A Swing and a Trade Post

A few months ago I got a note from Swing and a Pop-Up saying he had some Red Sox dupes that I could probably use more than he could. I'm always willing to get new Red Sox cards, so I graciously accepted and a swap was made. I couldn't believe the generous pile that arrived at my door! Let's check out just some of the highlights.

The "Trading Places" card is funny to me. I don't remember that subset being all inclusive. So, the fact that they decided to make a card celebrating Mark Loretta changing teams seems like an interesting choice. The UD Masterpieces is another oddity. The whole idea of the set, I thought, was to make the cards look like classical paintings. The added inset seems out of place, even if I understand that they wanted to show off the ankle.

Jay Payton looks scared, to me.

Rickey Henderson was 43 years old with the Red Sox in 2002. He only saw limited action, but I remember being blown away by how he terrorized pitchers on the base paths. When he was on first, you could just feel the game change. I can't even imagine what that would have been like in his prime when he was stealing 100 bases a year. He should have been MVP every year. Sort of like Pedro. Always fun to get a card of his I don't have.

Nomar too. I know he has a TON of cards out there, but I have a ton of Nomar and Pedro cards in my collection so it always surprises me to find ones I don't have.

Look! Two more! I don't know if I've ever seen 2001 Opening Day before. That logo isn't exactly subtle.

More Nomars!

These are the Opening Days I'm used to seeing. The small logo making them basic duplicates of the base Topps sets. Can you even tell which one of the four isn't Opening Day?

Papi was supposed to be a utility guy and ended up a legend. Ball was supposed to be a legend...but wasn't.

A picture of Will Middlebrooks diving on a 2013 card. That, of course, reminds me of the terrible interference call on Will during the 2013 World Series. I don't like being reminded of that.

What did I JUST say?

That's better. Hard to remember a more dominant pitching performance than Beckett during the 2007 postseason. (Well, other than Pedro during every stretch of his career.) 

Always enjoyed the Bowman Platinum brand, even when it features Ryan Kalish.

A couple more Sox stars.

Love that Lester card.

And, of course, the Pedro card.

Not sure if there was a more overrated player during his tenure. For some reason Boston fans prefer dirt to talent. I may never understand that.

This set basically escaped me. So glad to be able to add some to the binder.

Way back to the early years of Topps Gold.

Even a little earlier.

Lots of pitchers. Some good, some not so good.

So, there are the highlights of an incredible shipment. I can't thank SAAP enough for sending them along.

Hopefully more Red Sox swings lead to line drives.

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 58 (514-522)

 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 58?

Red Sox Cards on the Page  

0. Although, there's at least one on the checklist card.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool 

Checklist cards are cool. And, I guess whatever's going on with Cruz's hat is pretty cool. Not a lot of great stuff on this page.

My favorite card on the page 

I mean, can a checklist be my favorite card? Pretty generic group of cards on this page otherwise. Other than some bad airbrushing. But, at least the checklist lists the card of 1975 World Series hero Luis Tiant.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Melody Hager Visits Section 36!

Photo by Donald Latham

Section 36 has another visitor! Melody Hager is passionate about music therapy, a talented singer, and the current Miss Statesville. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.
 
So, let's see what happens when Melody Hager visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Statesville crown? 

Directly after winning/competing, I always make a pit stop to Cook Out. It's a southern fast food chain and you can get everything imaginable there. I'm usually running on adrenaline during the day, so when I finish the night, I need something fast and preferably greasy! :) The next day after winning Miss Statesville, I visited the local assisted living center that housed my grandfather for years. I thanked them for what they do and payed homage to the man that has inspired me! 

What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself at the Miss Statesville competition? 

I am resilient. In 2018, I had a panic attack on stage while competing for another title. I was so bogged down and burnt out and I didn't listen to my body or my brain. I decided that I needed a comeback, but I needed to be FULLY Melody when I returned. So I reconnected with myself, and lo and behold, I won!

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Statesville? 

My biggest goal is to continue my advocacy work through my

Photo by Donald Latham

SII Music is Medicine: Music Therapy Matters. Ideally, through my advocacy of the practice and the therapists, I'd like to secure music therapy recognition through licensure in our state. That would require legislation, but would better protect clients and music therapists. It's already in the works! :)

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Music is Medicine: Music Therapy Matters”? 

I was inspired by my grandfather, PaLuke. He had a stroke after my grandmother passed in 2012. I come from a deeply musical family, so we played old tunes that we hoped would resonate with him. Amazingly, we watched as his mood, speech, and memory improved while interacting with the music. I delved into research and discovered music therapy! Since then, I've felt a deep love for the practice and the people who make it possible. 

As a talented singer, how do you select the perfect competition song? 

Photo by Donald Latham

First and foremost, it needs to mean something to me. Even the best entertainers can fall flat if the song has no connection to them. I always select pieces that have sentimental value. After that, I choose songs that showcase my range and power. I have a strong belt and want to showcase my years of experience. I also LOVE to bring some Rock 'n Roll to a stage! 

You currently work as a school counselor. What do you like about that field? 

Working in Learning Support at my current school is so rewarding. During such a hectic year due to COVID-19, the kids needed stability and trusted adults. I'm so honored to be that for so many of my students. I love human connection, and have a particular passion for advocating for children. Through this job, I've gotten to know them as people and helped them as they develop into adults. I may or may not have cried when my seniors said goodbye!! 

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

My first job was actually dressing up as Disney princesses for parties and charitable events! I'd have to say Elsa. For one, having ice powers would be a great conversation starter. But knowing the influence she has on young girls would give me the opportunity to promote independence and following your dreams. Elsa and the Frozen franchise was (and continues to be) a cultural phenomenon, and would be one I could use to help nurture the next generation of women leaders.

If you had an extra ticket to a Charlotte Knights baseball game, who would you take with you? Why? 

Photo by Donald Latham

My dad! I don't I've ever been to a baseball game with him before. Neither of us know much about the sport, so I can only imagine the laughs we'd have trying to figure out what's going on. Cheer when our section cheers! 

You recently had the opportunity to sing the national anthem before a Charlotte Knights game. What was that experience like? 

Singing the anthem is always nerve wracking. It's the one song you can't mess up. As a Charlotte native, I understand how important Knights games are to our local community and knew I had to bring my A game. Even with my years of experience as a performer, I still get nervous before singing the Anthem! It went off without a hitch though, thankfully. The staff at the ballpark were so hospitable and welcoming. It was an honor. 

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I can imagine that would be stressful!

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

I encourage you to follow Melody on her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss North Carolina title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Melody, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 57 (505-513)

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 57?

Red Sox Cards on the Page  

1. Dick Pole makes an appearance.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool 

Team cards are cool. Especially featuring Billy Martin. Rookie cup cards are cool. And while Vida Blue isn't a Hall of Famer, cards of 6X all-stars are pretty cool too.

My favorite card on the page 

Lots of choices today. I have to wonder what the result of Chris Speier's picture was. There are some great uniforms on Lee and Milbourne, and Vida Blue is a great player. But, I think I have to go with Dick Pole.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Danielle Cormier Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Danielle Cormier is passionate about mental health, a talented twirler, and the current Miss Tri-Valley. I was flattered that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.
 
So, let's see what happens when Danielle Cormier visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Tri-Valley crown?

I have the most supportive friends who helped me celebrate with a fun dinner after winning the Tri-Valley crown. A lot of people don't know this, but because I moved to Oregon when I was 18, I don't have any family around. My friends are a huge part of my support system and I couldn't do it without them. They are even great enough to join me and my parents (who are flying in) in Seaside while I compete for Miss Oregon, despite there being a cap on attendee's due to social distancing.

What part of the upcoming Miss Oregon competition are you most nervous about? 

To a lot of people's surprise, I always say talent. I have been competitively twirling since I was 3 years old and have always had a passion for it- but with that being said, there is also a lot of pressure that comes along with a history like mine. To be extremely candid, I have never grown out of performance anxiety. This year, however, my song is something so inspiring to me. It's Sia's Unstoppable (covered by Brynn Cartelli). I listen to the song any time I feel nervous or like I need some motivation. The lyrics make me feel powerful when I perform and that really helps me turn my nerves into energy.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Tri-Valley?

Unfortunately, if I do not win the title of Miss Oregon, my contract will be over the day after crowning- so I have one month to fit in as many appearances as I can. My first goal is, of course, spreading more awareness about mental illness. There is still a lot of bias in the healthcare system and it is time we start thinking more inclusively about our mental health care system. Therapy works, and everyone deserves access. The next goal is to become the best version of myself, because it is no secret that my dream is to be Miss Oregon. I have been working hard on myself in the last year- doing a lot of introspective time and going to therapy. I am not the same person as last year, or even just a few months ago. I am healthy and confident, and ready to take the job as Miss Oregon.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Healthy Crowns Matter”?

Mental health, specifically equitable mental health care, is something I find extremely important- especially after the last year. I was diagnosed with anxiety (GAD and Social Anxiety) when I was extremely young and when I got to college I was diagnosed with depression. Both made it hard to complete basic functions- everything felt like a chore: Brushing teeth, cleaning my room, making dinner, etc. The hardest part of it, and what has always been the hardest part, is the lonliness. The more I can speak about my experiences and the more I can speak up about the importance of therapy, the less lonely others will feel and the more likely they are to get help. But when I talk about therapy I also have to keep in mind those who simply cannot afford it. The cost of help is outrageous and the way I can take action is taking it to our legislators. Those who are unemployed, uninsured, and racially marginalized groups are put in a position where they are more likely to be challenged with a mental illness, yet less likely to be able to afford help. Healthy Crowns Matter is all about treating every brain like a crown, because they are very similar- beautiful, unique, and fragile. I don't just want awareness, I want acceptance and I want accessibility- for everyone.

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

The rush! Once the nerves melt away, I love the feeling of performing. This Christmas, while I was at home, I watched some old home-videos and found a lot of twirling performances of mine. Let me say, I was a HAM! My dream growing up, even in those old home-video moments, was to perform for a D1 college during halftime, and I was lucky enough to fulfill that dream. Miss America gives me a chance to perform again and I love every second of it- even when it makes me nervous.

What is your personal fitness routine?

My social anxiety peaks when I go to the gym, so I have a bad habit of avoiding it. I fought this by coming up with better ways to work out at home, so I feel more comfortable while doing more core, leg, and arm workouts. For the other things, I can't usually avoid the gym. When it's rainy I get my cardio in by getting on the elliptical or the treadmill. The greatest part of my talent is that it has been my source of exercise for 20 years, and when in doubt I do a LOT of talent practice. It's definitely a perk!

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

I love this question, but it's so hard to answer! I would have to say Sadness from Inside Out. I know that sounds so depressing- but sadness is the most empathetic character in all of Disney. She not only thinks about Riley's feelings but takes them into consideration. One of the traits I take the most pride in is my empathy, and most days I feel so similar to Sadness. She would be Miss America in my mind- she's caring, thoughtful, and puts others above herself. Plus, it's my favorite movie!

As a longtime Red Sox fan, who is your favorite all-time Sox player? Why?

Bogey. He's a tenured player for good reason, leading the league in multiple offensive categories, and a natural leader. Added bonus is that he's bilingual! He's great on and off the field.

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

A BASEBALL GAME IN PORTLAND! I know that's not an activity at a baseball game, but it's a game I would love to experience. The Portland Diamond project is a movement to bring major league baseball to Portland that I follow closely. There are so many economical perks to building a stadium in PDX, and it would be so fun to have another local team to cheer for. I am optimistic that we will be able to make it happen- and when it does you can definitely catch me at opening day!

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I'd say a team in Portland would make a lot of sense! 

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

I encourage you to follow Danielle her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Oregon title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Danielle, and good luck!