Not Quiiiiiiite What I Was Hoping For

Red Sox baseball is back!!!

And that's the best thing I can say about it at the moment.

The first week or so of the season is always wonky. Everyone's top pitchers all line up for basically the only time all season. At the same time, though, none of them are in physical condition to dominate. So you get a coin flip of which pitcher happens to get the feel of things at which time of the game.

On the other hand, all the hitters are still figuring things out. Maybe it's their timing. maybe it's a new role with the team. Maybe both. Line-ups are a bit weird as Cora tries to get everyone that "first at-bat" under their belts as soon as possible.

Schedules are also a mess with day games and night games tossed into a bowl and pulled out seemingly at random. 

Which is a way to say, whether a team starts 5-0 or 0-5, you can't read much into it. It's not an indication of who the team is. 

Although, I'd prefer to have gone 5-0. 

Thankfully they won that first one, or we'd have to hear all those annoying retellings of how often a team that starts 0-3 wins whatever. 

But, they didn't go 0-5. They started the season with that important victory. A solid pitching performance, and solid hitting. Exactly what you want from an opening game. And, despite the loss, they got more of the same in game two. If Crochet and Houck are going to be those pitchers all season, the Sox are going to win a lot of games. 

The next two games were one-run losses. Again, solid from both sides. Again, both sides of the ball you can assume will be better than that the rest of the year.

The fifth game in five days was a little more lopsided after making the cross country flight without a day off. Honestly, if you went though the schedule before the season, those are the types of games you'd probably circle as schedule losses. 

So, even at 1-4 the Sox are in a very good spot. Raffy will start crushing it soon, adding a needed element to the line-up. Looks like they have their ace for the foreseeable future. I'm definitely looking forward to October Baseball.

I can't wait.

Ready For My Fantasy?

Fantasy Baseball team, I mean. Yup. It’s time for your least favorite post of the year. The one where I discuss the fantasy team I drafted for this season! I know. The only thing worse than talking about fantasy teams is blogging about them. But, what better way to celebrate the start of the season? Plus, I apparently haven't done this in a while, so I gave you a break.

Just as a quick reminder, this is a nine team 5x5 league, with 30 roster spots. So, it's a big league. You have three keepers, and they take the place of your draft pick in whatever round you originally drafted the player. (I love that detail.) I had the seventh pick in a wraparound draft. Got that?
So, who did I get?

C - W. Contreras MIL

1B - B. Harper PHI

2B - C. Rafaela BOS

3B - R. Devers BOS

SS - O. Cruz PIT

CI - T. Casas BOS

MI - D. Swanson CHC

OF - M. Trout LAA

OF - I. Happ CHC

OF - J. Duran BOS

OF - T. Ward LAA

U - L Gurriel Je ARI

U - J. Young WSH

U - T. Story BOS

B - W. Abreu BOS
B - D. Moore SEA

SP - G. Crochet BOS

SP - L. Webb SF

SP - B. Miller SEA

RP - J. Hader HOU

RP - M. Miller ATH

P - T. Houck BOS

P - J. Steele CHC

P - W. Buehler BOS

P - M. Gore WSH

B - G. Jax MIN

B - J. Adam SD

B - G. Whitlock BOS

B - L. Erceg

B - B. Bello BOS

My three keepers were Rafael Devers (round ten), Contreras (round twelve) and Jarren Duran (round thirteen). So, nice set of reinforcements in the middle of the draft. I grabbed Harper in the first round.

From there, I was able to grab plenty of Red Sox players. I'm always actually surprised with how many I end up with. Obviously, Devers is a legit pick that you don't need to be a Sox fan to grab. Same with Duran. Especially in the double digit rounds. Crochet was my second round pick. Which might seem high, but remember most of the best players weren't available to draft. Casas I got in the eighth round. Maybe too high, but not that bad. Houck, for a reigning all star, was a steal in the 16th round. Rafaella I felt was a good grab in the 18th. Epecially since he can play infield and outfield. Story, Abreu, and Buehler were taken much to late in the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd rounds. Whitlock was a steal at 27 if he's the bullpen stud he can be. And, Bello at 28 was almost criminal. So, eleven Red Sox, but none of them seem crazy to me.

So, while I know you probably need to see the rest of my league to decide how my team will do, I welcome any comments on any of my selections. 

Think I got any good ones?

Revised List of 36: Best Players I’ve Seen Play In Person

OK. Before the season starts, it's time to take care of some housekeeping. I didn't update this list after the latest Hall of Fame class was announced.  

As I’ve said, I make this list based mostly on awards. After all, my grandkids are more likely to ask me if I’ve seen a former MVP than some player who played well for a while. I also assume a Hall of Fame probably automatically makes the list.

And, at this point, it's basically all Hall of Famers. Which is why I don't update it after the MVP awards are announced anymore.

Which of the 2025 class makes the cut? I'm glad you asked. Dick Allen and Dave parker were before my time, so they don't make it. Billy Wagner, I am amazed to say, I never saw play. Even thought he was with the Sox for a year, I guess he never pitched in a game I attended. CC Sabathia I saw play twice. I even recapped those games when I asked if he was any good. Ichiro I saw play live three times. I also recounted thos games in a previous post.

Thankfully, Ichiro was already on the list because of course he was. Sabathia, though, is a new addition. So, he has to bump someone off. Looking at the list, there are five slots held by people not in the HOF (now that Ichiro is in). Bonds, Clemens, Pujols, A-Rod, and Trout. I'll let Pujols and Trout keep their slots because they'll both make it back on the list eventually anyway. Bonds and Clemens probably won't make it, but they have too many awards to take off quite yet. A-Rod has fewer accomplishments and is, well, A-Rod. So, he gets the boot this time.

So, here’s the new list.

1. Roberto Alomar (HOF)

2. Adrian Beltre (HOF)

3. Wade Boggs (HOF)

4. Barry Bonds (MVP)

5. Roger Clemens (MVP, CYA)

6. Dennis Eckersley (HOF)

7. Tom Glavine (HOF)

8. Ken Griffey Jr (HOF, All-Century Team)

9. Vladimir Guerrero (HOF) 

10. Todd Helton (HOF)

11. Rickey Henderson (HOF)

12. Derek Jeter (HOF)

13. Randy Johnson (HOF)

14. Chipper Jones (HOF)

15. Greg Maddux (HOF)

16. Edgar Martinez (HOF)

17. Pedro Martinez (HOF)

18. Joe Mauer (HOF)

19. Fred McGriff (HOF)

20. Mike Mussina (HOF)

21. David Ortiz (HOF)

22. Mike Piazza (HOF)

23. Kirby Puckett (HOF)

24. Albert Pujols (MVP)

25. Jim Rice (HOF)

26. Cal Ripken (HOF)

27. Mariano Rivera (HOF)

28. Ivan Rodriguez (HOF)

29. Scott Rolen (ROY, HOF)

30. CC Sabathia (HOF)

31. John Smoltz (HOF)

32. Ichiro Suzuki (HOF)

33. Frank Thomas (HOF)

34. Jim Thome (HOF)

35. Mike Trout (MVP)

36. Larry Walker (HOF)

Who’s on your list?

Go Red! 2014 Topps Target Red Kelly Johnson

February is American Heart Month. As a nod to the Go Red for Women activities going on this month to help raise awareness, I thought I'd contribute several "red" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month.

Let's talk about this card...

Kelly Johnson played ten gmes for the Red Sox in 2014. He was acquired from the Yankees at the deadline for Stephen Drew. A month later, he was traded to the Orioles in a four players deal. So, obviously, not a lot to say about his Red Sox career. Glad he was able to get a card out of it, though.

It's a simple card. I'm guessing there weren't a ton of pictures to choose from. I don't actually remember the Red sox wearing the blue and red combo like that. That's nice to see. Otherwise, it's a rather non-descript card. Which I guess you get every once in a while.

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Photo: Jon Adams

I'm sure you all remember Mina Smith from her interview with us. Through her social impact initiative "Love Your Neighbor" she is fundraising for the American Heart Association. I highly recommend you support her efforts with a donation if you are able. You can find the link here.

Support her efforts, and Go Red!

Go Red! 2014 Topps Target Red David Ross

 February is American Heart Month. As a nod to the Go Red for Women activities going on this month to help raise awareness, I thought I'd contribute several "red" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month.

Let's talk about this card...

Hard to forget David Ross! Especially for me, since I was in the park as he caught the last strike of the 2013 World Series. He definitely earned that ring on his finger. While his stints in Boston weren't long, they made up for it with that championship.

The card itself...I'm not sure what Ross is doing with his fingers. Is he supposed to be showing "3" of something? Or is that the only way he could figure out to make his fingers work to show off the ring? The picture is fantastic though. Even cropped tight, you can see the giant championship banner behind him on the monster. What a great addition to the team collection.

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Photo: Jon Adams

I'm sure you all remember Mina Smith from her interview with us. Through her social impact initiative "Love Your Neighbor" she is fundraising for the American Heart Association. I highly recommend you support her efforts with a donation if you are able. You can find the link here.

Support her efforts, and Go Red!

Go Red! 2014 Topps Target Red Edward Mujica

February is American Heart Month. As a nod to the Go Red for Women activities going on this month to help raise awareness, I thought I'd contribute several "red" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month.

Let's talk about this card...

Remember last time when I said I sometimes forget that AJ Pierzynski was on the Sox? Yeah. Edward Mujica was on the Sox for a season plus, coming out of the pen. He actually appeared in 75 games over those two years, so was used a lot. But, in the championship hangover, that season isn't one that sticks out in my memories...for any of the Sox players.

The card itself...I'll keep saying it. I like the Target Red parallels. I love the idea that every player, even Mujica, has a rare card to chase. Something that every collection can add to make it a bit more special. I will also keep saying that I wish the color red they chose didn't clash with the color red in the Sox logo. But, that's still ok. It's a fun card to have in my binder.

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Photo: Jon Adams

I'm sure you all remember Mina Smith from her interview with us. Through her social impact initiative "Love Your Neighbor" she is fundraising for the American Heart Association. I highly recommend you support her efforts with a donation if you are able. You can find the link here.

Support her efforts, and Go Red!

Go Red! 2014 Topps Target Red AJ Pierzynski

February is American Heart Month. As a nod to the Go Red for Women activities going on this month to help raise awareness, I thought I'd contribute several "red" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month.

Let's talk about this card...

Sometimes forget that Pierzynski was on the Sox. His partial season in 2014 isn't exactly the stuff of legends. Especially since everyone was still in the haze after winning the championship in 2013. But, he served a role batting .250 is 72 games for the Sox that year. Just enough to not be memorable. To me at least.

The card itself...I still say I like the Target Red parallels. It gives something fun to chace in retail packs. It's not ridiculously overwhelming. Just a simple matte red border. Just enough to add some variety ot a collection. I do wish the color red they chose didn't clash with the color red in the Sox logo. But, I guess I can't have everything.

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Photo: Jon Adams

I'm sure you all remember Mina Smith from her interview with us. Through her social impact initiative "Love Your Neighbor" she is fundraising for the American Heart Association. I highly recommend you support her efforts with a donation if you are able. You can find the link here.

Support her efforts, and Go Red!

Go Red! 2014 Topps Red Hot Foil David Ortiz

February is American Heart Month. As a nod to the Go Red for Women activities going on this month to help raise awareness, I thought I'd contribute several "red" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month.

Let's talk about this card...

Not much to say about Ortiz that hasn't been said. From waiver wire pick-up to the greatest clutch hitter in Red Sox history. In 2014, Ortiz had just led the Sox to yet another title...and "led" he did. His numbers in the World Series was the stuff of legends.

The card itself...is a lot. I'm not usually a fan of mixing horizontal cards into a vertical set. They always just look off. Of course, this picture was just made for a horizontal cropping. But, it still sticks out a bit. Plus the red foil makes an already foil heavy set just completely over the top.

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I'm sure you all remember Miss District of Columbia Jude Maboné from her interview with us. Her "heart health" community service initiative is, obviously, quite relevant this month. As such, she's supporting the Simon's Heart campaign this month (and every month). I highly recommend you join her efforts with a donation if you are able. You can find the link here.

Support her efforts, and Go Red!

Isabella Williams Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Isabella Williams is passionate about empowering young girls, loves to travel, and is the current Miss Lake Champlain. 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 Isabella Williams visits Section 36!

What made you decide to try for the Miss Vermont crown as Miss Lake Champlain?

I've been waiting for years to step onto this stage and compete for the title of Miss Vermont. This is my last opportunity before I age out, and I truly believe every challenge, lesson, and moment of preparation has led me to this moment. I’m ready to bring my full self to the job and to the Miss America Organization.

You previously served as Miss Vermont Earth. What did you learn from that experience that will help you when you compete for Miss Vermont?

Serving as Miss Vermont Earth taught me so much about my own strength and resilience. It empowered me to unapologetically pursue my dreams and gave me the confidence to speak passionately about my platform and advocacy work. Those experiences have helped shape me into a confident, purpose-driven woman who’s ready to take on this new title. 

You recently had the opportunity to tour schools in South Africa. What do you remember from that experience?

The school visits in South Africa were unforgettable, especially the teenage girls who welcomed me with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. At each school, their giggles filled the air as I stood before them. When I confidently asked, “Are we ready to begin?” something amazing happened—those giggles turned into cheers. It was a powerful moment to see their respect and encouragement for a woman stepping into a leadership role, something they were not accustomed to seeing. It reminded me of the strength and unity women can inspire, even across cultural divides.

How did you select your community service initiative “Strong Girls Will Change The World”?

Choosing Strong Girls was a no brainer for me. I have been working on this concept, brand, and nonprofit for a couple years now! It started with my first book, Strong Girls, a youth empowerment book filling the space in the education system that should be used to empower young learners. Strong girls is dedicated to empowering the next generation of women to chose themselves, their education, and their individuality. My goal is by empowering a group of students that don’t feel academically secure to keep pushing and trying! 

What can you tell me about your new book, Garden ABCs?

Garden ABCs is designed to make learning fun while teachingchildren where their food comes from and how it grows. In a world where instant food is the norm, I wanted to inspire curiosity about nature and cultivate a deeper connection to the food we eat.

What is your personal fitness routine?

My fitness routine is all about balance—it supports both my mental health and managing my autoimmune condition. Most days, I go for a run with Taylor Swift or Sabrina Carpenter as my soundtrack. To keep things exciting, I also ride horses and join fun dance or workout classes with friends. Staying active is my way of taking care of my body and mind. Eating healthy is just as important to my workout routine! I even have a big garden where I harvest all my ingredients for year round sauces and pickles. 

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

I would choose Belle! Not only because our names are so similar, but also because I admire her values. She embodies intelligence, kindness, and the belief that inner beauty and character matter more than appearances. Plus, I’d love to spend a week surrounded by enchanted objects and an incredible library!

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

I would take my sisters. As we get older, it’s harder to find time to be together, so I treasure every chance we get to strengthen our bond. Moments like that remind me how lucky I am to have them in my life.

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

I’m a sucker for a corn dog. I’m not sure if stadiums usually have them but I would skip the entire game looking for one! 

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Hopefully she can quickly find one between innings!

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

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with her during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account, as well as her personal Instagram. They're both great ways to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Isabella, and good luck at the Miss Vermont competition! Would love to have another visitor wear that crown!

2024 Topps Holiday Mega Box Opening!

The Topps Holiday sets are so much fun. It’s another way to get a different looking card of your favorite player in your collection. One more edition of the rainbow you can try to chase. Or, in some cases, two or three more editions. More importantly, editions that won't break the bank. I love that the set doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still guarantees a hit in every box. What could be better?

So let’s see what magic we find in our winter wonderland!

Here's what the box looks like.

Here's a card of Sox star Rafael Devers. I like how Topps mixes up how they do the "holiday" each year. Sometimes it's a fun border. Sometimes it's a snow effect. This year, it's neon holiday decorations all over the entire card. Definitely different!

And here's one of Section 36 favorite Triston Casas. Again, love the theming.

And there you go. Only two Red Sox cards out of the ten packs. But, they were certainly good ones.

If you want to see every card I pulled, be sure to subscribe to the Section 36 YouTube channel! The video of the entire opening will be posted there, if it hasn't already. You will also be able to find an almost endless selection of packs and boxes that I've opened. Feel free to dive down that rabbit hole.

How did your box go?

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 2025 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 2024. I need to get back on my horse. I'd like to shoot for 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!