Friday, November 30, 2018

Jenna Martorana Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jenna Martorana is a twirler, a baseball employee, and the current Miss Red Rose City. I’m so
excited she was interested in visiting with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I knowyou’ll love reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Jenna Martorana visits Section 36!


How did you celebrate winning the Miss Red Rose City crown? 
I was in complete shock that I won! I was clapping for myself as I walked to be crowned I was so surprised. After taking tons of pictures and calling my family I went out to eat with my crown still on and treated myself to a big glass of coke! Anyone
who knows me knows I love my coke but am trying to cut back. I kept my crown on until I got home and took sleeping crown pictures with my dog Sophie and her crown! I also immediately made a list of appearances I wanted to participate in to advocate for my platform!

What has surprised you the most about your time with the Miss Red Rose City crown?
I think what has surprised me the most is how much of a difference I can actually make by just telling my story. It took me three years to work up the courage to compete because I didn’t think anyone would want someone like me as a titleholder but I quickly learned that wasn’t true. I have gained so much support for my platform by being transparent and real about my mental health. I have been able to inspire others to be open up about their mental health and trust me enough to share their stories with me. I often struggle with thinking I don’t have a purpose or not being good enough like a lot of people with mental illnesses so I never thought I could make so much of a difference to others by being me.  

What was your favorite thing you’ve done during your time as Miss Red Rose City?
It is hard to narrow down what my favorites were but one of them
was the Out of the Darkness Walk in Philadelphia that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention held. It allowed me to spend the day with thousands of people who are suicide attempt survivors like myself, lost a loved one to suicide or want to raise awareness for suicide prevention. I’m so grateful to have been able to participate with NAMI Bucks County and Montgomery County as well as with Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital. Another amazing experience was being invited by Miss Pennsylvania 2017 to Hoffman Homes for Youth for Miss America Serves Day. Hoffman Homes for Youth is a psychiatric residential treatment center for children 6-17. The Miss PA Class of 2018 collected dresses for the girls ahead of time and did their hair and makeup that day so they could put on their own pageant! Each child had a sash with their power word on it and told the audience what their word meant to them. It was so special to share my platform with these kids because they are kids just like me battling mental illnesses. When I spoke of my platform, I saw the understanding on their faces and since this was the first time I spoke aloud about my story I realized why it was important I keep doing it. 

How do you plan out your “color guard” talent performance?
My current talent routine is actually part of my indoor color guard routine I did with my team my senior year of high school. I had shortened and changed the routine before to make it a solo to perform at baton competitions but then I cut it down even more to fit the 90 second time limit. It is a rifle routine to the Three Tenors “Hallelujah” that is dedicated to those who have served and those who are serving our country. I didn’t have to think twice about choosing color guard over baton twirling when I decided to start competing in January but I have often been questioned why I did it since baton twirling is considered a “pageant talent”. That’s part of the reason why. I wanted to be able to stand out and share something different with the audience. I love to perform and I feel I can put so much more of myself into my color guard routines allowing the audience an even better experience. 

How did you select your platform, #CureStigma?
My original platform that I competed on and won with was called “Breaking Down the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness by
Opening Up”. I told my story of depression, anxiety and OCD and encouraged other to share theirs because by putting a face to the illness makes it more than a diagnosis. I am very open about my battle with mental illnesses and post often on my social media about myself, tips for improving ones mental health and information to educate my followers about mental health and illnesses. Through my year I had the opportunity to work with local chapters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness which inspired me to change my platform slightly. A campaign they created is called #CureStigma and portrays stigma as a social virus that can be cured through compassion, empathy and understanding. My beliefs on mental illness align with NAMI’s and I think the #CureStigma campaign makes stigma understandable for people of all ages. I will continue to advocate for my platform even after I’m done competing because I will be starting my masters degree in school counseling at Kutztown University in January. I’m lucky that my university believes in the importance of mental health education and has its own NAMI club on campus that I am able to partner with in addition to other local county chapters. I am in the process of being trained to be on NAMI Bucks County’s speaking team who educates students on mental health and stigma to make their schools and organizations stigma free!

What is your personal fitness routine?
As someone who doesn’t enjoy going to the gym, I have to try and do things to make it fun! My best friend writes workouts for me to help keep me motivated including a pre Miss Pennsylvania workout plan! I have had a lot of injuries from color guard and baton twirling so I’m working to build those muscles back up while staying in shape. My favorite thing is riding the stationary bike while watching Netflix on my phone. 45 minutes will fly by that way! I will also mix in circuit training and classes like Zumba and yoga. 

The past few seasons, you’ve been a diamond girl for the Reading Fightin Phils. What do you do in that position?
As a diamond girl I have a few different jobs I’ll do depending on where I’m scheduled. First Energy Stadium has three different buffet areas- the ‘67 Club, Bunbinos Tailagte and the Character Pool Party (yes we have a poo in the outfieldl!). If I’m scheduled at one of the buffets then I will check tickets and give the appropriate wristband out of five options based on the type of buffet and seating they have. The Fightin’ Phils are big on giveaways such as shirts and bobble heads so some days I could be handing them out at the main gate. Lastly we have 6 different mascots! The Crazy Hot Dog Vendor is the face of the Fightins and is their logo. There is also Screwball the baseball, Blooper the dog, Change Up the turtle, Bucky the beaver and Quack the duck. Some nights I escort one of them around the stadium making sure they get to greet lots of fans and give autographs. 

What is your favorite part of that job?
My favorite part of the job is being able to interact with the fans
and meet others in my community. I might not know much about baseball (it took until my second season to learn what a double play was) but I really enjoy being able to help the fans have a memorable experience. 

What made you decide to work for a minor league baseball team?
Two of my older cousins had both worked for the Fightins and so that is basically how I ended up with the job. I really enjoy being apart of the Fightins family though because they’re such a major part of the community. The Fightin Phils created Baseballtown Charities to keep baseball alive for children in Reading. As someone with a degree in Applied Disability Studies, my favorite is that Baseballtown Charities started the Dream League for Children with Disabilities and with support from other local businesses recently completed a field for the Dream League kids which includes a playground useable for children of all abilities. I’m proud to be apart of an organization that gives back so much to its community including being one of my sponsors. 

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It sounds like an incredible job!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Jenna for doing this interview. And I want to thank her for providing the amazing pictures to accompany the interview. They're really perfect!

As Jenna continues her time as Miss Red Rose City, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Red Rose City Facebook. It’ll be worth your time! 


Thanks again Jenna!

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

I Scored! October 19, 2013

Following the Red Sox incredible playoff run this season, it seemed like a good time to take a look at this scorecard. Let's dive right in, and see what we have.



A look at the notes section really tells us everything we need to know. “ALCS Game 6”. Sounds like a pretty important game to me. And, if I remember correctly, it was a pretty exciting one.

The first thing surprised me when I looked at the pitcher's box. I had completely forgotten that Clay Buchholz started this game. With Max Scherzer pitching for the Tigers, this was a scary match-up for the Sox. But, Clay held his own. In fact, the two runs scored on him came in after he left the ballgame. After Clay, the Sox used their bullpen to perfection to finish out the game.

On offense? I love looking at Bogaerts wearing number 72, batting ninth, and playing third. What world is this? But, the kid scored two runs on the day. Add that to the performances by Ellsbury and Victorino at the top of the order, and the Sox had a nice little run.

The player of the game? Well, if you don't know already, not sure how much of a Sox fan you can be. Shane Victorino's grand slam in the seventh is one of the most memorable plays in recent Sox history. He not only tied the game, but put the Sox comfortably ahead with one swing of the bat. It was a key as key can get.

The goat? I have to split it between two players. Or, maybe I should combine two players. Saltalamacchia and Napoli in the 5-6 spots combines to go 0-8 with six strikeouts. Not exactly the performance you need following Ortiz. In fact, they were equally inept, both going 0-4 with 3 K's. That's not what you want.

But, in the end it didn't matter. As the Sox did that entire postseason, they made their few hits count when they needed them. The Victorino slam provided the offense, and Koji came in to close the door.

And the scorecard shows how it happened.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

List of 36: Things I'm Thankful for This Year

1. David Price's playoff performance
2. Twitter followers
3. Jackie Bradley, Jr.'s clutch hitting
4. Visits from titleholders
5. A shut-down bullpen
6. Back-to-back-to-back division crowns
7. Pictures in Section 36
8. Alex Cora
9. World Series parade T-shirts
10. Sale-Price-Porcello returning
11. Chris Sale's slider
12. Purchases from the store
13. Pictures with the Section 36 logo
14. Instagram followers
15. Xando Calrissian bobbleheads
16. The Yankees losing
17. Pictures with Section 36
18. Nathan Eovaldi
19. Mookie's MVP season
20. People wearing Section 36 gear
21. Reducing wantlists
22. Facebook likes
23. Pictures of Section 36
24. JD Martinez
25. World Series DVD's
26. Scoring
27. Visits from cheerleaders
28. A new blog in the suite
29. People who'd Rather be in Section 36
30. Visits from Red Sox wives/girlfriends
31. Paper ticket stubs
32. Snapchat adds
33. Steve Pearce
34. New books
35. Red Sox World Series Championships
36. Readers!

Monday, November 19, 2018

Another Championship Grid Addition!

You've heard me talk about it before. Long before Alex Cora started doing it. Way back when Boston sports teams only had nine championships this century. How cool would it be to create a display on your wall displaying a picture from each of those championships in a tidy grid. Pretty cool, right? But, which pictures to choose? It can't all be “last play” since baseball is the only sport that really has one of those that you'd remember...other than a couple Super Bowls. It shouldn't be “opening” pitch/tip/face off/kick since those would all look pretty much the same. So, that might be a bit dull. So, my idea would be to take the most lasting memory from each championship and add it to the hypothetical wall. For instance, the Malcolm Butler interception, as opposed to the last Brady kneel down.

So, lucky fans that we are, we get to make that decision again. What picture would be the one that you remember most from the 2018 World Series. Or, maybe even the playoff run? What would I pick? Hard to say.

Nothing jumps immediately to mind. Well, that's not entirely true. My first thought was a picture of Sale striking out Machado to win the series. This would be a great choice for several reasons. First, it's Chris Sale and he's awesome. It also illustrates how Cora used his starting pitchers out of the bullpen so effectively during the series, and the playoffs in general. It also shows Machado looking completely foolish...which is always fun. (Unless you're Dustin Pedroia) But, to go along with my reluctance to use the final pitch...how about some other options?

I like the image right after the final out of David Price as third man into the group hug on the mound. Price and Sale pictured celebrating a championship is really pretty well defining the season. But...a celebration shot? Not my favorite idea.

For mid game options? How about a shot of Steve Pearce pointing to the dugout after one of his many series home runs. The complete joy on his face certainly reflected my emotions at the time. Plus, it would be a way to celebrate his unexpected contributions. Along those same lines, how about the image of Joe Kelly screaming as he came off the mound in game five. Not only does it show that same shared emotion, but it would represent the complete turnaround for him and the bullpen from the regular season to the playoffs. In August, how many would have predicted him triumphantly storming off the mound in a World Series clinching game?

What else?

I think a picture of David Price would certainly be worthy. Perhaps him touching his chest as he left the mound in game five? As the person who had the most to lose, who ended up winning the most he was certainly the story of the series.

Or Nathan Eovaldi? I love the idea of celebrating this out of nowhere hero. My only problem is that there isn't really one moment that sticks out in my head. Plus, his biggest contribution to the series came in Boston’s only loss. So that would seem weird.

There's Mookie’s game five home run. A significant moment for the best player in baseball as he added an important insurance run in the clincher. Or, JD Martinez’s, for almost the same reason.

Or is there something else I'm forgetting?

I think if I had to pick, I keep going back to Sale striking out Machado. Price walking off the mound is nagging at me, but the Sale picture just encompasses too many storylines in one shot. It would have to go up in my grid.

What picture would be added to your grid? What would you have chosen for the other ten championships?

Leave a comment and let us all pick your selections apart!

Friday, November 16, 2018

Emily Luther Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Emily Luther is a talented singer and a Red Sox fan. You probably remember her from her
appearances on the Ellen show, and The Voice. So, I'm thrilled that she was willing to take the time to visit with us. I’m sure you’ll love reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Emily Luther visits Section 36!

How would you describe your musical style?

I’m considered a Pop artist, but that’s never really resonated with me. I consider myself in the Adult Contemporary genre.

Your career got a boost when your video (with Charlie Puth) covering Adele’s “Someone Like You” went viral. How did that video come to be?
What an exciting time in my life! Feels like a lifetime ago, but I approached Charlie my sophomore year of college, and we had it completed within two days. He posted it on his page at the time, and we woke up the next morning with over a million views. It’s sad that things didn’t work out the way I wanted them to, but life had different plans.

That video led to an appearance on the Ellen show. What was that appearance like?
It was surreal. Ellen and her team were searching for my home phone number to get in contact with me & ended up with my Dad’s number. He called me during a band rehearsal I was in at Berklee, and left a voicemail saying, “Ellen Degeneres just called. Can you call me back?” My Dad was so calm, and I was freaking out.

You have also appeared on NBC’s “The Voice”. What did you learn from that experience?
From the setbacks I had in the industry, I never imagined another opportunity would come up ever again. To have the honor of even auditioning was so exciting. The entire experience made me realize the importance of being yourself & staying true to the artist you are.

What is your favorite thing about performing?
Allison and Emily
Meeting people from all over. I even have a fan from California that flies into my shows, and things like that mean the world to me. Making that connection through music is so powerful.

You represented your home state as Miss Rhode Island’s Outstanding Teen 2009. What made you try for that title?
I was encouraged by a few close friends at the time. I didn’t know a thing about pageants, so I thought I’d give it a shot. I respect the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization so much. It’s a great way to earn scholarship money, build confidence & the volunteer work that goes with it makes these young women very well-rounded.

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?
My grandmother is the biggest Red Sox fan ever! She tells me who to look out for each season. Right now, I’m loving a good #AirBenny moment. Did you see that catch?!

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway Park that you'd like to experience?
Every year that goes by, I keep saying I want my 88 year old grandmother to meet the team & watch a game at Fenway. She talks about it all the time, and I keep saying each year it’s gonna happen…maybe now that its in writing, I’ll get on that ;). 

What is your favorite Red Sox memory?
Winning the World Series in 2004. Our entire family had been waiting on that moment for so long. I think secretly everyone (Red Sox fan or not) was hoping for a win. They deserved it!

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I hope she's able to get to that game!

As always, I want to thank Emily for visiting with us. It was great hearing everything she had to say!

As a way to follow along with Emily's music career, I suggest you follow her on both Instagram and Twitter and like her Facebook page! That way you won't miss any of her upcoming shows and appearances. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

Thanks again for the visit Emily!

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Managing Expectations

Last night, as you probably heard, Major League Baseball announced their manager of the year award. And, as you probably heard, Alex Cora finished second in the voting. This really annoyed me.

No, not because I think he should have won, even though he should have. The actual winner of these awards is becoming less important to me as time goes by. Being "in the conversation" is what's important, more than whoever happens to get more random-feeling votes. He had a great year. We all know that. We don't need a trophy to prove it. (Although, the World Series trophy certainly implies it.)

No, my problem is that he finished second, and not first or third. Either of those would have at least made sense. 

If he finished first, you would reward the manager who won the most games with the manager of the year award. That certainly makes sense. After all, the whole goal is to win the most games.

Or, if you oddly wanted to punish Cora for having expensive players you could vote for Melvin and Cash. They won many games with a very low payroll. Which is a great job by them, as long as you equate "payroll" with "talent". After all, the Rays had the Cy Young award winner this season, and A's fans tell me Matt Chapman is like a god or something. So, just because they're not paid very much doesn't mean they aren't highly skilled. Conversely, just because the Sox pay a lot for players doesn't mean they're awesome. After all, a chunk of the Sox payroll is going towards Hanley Ramirez, Dustin's Pedroia's corpse, and Pablo Sandoval. Players that Cora couldn't use much if at all because they weren't on the team for most of the season. (Frankly, Cora should win the award just for having dealt with Pedroia all season.) But, I digress. If you want to vote the award as sort of a win per dollar calculation, Cora wouldn't be your top choice.

But, then, why did he finish second? 

So, he finished behind a guy who won a lot despite his payroll, but ahead of a guy who won a lot despite his payroll. Which is it? Are we penalizing talent, or rewarding it? Did Cash get screwed because he didn't make the playoffs in a division with two 100-win teams? Were the extra seven wins in a weaker division so much better for Melvin? What the hell is a possible explanation to vote Boone over Cora?

So, I don't mind stupid reasons, as long as their somewhat valid. If you want to say an MVP has to come from a playoff team, fine. You'll be stupid, but that's fine. Just always only vote for players from playoff teams. If your Cy young has to have a lot of wins, that's fine. It's a stupid qualification, but go ahead. Just always use that criteria. If your manager of the year needs to have a low payroll, fine. You're a fool, but fine. Just always reward guys with low payrolls.

Otherwise it looks like you're just making things up.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

I Like the Future with Devers at Third

I'm sure I'm not alone in admitting that over the last five years, I've watched the 2013 World Series DVD once or twice or 36 or 1000 times. In all those viewings, one thing stands out to me. The praise heaped on a young Xander Bogaerts. If you don't remember, he played a big role in game 3, the game that was eventually given to the Cardinals thanks to a blown interference call. But, that call wouldn't have been needed if it weren't for Xander. In the eighth inning, Bogaerts was at the plate facing Trevor Rosenthal, the Cardinals dominant reliever, with the tying run on base. Xander didn't try to do too much. He didn't let the moment get the best of him. He simply grounded a pitch up the middle for the game tying RBI.

As I've been watching highlights of this 2018 championship postseason (as we all have been, right?) I've noticed something. Just how often Rafael Devers was doing something clutch. The 22-year old never let the moment get ahead of him either. He just kept producing. Not enough to win the MVP, or even to really stand out in our memories. But, like a machine he contributed whenever he was needed.

A simple ground ball RBI in the first inning of ALCS game two to extend an early lead in a game the Sox needed to even the series. Another one in the top of the first in game five, making sure the Astros knew they would be in trouble. An amazing game-opening three run home run off Justin Verlander to drive in the winning runs in the game five clincher. When he was needed, he produced!

More of the same in the World Series. An RBI in game one to give the Sox an insurance run. And most important? The go-ahead RBI in the top of the ninth to complete the comeback in the crushing game four.

Just based on the World Series alone, he would have been impressive. Add in the rest of the playoffs, and the kid had himself an October.

So what? He had a good month. 

Well, when you're 22 and suffer from inconsistency, every little bit helps. Every time he can look back and say "this is nothing compared to facing Verlander, I can do this" is one more time he can settle down and let his talents take over. And when you're talking about a season, or a career, that can add up to a lot.

So, will he struggle next year? Sure, maybe. Will he start off slow? Could be. But, has he show us, and himself, that he has the ability and mental state to pull himself out of slumps? Absolutely.

And that is just huge.

Monday, November 12, 2018

November Sale!

It's November, how about another sale?!?

That's right. The Section 36 is on sale now! Today through Sunday check out the store to see low low prices on your favorite gear. Need something warm as the weather turns cold? Need a perfect gift for your favorite someone? Just want to treat yourself? Go check out the deals now!


So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. Remember, the sale only runs through Sunday! That's right only a few days before prices go back to their regular levels.


And, as always, when you do get an item, send me a picture wearing it for me to share with the world! The blogFacebook, and even Instagram!


Like Bernadette did to show off how amazing this tank top looks on her.

This tank is 27% off!

Or Phil did.

This tank is also 27% off!

Or Holly did with her cozy new hoodie.

This hoodie is 21% off!

Or Nicolette did with her great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is 30% off!

But, first you need to buy something you like. There's a lot to choose from.

What will you get?




Friday, November 9, 2018

Nicole Pallozzi Visits Section 36!


Section 36 has another visitor! Nicole Pallozzi is a frequent traveler, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Rhode Island USA.


I’m excited that she was willing to take the time to visit with us, and become the first Section 36 visitor wearing a Miss USA organization crown. I’m sure you’ll love reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Nicole Pallozzi visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Rhode Island USA crown?
I celebrated my big win by having a pizza party with all of my close friends and family that attended the pageant! I am very thankful to have such an encouraging and patient support system that have been there for me in the audience for the past five years.

Is there a specific goal you'd like to accomplish during your time as Miss Rhode Island USA?
Throughout my reign as Miss Rhode Island USA 2019, I hope to continue volunteering with Best Buddies and the Special Olympics. I started volunteering with Best Buddies in High School where I would visit Meeting Street School in Providence, RI with fellow classmates. Here we would do arts and crafts and play games with children of all ages and abilities. I also volunteer for the annual Best Buddies Telethon. My Uncle Mickey inspired me to get involved with this organization because he was born with cerebral palsy and even though he cannot walk or talk, he has never let his disability define him as an individual. He inspires me everyday to live life to the fullest and to never take anything for granted. He recently motivated me to get involved with the Special Olympics where I was able to watch him cross the finish line in his electric wheel chair race and win first place!

What part of the upcoming Miss USA competition are you most nervous about?
I am honestly so excited for this opportunity to compete at
Miss USA that I am not currently nervous at all! During this past Miss Rhode Island USA pageant, I was the most relaxed and confident that I have ever been on stage. I truly took in every moment of the competition and gave it my all. I do not want my nerves to get the best of me so I am planning on going into the national competition as relaxed as possible. I have dedicated five years of my life for my Miss USA moment, so I am going to go out there and have the time of my life!

What is your personal fitness routine?
I have been working with my two amazing trainers, Scott and Courtney, for almost two years now. In preparation for Miss Rhode Island USA, I trained with them 2-3 times a week and followed a balanced nutrition plan. Throughout my journey with them, I have in total lost thirty pounds and my body fat has gone from 24% to 12%! I have learned that loving yourself if the greatest revolution. I have learned to truly trust the process and to admire the beauty of others without questioning my own. They have taught me what my body is fully capable of and have molded me into the best version of myself. I’m very excited to see how we’re going to transform my body for Miss USA!

On a trip to Las Vegas, you were able to jump off the side of a building! What was that experience like?
This past May, I went to Las Vegas with my family after graduating from The University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. While in Vegas, we walked all the way to the Stratosphere, which is the tallest building on the Las Vegas Strip at 856 feet. When I learned that I could actually jump off of the building, I made the spontaneous decision to give it a go while my family watched from the bottom. I would consider myself an adrenaline junkie and have always loved testing my limits. Jumping off of the Stratosphere was both thrilling and breathtaking! I would 100% do it again. 

You've been able to do quite a bit of traveling. What has been your favorite place to visit? Why?
During my junior year at URI, I studied abroad for a semester
in Florence, Italy where I traveled to 6 countries and 21 European cities! Throughout my time abroad, I fully immersed myself into the Italian culture by studying the language, taking cooking classes, visiting local museum’s, and I even rode a Vespa throughout Tuscany! I also had the opportunity to go paragliding in Switzerland, white water rafting in Croatia, and climb Mt. Vesuvius. Throughout the midst of all of the captivating sites, alluring cities, hidden gems, and incredible food, I learned how much this small, beautiful world has to offer and am excited to see where my future travels take me! Overall, Florence was my favorite place and I am thankful to consider it my home away from home.

What is your favorite part about watching the Red Sox at Fenway park?
My favorite part about watching the Red Sox at Fenway park is the excitement and energy at the ballpark! In June, I attended the Sox vs. Mariners game with my older brother and had so much fun from singing Sweet Caroline, enjoying a Fenway Frank, and of course seeing a Sox win.

Is there a feature or aspect of a game at Fenway that you'd like to experience?
I would love to throw the first pitch at Fenway Park! I have been athletic my entire life and would frequently play baseball in my backyard with my cousins. Throwing the first pitch at Fenway would come first circle the little girl who was just having fun.

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?
Mookie Betts is my favorite Red Sox player because he is a team player and has been consistent in his performance throughout the entire season!


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I hope she finds a way to throw out that first pitch!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Nicole for doing this interview. I also want to thank her for providing so many great pictures to accompany the interview, especially the ones wearing that great t-shirt. They make it a lot more fun for everyone, don't you think?

As Nicole continues her time as Miss Rhode Island USA, I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page. It’ll be worth your time!

I also want to wish Nicole the best of luck when she competes for the Miss USA! It would be amazing to have a Section 36 visitor take home that title! 

Thanks again Nicole, and good luck!

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Four More Years!

As I'm sure you've all heard by now, David Price declined to exercise his option so he will be with the Red Sox for the remainder of his contract. (Quick side note. I'm amazed the “opt outs” have become so standard in contracts since they're so one-sided towards the player.) As you might expect, I'm excited about the idea of having Price for another four years.

I was never one of the people who considered this a three year contract when he signed it. I know there were a lot of those. “This is a good signing if you consider it a three year deal, and assume he opts out.” Because, if he was amazing enough to opt out, you had to assume the Sox would have to spend the same money or more to get him back, or sign his replacement. So, when I liked the deal when he signed it, I still like it now. (With the same caveat. If the Sox can't sign Mookie and Xander to extensions because of this, I'm not a fan.)

Some people certainly wondered if he would ride his playoff success off into the sunset. Frankly, that probably wasn't very realistic unless he wanted to take a pay cut to do so. I'm not sure anybody would hate it here that much. And, even if he had been tempted to do so, his playoff performance probably changed his mind. If you're going to make the money here, why not try Boston while holding all the cards? If you can make it through three years of being a “bust” in some people's eyes, I bet you can make it through four years as a World Series hero.

Hopefully this will help get Price off on a better foot as well. (Although, frankly I doubt it.) If the championship afterglow buys him some good will, I think he’ll be able to take it from there. Naturally, some media members are using this decision as an excuse to be really awful towards Price. After all, now he’s staying here knowing full well what it will be like. So, apparently, playing in Boston means being hounded mercilessly so if you choose to play under those conditions, you can't complain no matter how awful the EEIdiots are. They're just looking for ways to be awful to him at this point.

David Price reminds me of the couple you see at weddings who took dance lessons the month before. You see them on the floor mouthing the beat to themselves, and moving robotically following the steps they've memorized. Clearly they know “how” to dance, but they're not “dancers”. Price seems like that when he deals with the media. It seems like his agent told him how to deal with Boston media, gave him some tips and techniques...but it's just not “him”. So he tries to joke with the media like Pedroia does, but it falls flat. He tries to be honest like Papi did, but it doesn't work. He tries using clichés like everyone else, but it comes off unbelievable. He's trying to be someone he's not. Hopefully by sticking around, and having that shiny new ring, he'll be able to be himself. Because, it seems like he's a pretty likable guy. His teammates adore him, which is probably all he cares about.

So I'm looking forward to more chances to have Sale and Price at the top of the rotation. I'm looking forward to seeing how a relaxed and confident Price performs. I'm looking forward to seeing if the media members realize they're the only one who dislike Price. (I'm not holding my breath on that one) I'm looking forward to getting the Price the Red Sox signed.

Because that will be a lot of fun.

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