On to the ALCS!

 There are many things I don't like about the playoffs. (Well, I guess since there's only one "everything", there's just one thing I don't like about the playoffs.) But, one of the biggest is that it makes you have a different team than the one that you needed to get to the playoffs in the first place.

Take the Rays, for instance. It seems to me that they're built for the regular season. Solid pitching. A good line-up. A well constructed bullpen, and organizational depth. Now, I don't watch the Rays every day, but that's my impression from afar.

The Red Sox have less of all of that. The back end of their rotation could use some work. Their bench was occasionally bare. 

Not huge difference, mind you. But enough to account for the eight game difference in their win totals. It's a balanced team probably has better luck beating up on the Orioles and not falling to an ill-timed slump. Sometimes the Red Sox were forced to throw a starter you knew wasn't going to do well, or use a reliever you didn't trust. When that happened, they likely lost the game.

Suddenly, that doesn't matter. In the playoffs you can hide those flaws. Suddenly it's all about the top dogs. The Red Sox only needed three starting pitchers during the series against the Rays. Suddenly the ability of the Rays to cobble together a bullpen game was nullified. The Red Sox didn't need to altar their line-up to keep guys rested, or keep guys fresh. The best nine guys played. It didn't matter if guy 23 on the Rays was better. 

So, which is it that baseball is looking for? Do they want a champion that can prove their dominance over a 162 game grind? Or do they want to reward the team with the five best players? And if it's the latter, why don't they let every team try to win with their five best? Who's to say that the Orioles couldn't take the title if it was just a couple five game series?

But, I'll happily play the hand that was dealt. The Red Sox have advanced through two toss-up rounds and are now on their way to the ALCS. The Boston sports embarrassment of riches continues as yet another team reaches the final four. 

I can't wait to see how far they go!

Emma Broyles Visits Section 36!

Photo: Kevin Hedin

Section 36 had another visitor! Emma Broyles is passionate about the Special Olympics, a talented singer, and the current Miss Alaska. I was so thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I'm especially excited that she is the first visitor from the state of Alaska!

So, let's see what happens when Emma Broyles visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Alaska crown? 

To be completely honest, I was really not expecting to win the title of Miss Alaska! Hearing my name called on stage felt surreal and I definitely hesitated for a minute because I wasn’t sure that I actually won. After the competition, my family and I went to a local Mexican restaurant to meet the Miss Alaska Organization volunteers, candidates, and judges. Chowing down on nachos while surrounded by my family and friends was truly the best way to celebrate.

What had been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Alaska?

One of my favorite things about being Miss Alaska is getting to be a part of the incredible sisterhood. I am constantly in awe of titleholders in the Miss America Organization and feel so incredibly grateful to know such intelligent and driven young women. Additionally, this title and this organization have offered me so many unique experiences and opportunities that I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

You were recently able to appear in the iconic Show Us Your Shoes parade at the Miss America 100th anniversary celebration. What was that experience like?

I have always seen photos of the historic Show Us Your Shoes Parade and loved looking through the state costumes and shoes, so getting to participate in the parade was a dream come true. Putting together my costume was also such a fun aspect of the parade because it allowed me to embrace my creativity and showcase my state in a unique way. I also really enjoyed getting to see each candidate’s costume and shoes, and our class had some fabulous outfits!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Building Community through Special Olympics”? 

Special Olympics has been a significant part of my life for over 12 years, and my journey began when my older brother first became an athlete. Since then I have been a coach, president of the largest Special Olympics school program in Alaska, a unified partner, and an advocate. My family even received the honor of being named Special Olympics Alaska's Family of the Year.

As a sibling of an individual with an intellectual disability and Special Olympics athlete, I have witnessed the positive impact Special Olympics has on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and communities. Special Olympics is an organization that plays a critical role in every community, and I am so excited to continue to share its mission on the Miss America stage. 

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

I absolutely love the thrill of performing! As many other performers will tell you, being able to express yourself through your art and feeling the adrenaline in your veins as you stand in front of an audience makes you feel so alive. When I’m performing, the world stops and I exist in a fantasy where my problems disappear and I know the trajectory of the story. I am freed of feelings of uncertainty because I have already seen the character’s path and I can simply communicate and embrace it. 

You’re currently studying biomedical sciences and voice performance at ASU. Where do you see those fields taking you?

After graduating from Arizona State University I plan on attending PA school, though I ultimately hope to return to medical school to become a dermatologist. I knew that I couldn’t give up singing so I decided to pursue a minor in voice performance to continue my vocal studies. 

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

I would be Genie from Aladdin! Aladdin was one of my favorite movies growing up and Genie’s powers are top tier. At some point I would definitely create an unlimited buffet of every possible food. 

If you had an extra ticket to see an Alaska Baseball League game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my brothers to see a baseball game! Though this question is a bit difficult because I would not be able to choose between my brothers, so I would likely end up buying an extra ticket XD. 

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

Throwing the first pitch! Unfortunately, my hand-eye coordination is lacking, so I don’t trust myself. But someday I dream of having an epic first pitch like Simone Biles. 

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Now, that would be fantastic! 

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

As Emma continues her time as Miss Alaska, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Alaska website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Emma, and good luck!

2021 Topps Heritage Hanger Boxes

I'm not usually a big fan of these boxes. But, when packs of any kind were hard to find, I decided I needed to get whatever I could. There's a distinct lack of "opening" enjoyment involved with these. I mean, there's just the one pack you actually open inside. So, it's like getting two packs instead of two boxes. Not sure if the different colors are supposed to mean anything or not.

Let's see how it went!

Here are the two boxes. I will be sure to be on the lookout for Real One autographs and relics.

And, the first "pack". I wonder how good the top card would need to be for me to leave it unopened.

A Red Sox player and the hedge! Such a unique concept.

So...I'm glad I opened the pack.

On to the second pack. I'm definitely opening this one.

Another Red Sox. But...but...where's the hedge? And who is Zack Godley?

Another one! And, again, no hedge! This is getting weird now. Neither Godley nor Bradley were on the Sox in 2021...maybe that has something to do with the photo backdrop?

Back to the hedge! 

Hard to call these boxes anything other than a resounding success with the big Hayes hit. The rest of the boxes are just a nice little bonus at that point.

Do you usually open these boxes? How do they go for you?

Amber Barto Visits Section 36!

Genie Bunton Photo

Section 36 had another visitor! Amber Barto is passionate about community service, involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network , and the current Miss Arizona. I was so glad that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Amber Barto visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Arizona crown?

Honestly, I celebrated first by eating some Raising Canes Chicken but then I actually just got straight to work on all the plans I wanted to initiate. 

 

What did you learn about yourself during the Miss Arizona competition that will help you at Miss America?

It just reminded me to enjoy every moment because it was so incredible being back on the stage after so long. Especially after the year we just went through with the pandemic, I want to make sure I enjoy every second of this experience and this mindset will help me really make the most of my time at Miss America. 

 

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

I would really like to pair up with our major in-state universities to provide potential scholarships to the women who compete in Miss Arizona as well as increase participation by at least 25%. In addition, I want to help kids all over the state find the community service projects they are passionate about. 

Jenn Cady Photo

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Leadership Through Service?

Community service is something that has been integrated in my life and I have personally seen the benefits of volunteerism. After losing my mentor to Pancreatic Cancer when I was 13, I wanted to give back to the cause that took her from us and this helped me develop a deep passion for community service. When competing for Miss Arizona, I knew the legacy I wanted to leave behind was a lasting ripple effect of individuals discovering their passion for a particular cause or volunteer project so therefore it only seemed right that this would be my social impact initiative.

 

You’re heavily involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. What can you tell me about the organization, and your involvement?

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a Nationwide organization that is working to be the go to organization for Pancreatic Cancer. Not only does it raise millions of dollars each year, but it funds its own research grants, launches major awareness campaigns, and offers services to patients all over the world. I got involved when I was 14 years old and lost my mentor to Pancreatic Cancer. I started small by just sitting on the committees for the Phoenix Affiliate, but now I have spent the past few years serving as the Communications Director where I oversee all media and marketing outreach. I am very thankful for this community and am happy to have PanCan in my life. 

 

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

It would absolutely be Cinderella. She has been my favorite princess from a young age and I truly think it would just be a dream to be her for a week.

 

What is your personal fitness routine?

We have a wonderful fitness sponsor in Arizona, Scott with Scott’s Training Systems, and I have been training with him since I was 14 years old. I go to him about 3-4 times a week and do cardio as well, and then add in hot yoga and dance throughout the week. 

 

If you had an extra ticket to see a Red Sox vs Diamondbacks baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

My mom’s side of the family is from Boston so I have a lot of Red Sox fans in my circle. My uncle and I are the most into Boston sports and he is a huge Red Sox fan so I would probably take him with me.

 

Is there a feature or activity during a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field that you’d especially like to experience?

I have always dreamed of throwing the first pitch at a home game and this is something I am hoping to do once as Miss Arizona.

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That would be quite the experience! 

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

As Amber continues her time as Miss Arizona, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Arizona website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Amber, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 73 (649-657)

 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 73?

Red Sox Cards on the Page  

0. Not this time. 

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool 

The middle row of powder blues is cool. Otherwise, not a ton going on here.

My favorite card on the page 

Really not a lot going on with this page. I'm tempted to say the Lee Richards, because blue and red on the White Sox always surprises me. So tempted, in fact, that's my answer. Although, basically by default.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?