started reading to children in family shelters and fell in love- and have felt passionately ever since that we can be doing more for homeless families across the Nation.

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

Photo by salinab.photography

What is your personal fitness routine?

I’m a weight lifter. I love the squat rack and keep my cardio to a minimum to keep my strength up.

You have been able to travel to many places across the globe. What has been your favorite place to visit?

That’s a toss up between Paris, and Ireland. Paris has my heart, but I think Ireland really captured my soul. It’s just so tragically beautiful, and the people are so kind. If you haven’t been to Ireland, you’ve gotta go!

If you had an extra ticket to a Mets-Yankees game, who would you take with you? Why?

My dad! He’s a Seattleite, but wears a Yankees cap all the time. I’d love to take my dad.

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That sounds like it would be a great time!

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

As Taryn continues her time as Miss City of New York, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of what she has going on!

I definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss New York title. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Taryn, and good luck!