Let's COM See Some Cards!

It's apparently been quite a while, so I decided it was finally time to request another shipment from COMC. Usually I buy cards, list them for resale at a way to high price and then when the stack is big enough I request shipment. The pile had finally reached the point where I wanted them in my hands. So, I requested shipment. Sort of an odd assortment this time. But randomness can be fun, right?

Let's have a look, shall we?

Right off the bat, I bet you didn't expect this one. It occurred to me recently that stars in some other sports can be had quite cheaply. I wondered for a moment, how would a GOAT collection look? I already had the cheapest (?) Tom Brady RC. If you called him the Football GOAT....I have a Bill Belichick RC...so the coaching GOAT? Now this Serena...the Tennis GOAT? It started to sound like fun. So I made a lowball offer on this, and it was accepted. I wonder who else I can add relatively cheaply. Any suggestions? Tony Hawk? 

Two reason for this one. First, it's one of those cards I always wanted, but never got around to picking up. Second, I wondered how hard it would be to put together a collection of the RC of players who appeared in/at the 1999 All-Star game in Fenway. With two decent reasons to buy this card, I decided it was worth a shot. I actually bought a few of these as ones I bought and then listed before shipping kept selling. So, with the flipping profits, this one was basically free. No idea why it works like that sometimes.

Same reason on this card. One of those I always wanted, and a 1999 ASG representative.

This one just called to me...and I'm really not sure why.

Another one from the theme. Yet another 1999 ASG player that I never thought I could afford. I actually had a graded one I was going to ship, but it sold right before I was ready. So, this ungraded copy was especially cheap.

How could I not own this card? Yaz? 1967? What was I waiting for. I felt I just needed to increase the vintage Yaz corner of my collection.

Bought this one a while ago. Finally decided that rather than lose money trying to dump it, I should just keep it.

Seemed like a card I should have. Another one that I funded partially by flipping lower value cards of his. Weird stuff.

I don't even want to know how many of these I had at one time. But, he started the 1999 ASG.

See Larkin,Barry.

I had been looking around at vintage league leaders as a way to add other stars cheaply, and still focusing on the Red Sox collection. So, this card further increases my vintage Yaz corner, but suddenly starts the vintage Killebrew and Robinson corners.

Like Dalbec, I was sitting on this long enough I decided it should just join my collection.

Like the Yaz-Killebrew-Robinson, I was able to add some non Sox stars by accident. While not a rookie, this early Murphy gets to sneak into the collection.

And, I mean, who doesn't love this card? A RC of a Sox Hall of Famer is hard to pass up.

And, there they are. I don't think I've ever been this scattered with a shipment. But, that's part of the fun.

Which is what collecting is supposed to be!

2023 Panini USA Baseball Stars and Stripes Blaster!

Yeah, this is a weird one today. I keep seeing these on the shelf and thinking they might be fun. Who knows, maybe in a few years they players will have made a name for themselves and I'll have something pretty cool. Or, I could hold onto an autographed card of a fourteen year old for no reason whatsoever. (That definitely didn't happen to me) (Oh, who am I kidding) So, anyway, here we go. No Red Sox cards in this box, obviously. So, here's what I assume to be the best card in each pack.

Here's the box if you decide you'd like to look for one yourself. Or, run far away as fast as you can.

And the packs.

And the first card. Pretty basic card design. I see that Mr. Cupp here is on the 18U National Team. So, a high schooler? But, I assume, a very good one.

Here's a fancy bordered shiny parallel of Ty Southisene here.

And here's a regular bordered shiny card of Michael Torres. At the very least there's plenty of variety. And if Torres, or any other player in the set, becomes a star I assume these parallels will be good cards to have. I just may have to wait.

Another fancy bordered card of a 18U team member. I think there are other team options in the set. I just realized I'm not showing any of them.

One more shiny stripe bordered card. That should probably be the base option for a set called "stars and stripes".

Here's one of the two promised hits. A fun foiled jersey card.

And the other hit is this nice auto. Mr. McGee appears to be in the National Team Development Program. I have no idea what that means. But, I now have his autograph. It's a nice looking card, even if it took me a long time to finally decide it wasn't severely off centered.

So, there you have it. Team USA players and potential future future stars. I guess it was fun in a "worse than opening Bowman packs" sort of way.

Have you opened any of this?

How did it go?

Mackenzie Longo Visits Section 36!

Photo: Soozie Harrison

Section 36 had another visitor! Mackenzie Longo is passionate about positive empowering young women, a future educator, and the current Miss Three Rivers. I was so thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Mackenzie Longo visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Three Rivers crown?

To be honest, I did a little happy dance around my college apartment after I received the call from Alysa, our current Miss PA, since it was a sweeps title. I called some friends and family, and then immediately got to work because I was just SO excited.

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

As Miss Three Rivers, I would love to provide science kits to at least two or three more schools, and hopefully partner with a major science program in the Pittsburgh area. Pittsburgh is a hub for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, so forming a partnership with one of the many businesses/programs in the area would allow me to leave an impact on a broader audience!

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Three Rivers?

Right now, I am working on getting together items for a silent auction basket and making appearances in the Pittsburgh Area. Pittsburghers are known for being friendly and supporting their own, and I am so honored that I have been able to experience that. The outpouring of support from the community has been lovely, and the opportunities that I've gotten from this experience are ones that I will never forget. I was recently honored by our soccer club, the Riverhounds, and the love I felt from the community and crowd during the game is something I can't even put into words!

How did you select your community service initiative, “If You Can See Her, You Can Be Her”?

Growing up, I never really had any strong female role models in science. I thought that to have a career in science, you had to be a scientist who worked in a lab alone OR go into medicine. Neither of those things interested me, but I had always loved experimenting and my science courses. As I got older and was choosing a career path, I realized that I could use my passion and love for science to help other young women. 

What can you tell me about “The Excellent Experimental STEM Experience”?

The Excellent Experimental STEM Experience, or TEESE for short, is the biggest outreach part of my community service initiative. I have created science kits for kids with tons of different experiments. I currently have two different kits designed, and also have a YouTube channel where I do the experiments myself. I know that students learn differently, and I want to acknowledge that! I have donated over 150 kits to students in two different age groups - 1st graders, and 5th/6th graders.

You just graduated from Seton Hill University with a degree in Biology. Where do you see that field taking you?

As of right now, my goal is to become a high school biology teacher. I chose my program because it allowed me to pursue my science degree while also receiving my teaching certification, and then if I choose not to stay in education, I have options. I hope to share my love of science with others, and show what types of careers there are in STEM. Eventually, I plan to earn an Ed. D. with a focus in STEM Education and move to higher education!

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

That's a really tough one. If we're considering Star Wars characters to be Disney characters, then I would probably say Princess Leia. She is just the definition of a strong, powerful woman, and I have always loved Star Wars since I was a little girl. If I went with a traditional character - it would have to be Belle. I absolutely love reading, and to have access to her scope of a library would be a dream.

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Pirates, who would you take with you? Why?

I would most definitely have to take my older brother, Rob. He is a huge sports fan - so much that he made it part of his career! Growing up, I always remembered him being a big Red Sox fan, and whenever they came to town he would wear a Pirates jersey and Red Sox hat to the games. If he had to choose a MLB team other than the Pirates, I think they would still be his pick!

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

One of the traditions at Pittsburgh Pirates games is the Great Pierogi Race, which is more or less exactly what it sounds like. After the 5th inning, a bunch of mascots dressed as different Mrs. T's pierogis race around the warning track at the edge of the field. I think it would be fun to be Jalepeño Hanna just once so I could wack my competitors with the purse she carries. On a more general note, I've always wanted to throw out a first pitch!

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The pierogi race is just so weird!

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Pennsylvania! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Mackenzie during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. You'll also want to check out the TEESE website to see everything it has to offer.

Thanks again Mackenzie, and good luck!

2022 Topps Heritage Blaster

Yup. More Cards! Let's try some more 2022 Topps Heritage. I'm noticing that I've opened a lot of this already. Was it more readily available than in the past? Did nobody else buy any and leave it all for me? I promise I didn't stalk the vendor and clean out his supply or anything. Just happened upon them on trips to Target. They were just always there for some reason.

How did this box go? Let's find out!

Here we go with the box. You probably know what it looks like by now. Weird that they put that line between Judge and Guerrero to make it look like those are two pictures. Wonder why they felt the need to do that.

And more packs. I know I say it every time. I need to save one of the Devers/Bogaerts packs.

JD was so eager to leave Boston, apparently the card was rushing away too. Luckily I was able to grab this blurry image before it completely left the frame. JD's grumpy face tells you he's not pleased with that development.

Dalbec, on the other hand, is perfectly happy to have his picture taken. Hopefully he'll have more opportunities in Boston to take more.

But, that was it. Just the two Red Sox this time, and neither one is technically in Boston. Oh well. 

How about you? How did you do?

Brianna Cross Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Brianna Cross is passionate about second chances, a future investigator, and the current Miss Carson City. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Brianna Cross visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Carson City crown?

Nevada is an open competition state meaning I did not have to compete for my local title! I met the requirements and was graced with this platform. Definitely cried happy tears when I received my first ever title as my hometown!

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

During my reign as Miss Carson City the biggest thing I’ve worked toward accomplishing is turning my project into a non profit to benefit recovering addicts. “The B.A.R.R. Foundation” will take off and work towards a cleaner and healthier state.

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Carson City? 

Going into this I didn’t know what to expect, by far the most pleasant surprise has been becoming best friends with all of the other local titleholders. We’re such a close group of friends I wouldn’t want it any other way. 

How did you select your community service initiative, “Raise the B.A.R.R.”?

Before I was born both of my parents were drug addicts and dealers. If they didn’t receive help I would not be here. Everyone deserves a second and better chance at life, and I want to be someone to assist with that process. 

How would you complete the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when…”?

“I get great satisfaction when I am able to spend quality time with my friends and family outside of my community service.”

You’re working towards a career in law. What drew you to that field?

Criminal justice is something that I’ve always been passionate about. Being a victim of a few crimes myself and never receiving justice, I want to make sure that doesn’t happen to anyone else. Every person deserves justice in some form. My ultimate goal is to work for the Nevada Department of Investigation, where I’d be gifted the opportunity to catch crimes before they are committed. 

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

I’d have to choose Rapunzel from Tangled. Despite her being held in captivity almost her whole life, when she gets out she has this stunning outlook on the world. Even though she was met by consistent negativity in her situation she only saw the good and the beautiful in the world when she escaped. 

If you had an extra ticket to see a Reno Aces baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

The extra ticket would go to my sister. Nicole is my best friend and my true inspiration, I take her everywhere I can. She’s done nothing but love and support me in all of my endeavors, the least I can do is take her to a game. 

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

Recently at an Aces game I was pulled to play one of the games that happen between innings. I’d love to be able to do that again. 

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Those games do always look like a lot of fun!

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Nevada! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Brianna during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Brianna, and good luck!