2013 Topps Gold Craig Breslow

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. As a nod to the Gold Together activities going on this month to help raise awareness of the leading cause of death by disease in children, I thought I'd contribute several "gold" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month. Here's the next one.

Let's talk about this card...

OK. Back to an honest to goodness gold card. Although, not a particularly interesting one. Breslow had a career year for the Sox in 2013, and was a big part of their World Championship that season. In this picture, he looks ready to stare down another hitter...even if the picture is from the previous year.

I have to say the weird color red on the sea turtle basepaths really clashes with the red sox logo. But, I doubt the Topps designers looked at leach color scheme for every card in that detail. Too bad.

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If you are able this month, or any month, to support the Gold Together efforts, I highly recommend you consider a donation. You can follow the the link to the American Cancer Society here.

Support their efforts to be Gold Together!

Alexa Baisch Visits Section 36!

Photo: Stacie West

Section 36 had another visitor! Alexa Baisch is passionate about eliminating child trafficking, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Montana. 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 Alexa Baisch visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Montana crown?

Winning the title of Miss Montana was such a whirlwind! I was crowned on July 2nd so, I was able to celebrate my new title AND the 4th of July by appearing in a parade in my hometown followed by a BBQ with my friends. It was so special to be surrounded by supporters within my community and my friends and family. I can not think of a more perfect way to celebrate!

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Montana?

So far the biggest surprise has been how much support I have received from people all over the country! I have people reaching out to tell me congratulations and ask for autograph cards from all over the place! One of my largest sponsors is even located in Mississippi! The support and kindness I have received has been incredible and I am so grateful for it!

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

Each time I have competed for a title within the Miss Montana organization I learn something new! It is incredible how much progress I have made throughout my years in this program! I have improved so much and this year I was given more tips on how to grow and continue to improve in order to feel prepared for Miss America!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Kids Matter: Eliminating Child Trafficking”?

One of my favorite parts of this organization is the opportunity to advocate for something you care about. During the pandemic some of my friends and I fell into the obsession with true crime podcasts. They constantly discussed cases that were thought to involve human trafficking and the exploitation of men, women, and children. It was exciting to listen to, but they always left me feeling like I needed to do something to help. The more I researched how scary this issue truly is the more I felt called to make a difference. That's how I chose "Kids Matter: Eliminating Child Trafficking". I am so excited to use my title to support organizations who are fighting against human trafficking, increase awareness and share preventative tactics to keep children safe, and help victims receive the help they need. 

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

I have been dancing since I was very young and performing is one of my favorite things to do! I love dancing, especially tap, and just being on stage brings me so much joy!

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

If I could be a Disney character for a week I think I would have to choose Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). I know I look more like Ariel but, I think I'd rather have three fairy godmothers to grant my wishes than a fish tale! 

You recently graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in commerce and business administration. Where do you see that degree taking you?

I hope to use my degree to pursue a career in consulting! I was able to work with some phenomenal companies throughout my time at The University of Alabama that inspired me to want to go into this field and help companies function at their highest potential!

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

My extra ticket would go to my younger sister! We love going to local legion baseball games together and supporting our friends that play! I also love any excuse I can get to spend time with her!

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

It has always been a dream of mine to throw the celebrity first pitch at a baseball game! Maybe I will add that to my Miss Montana bucket list!

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I hope she gets to cross that off her list! 

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

As Alexa continues her time as Miss Montana, I encourage you to check out her title's Website and Instagram. 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 wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Alexa, and good luck!

2022 Bowman Blaster!

 Opened these a little bit ago, but why not do another one? I wonder if I'll get any current Red Sox players in this one.

Let's see how it went!

As always, the box. With some players on it. Apparently I should be on the lookout for green parallel cards. Hopefully they'll be easy to spot.

The packs. More players on them.

Love this action shot of Xander, as current Red Sox...for now. You can definitely see the intensity in his face as he awaits the result of his throw.

Another current Red Sox...kinda sorta. After a demotion, have to wonder what the Sox have in mind for him. I guess that could depend on what the other players who play his positions are up to. It will be interesting to see.

Another current Red Sox for now. What happens to him next year? No earthly idea.

So, all the Red Sox cards I got from Boman packs are currently (or formerly) on the big league roster. That doesn't happen very often at all.

How did you do?

Melody Pierce Visits Section 36!

Photo: Jenn Cady

Section 36 had another visitor! Melody Pierce is passionate about eating disorder awareness, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Arizona. I was so 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 Pierce visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Arizona crown?

I got straight to work! This opportunity has been a long-time dream for me so even the night I won I started brainstorming and organizing my plan for my year ahead, I was so excited that I couldn't sleep! 

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Arizona?

So far, it's been the true impact that Miss Arizona has, I think it's challenging to understand the full scope of this job from the outside looking in and now having the opportunity, I witness firsthand the hard work and impact that comes with the job. 

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

I'd not really nervous about anything because I have such a strong support system and foundation but I'm more so excited to live out this dream and celebrate every moment, I think it's going to be a really fun experience!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “S.T.E.P.S. Towards Eating Disorder Recovery and Awareness”?

I personally struggled with an eating disorder in my youth and was diagnosed at the age of 10 after the passing of my father. This led to a six-year battle and I am so thankful to be alive today and to be able to share my story so that others can have the resources and confidence to overcome this disease. 

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

My talent is a tribute to my late father and I just think about celebrating him on stage the whole time and us dancing together and having fun. 

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

Oh gosh, this is a hard question- I'm tied between Mary Poppins, Doug from UP and (are we considering Star Wars characters Disney?) because if yes, Padme Amidala! 

You graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in journalism. What drew you to that field?

I love storytelling and helping local businesses get the recognition they deserve through the media. 

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

I would take my roommate, Kaelyn Buffard, she's a big baseball fan and we actually used to compete together in the Miss America Organization. We are actually headed to the Diamondbacks game tonight! 

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

I would love to throw the first pitch! Or in Arizona, the kids do a mustard, ketchup and relish bag race and I think that would be really fun! 

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Yup. That does sound like a lot of fun! 

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

As Melody continues her time as Miss Arizona, I encourage you to check out her title's Website and Instagram. 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 wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Melody, and good luck!

2015 Topps Update Series Throwback Variation

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. As a nod to the Gold Together activities going on this month to help raise awareness of the leading cause of death by disease in children, I thought I'd contribute several "gold" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month. Here's the next one.

Let's talk about this card...

I guess I'll start off with a confession. This, apparently, isn't a "gold" card. While it does, to my eyes at least, have a gold border. It is apparently not gold. It's not numbered or anything. It's actually a gold-looking throwback variation of Xander's 2015 Topps update card, and is apparently a shortprint. When I did a quick search of the card because I was blanking on the year, I couldn't find it. I had no idea. Which is the problem, of course, with all the endless variations. I have at least three throwback variations from this set. How was I supposed to know they were rare?

Did you?

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If you are able this month, or any month, to support the Gold Together efforts, I highly recommend you consider a donation. You can follow the the link to the American Cancer Society here.

Support their efforts to be Gold Together!