I Hereby Resolve...

Typically, the end of the year is a time for people to reflect on their life, and to make any changes they see the need for. Why do it for the first of the year? No particular reason. Although, I suppose, a July 2 Resolution doesn’t have the same ring to it. A New Year’s Resolution also has the added benefit of only occurring once a year. If you make a New Month Resolution, and fail after three days…you have some obligation to make the same resolution the next month. If you make a resolution on January 1, but flop by January 2, you can wait an entire year before you have to try and make yourself a better person. That’s a handy feature. People also find it nicer to write these resolutions down. Anything written down automatically has more weight. After all, if you take the time to type it out and share it with others, it must be important. Plus, anyone why knows about your resolution will obviously shun you if you don’t stick to it. If you make a resolution in silence, it’s pretty easy to ignore it. Of course, that presumes that anyone is listening, or cares enough to hold you to it. That’s probably not the case here. But, what else am I going to write about on January 1?

The first thing I want to do in 2026 find the delicate balance between quality and quantity with my posts. I understand that I don’t always have the time available to bring my A-Game. I also understand that it’s possible I don’t have an A-Game. But, if I only posted when I felt like I had written something worthy of a Pulitzer, you may never see another post from me. At the very least, you’d forget about this blog while you waited. Nor do I want to bore everyone with post after post that says nothing. I’m sure you’re thankful for that. So, I want to keep a schedule, without having to keep a schedule. I definitely did NOT do that in 2025. I need to get back on my horse. I'd like to shoot for one to two posts a week. That seems manageable. As long as I’m not feeling pressure from myself to post something, anything, just to post.

Another thing I say every year is that I want to increase my presence on the other blogs. You all have such wonderful things to say, and I like being a part of that. I also know that I like getting comments on my posts, so I assume that others do as well. I’d like to do my part.

For selfish reasons, I’d like to try to increase my readership. It’s not just that I like seeing the number of hits per day go up. Although, I do enjoy that. It’s also because I like it when everyone plays along with the blog. More readers means more chances of readers doing just that. Not only is it easier for me if people submit things for me to post, but I actually enjoy seeing copies of other people’s scorecards or pictures they took in Section 36. The fact that they help me come up with post ideas is just a little side benefit. I don’t know what increasing my readership involves. It probably just means writing better stuff. So, I’ll try to do that. After all, just getting the name of the blog out there is useless if people come and visit, only to find mindless dribble. (Not that I’d mind it if you liked my facebook page, or followed me on Instagram. Can’t hurt.)

So, there we go. Things I want to try and do in the coming year. If you care, feel free to try and keep me honest. Mocking comments if I’m going astray are encouraged. Or, help me out by contributing to the last two resolutions. Or both. Or, ignore it all completely. Your call.

Happy New Year Everyone!

2025 In Review: Status of the Blog

So, I've already discussed some of the highlights in social media areas enjoyed by Section 36 in 2025.

But, what about just generally? How did the blog perform in 2025 at just being a blog? How did I do as a blogger? As a collector? I'm not going to pretend you actually care...but what else am I supposed to post about on New Year's Eve?

I'll just say it right now. Not good. Not good AT ALL. Like, absolutely terrible. In 2025 this will be my 22nd post, down from an equally disappointing 42 last year. At less than twice a month, that's nowhere close to where I need to be. Nowhere close to where I want to be.

One reason for the dropoff was the lack of interviews with Miss America titleholders. They were really dominating this site, so I shifted their features over to the Forevers blog, where they belong. Of course, that means even fewer posts automatically coming to this blog.

The Section 36 store also had a great year. I switched it back to TeePublic, and that seems to have helped. More people keep buying shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, and whatever else. I'm always humbled whenever a sale goes through. Hopefully you've enjoyed all the pictures people have sent in wearing their gear. With any luck, both sales and picture submittals will increase in 2026!

2025 was also a continuation of my blogging perspective to help me find my voice or my place in this wide world. I still didn't write about the team itself as much as I would have liked. Hopefully I'll be able to find my groove in 2026.

Hope that's OK with you.

2025 Year in Review: Social Media

Goodness knows nothing can just be a thing anymore. Nothing can just be what it is. Sports can't be a competitive sporting event. It has to be an entertainment venture. Just like a blog just can’t be a blog. I mean, it can...but it’s not as easy or nearly as much fun. How am I supposed to make sure that the blog is on your mind every waking second of every day? How can I make sure you see some sort of new content as often as possible?

Of course. Social media.

Which is why Section 36 needs to have a presence. OK. More accurately, it's why I want Section 36 to have a social media presence. Even on the sites where I have no idea what’s going on. So, I hope you know about all the other ways you can follow along with Section 36! And, how have those social media sites gotten even better in 2024?

I’m glad you asked.

Once again, Instagram is probably the place I’ve seen the most content in the past year.

It’s been so much fun connecting with fans and visitors through that site. For Section 36, in the past I have posted exclusively pictures I have taken. It’s a way to enjoy different views from a Red Sox fan. I've started adding more content beyond pictures in Fenway. My favorite collectibles and moments. All about celebrating Red Sox fandom. My favorite addition this year was towards the end when SEVERAL people submitted vidios of themselves saying the "I'd Rather be in Section 36" tagline. Not only are these great additions to the Instagram, they will also find their ways to other social media sites like the Youtube channel and anywhere else I can think of.

And the best part? The account keeps adding followers and seeing more interaction, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Here's hoping that number keeps growing. If you’re one of the followers, thanks! If you’re not, what’s keeping you?

While Twitter was once a mainstay, that is no longer the case. Sure, blogs are sometimnes automatically shared to X (bleh) because it's so easy to do. But, I don't remember the last time I posted there.

Facebook provides fun opportunities.

It can post links and pictures with ease, and has the ability to allow sharing with friends. The Section 36 page will post links to every post here on Section 36. Facebook is also great for pictures, so it posts pictures that I’ve taken. It’s also a prime spot to post pictures submitted by others. So all the "I'd Rather Be..." videos find their way there, or pictures6 holding a “I’d rather be in Section 36” sign, or with Section 36 gear gets posted there. Section 36 has more than 500 likes and adds more all the time, which is great!

Section 36 also has a presence TikTok, Snapchat, and Pinterest. Although TikTok is the only one I've used with any frequency lately. Those accounts showcase the entire Section 36 Suite in one place. So, you're bound to find something you like there. Hopefully in 2026 I’ll figure something out. Feel free to follow/add to see the progress! In fact, follow all of Section 36 on all social media accounts.

It’ll be a lot of fun.  

Where can I find you?

Collecting the Sox: Bobbleheads - Harry Potter Devers

If you're following me on Instagram (and really why aren't you?) you know I've been showing off my bobblehead collection periodically one by one. I realized that I should be doing that here as well so everyone can see them. So, let's continue the "Collecting the Sox" series to show some of the things a Red Sox fan might collect.

Like this one...

This one comes from the Salem Red Sox minor league team. It features Rafael Devers wearing his Gryffindor robes, wand at the ready. Another movie cross promotion making its way into the collection.

Once again, pretty basic design here. Could be anyone wearing the robes. The S on the hat is really the only thing making it even slightly unique. But, once again...if you're a Red Sox fan, and even a slight Harry Potter fan, you need to have this in your collection. Right?

What do you think of it?

Collecting the Sox - Baseballs: 2019 Opening Day

If you're following me on Instagram (and really why aren't you?) you know I've been showing off my baseball collection periodically one by one. I realized that I should be doing that here as well so everyone can see them. So, let's continue the "Collecting the Sox" series to show some of the things a Red Sox fan might collect.

Like this baseball...

For a ling time I collected pins when I went to games. But, as pics got more expensive, and slightly more awkward to display, I reverted to baseballs. Obviously, they're a great baseball collectible. Most of the big games and events have baseballs specific to them. 

Like 2019 Opening Day. This was a fun day to commemorate. You may imagine that there was a fun pregame ceremony for tbhis one. The classic logo on the front is a pretty common way to go with these, but unlike last time there's no added color. It's actually a pretty bland ball. But, a good ceremony. 

Makes for a nice collectible.

What do you think?