2021 Topps Chrome Blaster!

Doesn't look like I've opened one of these on here yet...or I'm just forgetful. Of course, you all know what they look like already. Just like all the other Topps cards I've opened on here...but shiny! Let's see how I did!

Here we go!

The box, showing a couple players you're supposed to hope you pull.

The packs. There are lots of them, which is always exciting...until you remember there are only four cards in each one.

One of the cards was this one of Chris Sale.  Too bad he didn't pitch much for the Sox this year. The chrome shine actually makes the names harder to read. I didn't know that was possible.

Of course, neither did this guy. Interestingly, he's now back on the Sox. So...next year, will I get cards of JBJ on the Brewers while he's playing for the Sox as opposed to cards of him on the Sox while he's playing for the Brewers?

And, those are the highlights. I mean, a couple Sox cards are always nice. But, when you're going after Chrome...you're really looking for something slightly more significant. Pretty much a bust.

How did your blaster go?

2021 Topps Heritage Hanger Boxes

I'm not usually a big fan of these boxes. But, when packs of any kind were hard to find, I decided I needed to get whatever I could. There's a distinct lack of "opening" enjoyment involved with these. I mean, there's just the one pack you actually open inside. So, it's like getting two packs instead of two boxes. Not sure if the different colors are supposed to mean anything or not.

Let's see how it went!

Here are the two boxes. I will be sure to be on the lookout for Real One autographs and relics.

And, the first "pack". I wonder how good the top card would need to be for me to leave it unopened.

A Red Sox player and the hedge! Such a unique concept.

So...I'm glad I opened the pack.

On to the second pack. I'm definitely opening this one.

Another Red Sox. But...but...where's the hedge? And who is Zack Godley?

Another one! And, again, no hedge! This is getting weird now. Neither Godley nor Bradley were on the Sox in 2021...maybe that has something to do with the photo backdrop?

Back to the hedge! 

Hard to call these boxes anything other than a resounding success with the big Hayes hit. The rest of the boxes are just a nice little bonus at that point.

Do you usually open these boxes? How do they go for you?

Homegrown by Alex Speier

The tagline for this book says it's "How the Red Sox built a champion from the ground up"

That couldn't be more accurate. This book follows the Red Sox behind the scenes starting with the 2011 draft. It follows the players drafted then, and acquired elsewhere along the way to the 2018 World Series Championship. Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, and Jackie Bradley Jr (all key contributors to the championship) are followed in detail as the work their way through the organization to Boston. It expores how each piece contributed to a greater whole.

This book is absolutely fantastic. I had a hard time putting it down. As a Red Sox fan who follows the team pretty closely, this book opened my eyes to a whole new world of player development. It explored how relationships are built between teammates in the minors. It showed how each player handled their advancements, or lack of advancement. It saw each of them integrated into the major league team in their own ways in their own time. It showed how those introductions sometimes formed the players they would become. It explained what happened with the 2014 Red Sox, and how that played a part in what would become the 2018 team. No detail was missed, so you're able to get the whole picture behind the team. I've never read a book like this before. It was so good I'm sure I would have loved it if it was about any team, but I'm glad this one covered the Sox.

Rating: 4 bases

That's Why JBJ Plays!

I mean, it couldn't be more clear. Right? With the game on the line last night, Jackie Bradley Jr made a phenomenal catch to rob a walk-off home run. The Red Sox won the game the following inning. He misses that ball, and the Orioles win. But, he made the catch so the Red Sox did. Cut. Dry.

And it's the same answer when you dig a little deeper too. Because I know what some of you are thinking. He wouldn't have needed to make that catch if he had gotten a timely hit or two earlier in the game. Which is true. If he had gotten a hit with men on the corners instead of an inning ending strikeout, the game might not have even gone into extra innings. (Of course, if any number of people had gotten a key hit, the game wouldn't have gone into extra innings.) But, let's explore that a little more.

Bradley is hitting a rather abysmal .147 on the season. That comes from only getting 15 hits in 102 at-bats. So, I can understand that some people want someone else coming to the plate. But, who? If you're looking to not start JBJ, then you're putting another player in there instead. Looking at the current roster, the most logical choices are Nunez or Pearce. They both happen to be batting below .200 at the moment as they battle injuries. (Geez, the bench is pretty thin at the moment.) But, for the sake of argument, say they were hitting a Bogaerts-like .250. That means that in 102 at-bats, they would get 25 hits. That's ten more than JBJ has. So, about one more hit every ten at-bats. Or, one more hit every three games.

So, by replacing Bradley with a “real hitter” the Sox would expect to get an additional hit per series from JBJ’s spot in the order. That hit may have come with men at first and third, or maybe not. But, I do know that putting Pearce or Nunez in the game instead of JBJ reduces your ability to make that catch. Or, a similar catch...because I know, Mookie is probably in center if JBJ’s not and he could have made that catch. But then you have Martinez or Pearce in right or left or wherever. That would be a downgrade over Mookie or ‘Tendi. You get the idea. You need to take a big hit to your outfield defense in order to get an extra hit per series.

Now, I fully admit that some of this decision comes from the fact that I assume JBJ will eventually snap out of this. We all know that every year there's a month or two where he practically carries the team with his bat. To the point, in fact, where his final numbers are just below average. I'll concede that over a full season JD’s much better bat would probably make up for his inferior glove. But, when you're looking at short bursts here or there, it's not nearly that dramatic. It's well worth keeping JBJ’s glove in the outfield in that scenario. I know it can be frustrating at times. But that doesn't mean it's not the right idea.

I'm not sure how anyone can think otherwise.

From The Phillies Room to Section 36

You probably read Jim’s recent write up about the yearly purge that went his way from here at Section 36. As a way to keep my mass of cards more manageable, any non-Red Sox non-star older than 10 years needs a new home. The Phillies cards find their way to the Phillies Room. (Does anyone want to claim another team?) in return, Jim was nice enough to send a package my way. Here’s what I found inside.

The first thing I noticed is this great 2019 Phillies schedule. Come November, it will be fun to have this item from the team the Red Sox defeat in the World Series. For a while, the Phillies would send me a schedule. Apparently buying one set of tickets was enough to get on their mailing list for season ticket promotional mailings. Always seemed odd to send a season ticket brochure hundreds of miles away. But I enjoyed the schedule, just like this one. Plus, since the Sox play the Phillies this year, it’s practically a Red Sox collectible.

This is a great collection of recent Red Sox inserts. I like how the Moncada has five pictures of him on the card, each showing one of the “five tools”. It’s the kind of commitment to the theme that is missing in a lot of insert sets. Like the Zporcrllo next to him. I have no idea what that card is even trying to do.

This card of Andrew Benintendi is one that makes me question my collecting. Is this a card? A small display piece? Something else? Either way, it’s welcomed in my collection.

Speaking of Benintendi, one of his cards leads off the “Heritage” portion of the post. These four cards are chrome versions. The ‘Tendi is a different color than the other three. I’m not knowledgeable enough to know why. But, ‘Tendi is numbered so that’s cool.

More Heritage! The entire Red Sox set, in fact. Were these pictures taken during Spring Training 2018? Is that why mid-season acquisition Steve Pearce didn’t get to pose in front of the hedge?

A couple inserts of Red Sox MVP candidates. They're definitely "Performers". Not sure if they're "New Age".

Red Sox all-stars. Hard to argue with this trio. I really like the look of this subset.

League Leaders! You know what the best part about these cards is? Not a Yankee in sight. I hate having to add Yankees to my collection because they happened to finish a distant third in some statistic.

The playoffs! What a wonderful collection of cards celebrating the ALCS defeat of the Astros. Who would have predicted that such a subset would include two cards of Jackie Bradley Jr, but both honoring his bat. Love the card of Benintendi with the risky all-out catch.

Just look at those beauties! I keep going back and forth as to whether to put the Muncy in my Red Sox binder. Obviously, he's not a Red Sox player...and it's celebrating a Red Sox loss. But, feels weird to break up the set. Thoughts?

We'll end this post with the best card in the package, and in the entire Heritage set. No wonder Topps chose it as number one.

So huge thanks to The Phillies Room for the fantastic package. 

I'll be sure to check that schedule to see what dates the Phillies will be losing to the Red Sox!

Having Heritage Hangover?

What can I say. My Target seems to be incredibly pokey when it comes to bringing out the new stock. It took forever to bring out the 2019 Topps flagship. And, of course, it's been fully stocked since then. Likewise, it was in no hurry to put 2019 Heritage on the shelves. But, I was finally able to grab a blaster today. Does anyone still care what I got in the packs? Either way, here we go!

The first Red Sox in the box has to share his card with two Astros. How is that fair? 

The first solo Red Sox card is this beauty of EdRo posing in front of his hedge. I'm expecting big things from EdRo this year, so it's nice to see the look of determination on his face.

Of course, we all know what the backs look like. We've been looking at them since 1970. But, since the Sale card listed the other league leaders on the back, this is the first Red Sox back in the box. The cartoon is nice. Although, winning the pitcher of the year for the Red Sox in 2015 isn't exactly the same as winning the Cy Young. Wonder who finished second.

For obvious reasons, I was excited about the World Series subset in this year's set. Naturally, the only card I pulled celebrates the only World Series game the Red Sox lost.

The last pack was apparently a Red Sox hot pack. First came these two cards of two more Sox players posing in front of the hedge. Wonder if we'll see Pedroia at 2nd base much for the Sox this year.

The pack also included these two cards, bringing the total to four Red Sox cards in the last pack. If I was excited about the World Series subset, I didn't actually know this subset existed. A set celebrating the ALCS championship is definitely OK in my book. 

Other then the Red Sox, this was the best card out of the box. Of course, with the 36,000 different variations in Heritage, it took me a while to figure out this was in here. With Harper's monster contract in Philadelphia, this card will soon find a home in The Phillies Room. No idea if Jim can speak french. 

So, that was my box.

Is it better than yours?

Erin Bradley Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! As I’m sure you’re aware, with Section 36 occupying a spot in the centerfield bleachers in Fenway,

we have a special affinity for Red Sox centerfielders. I think it’s safe to say that Erin Bradley shares those thoughts...after all she married one. She’s also a frequent traveler, philanthropist, and a devoted mother. I’m flattered she was willing to take some time out of her schedule to visit with us and discuss those topics, along with a few more. I know you’ll enjoy reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Erin Bradley visits Section 36!

Growing up in Virginia, were you much of a baseball fan? How else did you spend your time? 

I grew up just loving sports in general. I played softball from t-ball to my senior year of high school and played volleyball and swam. I was also really involved in musical theater and choir at school and church.

You studied kinesiology at Liberty University. What got you interested in that field? 

I grew up pretty active and always had a desire to be involved in something to do with sports/movement. I have a BS in kinesiology with a focus in health and physical education. So I also have my certification in teaching which I think it's so important to teach young ones the importance of staying healthy and active. 

Jackie made his Major League debut on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium, not exactly a low pressure situation. What were your emotions like as you watched him experience that? 

It was surreal. To be honest I don't even really remember much because I was so nervous for him. I remember just feeling so proud of him and having the utmost respect for him and his hard work for getting him there. 

You have a pretty frequent social media presence. How do you deal with the negative side of Red Sox fan social media? 

I feel like I handle it pretty well but I owe that all to Jackie. I used

to care about the opinions of others all the time. Good, bad, and indifferent. He doesn't care about the negativity and has really taught me to just let it go and ignore the negativity. At the end of the day everyone has opinions on everything. I'm not always going to agree with everyone and that's ok. I don't always handle things the right way but I strive to do my best and focus on positive things. 

You’ve been able to do a lot of traveling, both due to the Red Sox or on your own. What is your favorite place to visit? Why? 

Baseball wise I always enjoy going to Baltimore(close to family,

good food, good ballpark, nice hotel) as well as Seattle(just such a great city). Non baseball I really enjoy traveling to places in the Caribbean. We've been to a few places in the offseasons that are just so beautiful and relaxing(Antigua, Grenada to name a few)

Other than Section 36, what is your favorite feature or experience at Fenway Park? 

I would say the fan experience is a pretty fun one. Not many ballparks have such an intense atmosphere so it's pretty cool to see every night.

You have been involved in a lot of charity work through the Red Sox, whether it’s with the Red Sox Scholars or the many activities the Red Sox Wives are involved in. What drives you to be involved is so many ways? 

This will probably sound cliche but it's just the right thing to do. Whether you have a lot or a little to give we should always strive to do our part to help those in need. You never know what someone is going through or what they've been through so it's always important to love on those around you. You never know what your kindness could mean to someone or how it could change their day.

How often do you get to watch the Red Sox in person? Did that change much after your daughter Emerson was born? 

So during the homestands Emerson and I go to pretty much every

game. We are super thankful for accommodations provided by the Red Sox that allow us to come and watch the games. We don't go on too many road trips but if we do we definitely go to the games.  I use to travel all the time before I had Em but now I don't travel as much and during the games I'm busy trying to keep her occupied that I miss like half of what's going on so those are probably the differences from then to now but all that matters is that we are there supporting our man!

Does being able to watch Jackie on TV help you and Emerson endure his long road trips? 

I wouldn't say that it helps us but we definitely enjoy it! She loves getting to watch "daddy baseball". 

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I’m sure we all enjoy watching lots of "daddy baseball"!

I can’t thank Erin enough for doing this interview, especially with the craziness of daily life. It was a unique pleasure to get this small glimpse into her world. I also want to thank her for allowing me to use the fantastic pictures to accompany the interview. They really add that something special to the post.

I certainly recommend you check out the Red Sox community page to see all the amazing charity work and other activities Erin has been involved with. You should also go give her a follow on Instagram and Twitter. You won’t regret it.

Thanks again Erin!

Jillian Zucco Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jillian Zucco is a singer, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Massachusetts. We've been trying for

some time to get schedules to allow her to visit with us. I'm glad we were finally able to make it work, and I hope you enjoy what she had to say as much as I did!

So, let’s see what happens when Jillian Zucco visits Section 36!

After finishing as the runner up in the previous two Miss Massachusetts competitions, what was going through your mind this year when it was down to just you and Summer Foley in the final two?

Actually, we don’t narrow the winner from a Top 5 in Mass. We announce the runners-up and winner from the top 11. (It’s nice because the 1st runner-up still gets her moment. It’s an important position!) After they called the first runner up, I just kept telling myself that what’s meant to be will be. Regardless of the outcome, I was truly so happy with my run in the Miss Massachusetts program. I found best friends, earned loads of scholarship money,

and had so many incredible experiences. It would have all been worth the 5 years of competing even if I hadn’t won. However, I was hoping to fulfill my dream of performing on the Miss America stage. I believed I was ready and that I could do it. I had faith that this would be the year I won. Then I did, and I was elated!!!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Massachusetts crown?

My family and I went out for sushi the next day. I love my family, and I love sushi. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate. 😍

As a talented singer, you have been able to perform the national anthem at many venues, including Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, and the TD Banknorth Garden. Of all the anthems you’ve sung, which one stands out the most?

Singing at the iconic and historic Fenway Park stands out the most

for me. The energy in Fenway is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The fans are one big family. I felt that energy tenfold while standing out on the field before singing. There’s something special about singing "The Star-Spangled Banner” to kick off America’s pastime in the birthplace of America. 

We were all so excited to see you compete for Miss America. What is your best memory from that experience?

I cried when I walked onto the Boardwalk Hall stage for the first

time. I’ll never ever forget that moment. I’ll also never forget every second I spent laughing, eating, and lifting weights with my Miss America roommate, Chelsea Dubczac. She is Miss Iowa and is now one of my best friends!

Your platform is “Choose a Cause, Make a Difference.” Why is that important?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States’ volunteer rate has been steadily declining for over a decade. With tight budgets, nonprofits and charities cannot afford indifference by the public. Volunteering is an American core value. The “right to form voluntary associations” is actually included in the US Constitution. Volunteerism builds communities, strengthens a volunteer’s skills, offers networking opportunities for the volunteer, and is FUN when you involve your friends and family. We need to inspire MORE people to volunteer before this becomes a serious national issue. 

You work full-time as an Registered Nurse. Is it difficult to balance that career with the duties of being Miss Massachusetts?

I’d be lying if I said that it has been easy.  Thankfully, my

supervisor  has been so supportive and understanding, recognizing that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!  To keep up with my responsibilities and projects, I make a ton of lists, keep a paper calendar, and try to get to bed at a decent time when possible.

What is it like for you to watch Chris Sale pitch?

When I watch Chris Sale pitch, I know I’m watching history in the making. Incredible. Also, his teammates AND opponents have made positive comments about him as a person, not just as a player. That says a lot. 

Is the Benintendi-Bradley-Betts outfield the best you’ve ever seen?

I loved Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez and Trot Nixon together.

They were so great. I was 10 in 2004 and remember being glued to the television screen or in awe going to games with my Dad. I’d say this outfield is the best we’ve had since 2004.

Last season, the Red Sox seemed to miss David Ortiz’s presence, much like fans did. What is your favorite Ortiz memory?

Every walk-off hit! 

How will the Red Sox do in the 2018 season?

They’re going to be World Series contenders, for sure!!

---

That sure makes sense to me!

As always, I want to give a huge thank you to Jillian for taking the time to visit with us. I also want to thank her for setting me straight on how Miss Massachusetts is awarded. Ashamed to say I even watched her crowning, and still missed the fact that the stage was full of people. Another big thank you to her for providing the wonderful pictures to go along with the interview. There are plenty of them, and they definitely made the post much better.

As Jillian finishes her term as Miss Massachusetts, be sure to keep track of her on all the official Miss Massachusetts social media accounts: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and even Snapchat! 

Thanks again for the visit Jillian!

Opening Day Lineup!

Today is Baseball Opening Day! And, you know what that means…

It’s the start of Fantasy Baseball!

I realized that I haven’t shared with you the results of my draft, held on Tuesday. So, for those of you waiting for it, you’ll find it below! Just as a reminder, this is a ten team 5x5 league, with 27 roster spots. 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, so technically I got Mike Trout with that pick. My other keepers ere Bogaerts in the fourteenth round, and Nola in the sixteenth. Got that?

C Vazquez – Red Sox

1B Santana – Phillies

2B Baez – Cubs

3B Bregman – Astros

SS Bogaerts – Red Sox

CI Devers – Red Sox

MI Villar – Brewers

OF Trout – Angels

OF Pham – Cardinals

OF Inciarte – Braves

OF Eaton – Nationals

U Carpenter – Cardinals

U Anderson – White Sox

U Arcia – Brewers

Bench Bradley, Jr – Red Sox

SP Ray – Diamondbacks

SP Castillo – Reds

SP Arrieta – Phillies

RP Kimbrel – Red Sox

RP Rivero – Pirates

P Hand – Padres

P Iglesias – Reds

P Miller – Indians

Bench Nola – Phillies

Bench Parker – Angels

Bench Pomeranz – Red Sox

Bench Kuhl – Pirates

I didn't get as many Red Sox players as I usually do. But, I think lots of that is because most of the Sox were good enough to be kept by other teams. Betts, Benintendi, Sale, and Price never saw the light of day. I was able to add Kimbrel after deciding not to "keep" him. I also picked up Devers, probably too early. Bradley, Vazquez, and Pomeranz were three of my last four picks. So, I showed a lot more restraint than I often do.

According to projections from the league, I should finish second thanks to an elite pitching staff. (Another oddity. I sometimes don't even draft a closer. This year, not only did I draft Kimbrel in the second round, but I drafter so many closers that I can't even play them all at once.)

Can't see how the season plays out!