My Favorite Brady Games

What a week it's been for Boston legends. First, David Ortiz was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Now, Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from the TB Buccaneers. So, like I did for Ortiz, I thought it would be a good opportunity to recap my favorite Tom Brady games that I've attended.

Unfortunately, I never got to see Brady play for the Patriots live. But, I did get to see him live at Fenway three times as he celebrated Super Bowl championships. Since this is a Red Sox blog, that may even work out better anyway. So, which ones were they?

2002 Red Sox home opener. Boston was relatively new to the championship game. Or, at least, this generation was relatively new. It had been fifteen years between titles for the city. So, after the Patriots upset the Rams to win their first title, we weren't really sure what to expect. The Red Sox Opening Day ceremony was going on like any other, up to the anthem. The Red Sox draped a large American flag covering the green monster, in a pretty cool display. Then, suddenly, after the song, the Patriots emerged from underneath the flag to a loud ovation. Maybe others knew they'd be there, but it was a cool surprise for me. The players, including that new Brady guy, all threw out the first pitch to a collection of Red Sox players. It was a great moment, even if it felt a bit like the Red Sox were riding on the Patriots coattails.

2015 Red Sox home opener. By now, championships in Boston were old hat. Not only had the Patriots just won their fourth trophy, the Red Sox had three recent ones of their own, and the Bruins and Celtics even each had one. We knew how it worked by now. So it wasn't a question of if someone from the Patriots would throw out the first pitch. It was just a matter of which one. Or, ones. As it turns out, we hit the jackpot when it comes to star power. Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, Bill Belichick, and Tom Brady emerged from behind the flag this time. Are there four bigger pieces to the puzzle? Brady was wearing a t-shirt with a giant "5" on the front. We wondered what that meant. He had just won his fourth ring...was it a suggestion he was getting number 5 next? That was pretty optimistic of him. Geez. Of course, he would get number five in a couple years. And six a couple years after that. And seven a few years after that. Geez indeed. 

2017 Red Sox home opener. Like I said. Just a couple years later the Patriots would be back celebrating a ring. Who would we get this time? Well, the Patriots stepped it up a notch. This time they brought the star power, with Robert Kraft, Dion Lewis, James White, and Rob Gronkowski joining Tom Brady at the ceremony. But they also brought a skit! You may remember that Brady had his Super Bowl jersey stolen from the locker room and had just recently gotten it back. As he approached the infield he held that jersey up high to show the fans...only to have Gronk steal it and run away with it. Brady had to chase Gronk down to get it back. It was corny, but we didn't mind. It was fun and we all had a good laugh.

Which is the whole point. It's fun to have fun together. Especially once every team started winning, it was fun to have all these joint celebrations. They weren't riding coattails. They were celebrating each other as one big Boston sports family.

It was great to participate.

Thanks, Tom!

Alicia Capone Visits Section 36!

Photo by Rob Hare

Section 36 has another visitor! Alicia Capone cofounded a girls empowerment workshop, is a Red Sox fan, and a current member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders! I'm thrilled that she was willing to take some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about those topics, and a few more. I know you'll love reading what she had to say.

So, let’s see what happens when Alicia Capone visits Section 36!

You recently started StrongHER, a girl empowerment workshop, with your sister. How did that come about?

Daria and I wanted to make a positive impact in the community and realized there was no better way than to empower young girls. We noted there were many women empowerment workshops, but not many geared towards the youth and we wanted to change that! We did our research, started brainstorming and strongHER was born!

What are the goals and target audiences of StrongHER?

Our goal is to empower girls ages 11-18 years old to have the self confidence and mental toughness to achieve their goals and tackle any obstacle that comes their way!

If someone hosts one of your StrongHER workshops, what sorts if presentations/activities/etc can they expect?

Photo by Dwight Darian

In the 2 hour workshop we have, girls practice positive mindset, words of affirmation, visualization and goal setting. We like to make this fun so it’s taught through interactive lectures and activities!

You were recently selected to your second season as a New England Patriots Cheerleader. What do you think will be different about your experience this year?

I’m so grateful for another season cheering on the best team in the NFL! This year being a veteran I hope I can lead and guide the rookies through the season and help make their first year one they will never forget.

How did you celebrate making the squad?

This year I was lucky enough to be with some of the men and

Photo by Dwight Darian

women who participated in bootcamp. We got lunch and shortly after the team was announced. I was celebrating in Patriot Place with my new teammates. It was awesome!

What was the experience of cheering at Super Bowl LIII like?

I don’t even think I can put it into words as it still doesn't feel like real life! It was simple amazing and the whole experience in Atlanta is one I will never forget!

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

I played softball for many years and I was a catcher so of course one of my favorite players on the current roster is Christian Vazquez.

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway park that you'd especially like to experience?

I really want to catch a ball at Fenway Park. Catching a homerun ball in the Green Monster or even in section 36 would be so cool!

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series?

Well this is embarrassing... I was sleeping, BUT I can explain. I was watching the game Sunday night and the Sox were winning so I said to myself, "I have to be at work tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM. I should probably go to bed soon". So my plan was to set my alarm for midnight to watch the 9th inning and the celebration (since every game in the series has ended past midnight). Well of course the game got over before midnight so when my alarm woke me up I missed the 9th inning, but I was able to watch the team celebrate.

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I guess we can forgive her for sleeping through the ending. I hope she catches that ball someday!

As always, I want to thank Alicia for visiting with us. It was great hearing everything she had to say! I love the ability to combine two New England sports teams in one interview like this too.

As a way to follow along with Alicia, I suggest you visit her New England Patriots Cheerleaders bio page. It's full of great information and pictures. You should also follow her on Instagram. It's a great way to follow her journey through the season, and hopefully another Super Bowl!

You should also be sure to check out the StrongHER website and Instagram account to see more of what the program is all about!

Thanks again for the visit Alicia, and Go Pats!

Talia Laurito Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Talia Laurito is a wellness coach, a talented dancer, and a current member of the New England Patriots

Cheerleaders! She's also a...let's just say...fan of a team that's not the Red Sox. But, with recent events being what they are, I thought it would be fun to hear her views on this recent postseason. So, I'm excited that she was willing to take some time out of her schedule to talk with us about those topics, and a few more. I know you'll love reading what she had to say.

So, let’s see what happens when Talia Laurito visits Section 36!

What made you decide to try out to be a New England Patriots Cheerleader?

Photo by Dwight Darian

I’ve danced my whole life so this has always been something I thought about doing. I never really planned on auditioning because I was so busy dancing and choreographing but my good friend was trying out so I decided to give it a shot! I loved the idea of being able to perform again, that was something I was really missing.

How did you celebrate making the squad?
I celebrated with my family and close friends! Everyone was so excited for me it was very special!

This is your second season with the team. How has it been different than last year?
My first season with the pats was nothing short of amazing but I

will say being a 2nd year is definitely less stressful. You know what  to expect and you can just enjoy the whole experience a little bit more. Also you make so many friends on the team its always awesome coming back to them for year two!

You major in dance at Rhode Island College. What is your favorite part about performing?
I loved being able to study dance while in college. It gave me the opportunity to continue doing what loved which was performing, I just love being on stage, its my happy place. It took my mind off of the everyday college stress. Performing was always something I looked forward to.

You are also a certified Health and Wellness Coach. What do you like about that field?

I love helping people, that’s really why I got into the health and wellness field.  I’ve always been a dance teacher and I loved teaching young dancers and as I got older I wanted to be able to help adults too. I love helping my clients feel good about themselves and helping them build confidence and work through road blocks in their lives.

You recently partnered with fellow NEPC Isabella to offer a workout program starting in the new year. What can you tell me about that program?
We are so excited to launch our New You NOW program! Its an

online fitness and wellness program. Full video workouts created by Bella and I. Meal plan samples, grocery lists, advice and tips from us, and of course coaching and check-ins throughout the program!

How did the partnership with Isabella begin?
Bella and I have been friends since we made the team and we are both personal trainers so we thought a little collab would be perfect!

As a Yankees fan, did you watch any of the 2018 World Series?
I did watch bits and pieces of the World Series! I’m a huge sports fan and I enjoy watching the games. I was happy to see the Sox win even though I’m not a sox fan!

What do you remember about your first trip to Fenway Park?

I love Fenway! I lived In Boston for a few years and I always enjoyed going to baseball games at Fenway! I remember enjoying all the happy fans and exciting things happening . I also remember comparing it to Yankees Stadium. :)

Can the Yankees catch the Red Sox next season?
Don’t ever underestimate the Yanks!!!!

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I guess we'll have to see!

As always, I want to thank Talia for visiting with us. It was a lot of fun! I also want to thank her for letting me use the pictures along with the interview. They really spruce things up.

As a way to follow along with Talia, I suggest you visit her New England Patriots Cheerleaders bio page. It's full of great information and pictures. It's a fantastic way to follow her journey through the season, and hopefully the Super Bowl!

You should also absolutely try to take part in the January fitness program she's running! It looks like the perfect way to make sure that you keep that New Year's resolution this year. If you hurry, you might even be able to get the early bird pricing!

Thanks again for the visit Talia, and Go Pats!

Isabella Tropeano Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Isabella Tropeano is a world traveler, a Red Sox fan, and a current member of the New

Photo by Rob Hare

England Patriots Cheerleaders! I'm so excited that she was willing to take some time out of her schedule to talk with us about those topics, and a few more. I know you'll love reading what she had to say.

So, let’s see what happens when Isabella Tropeano visits Section 36!

You have a degree in applied psychology and human development. What do you like about that field? 

I LOVE people. Honest and truly I cannot imagine my world without lots of social interactions. I love getting to know people, exploring our similarities, differences, values, goals and even the way we think! While I don’t currently hold a job in this exact field, I like to think that my degree helps me every day in the field of personal training and of course as an NFL cheerleader!

What made you decide to try out to be a New England Patriots Cheerleader? 

Photo by Rob Hare

I decided to try out to become a New England Patriots Cheerleader first and foremost because I was ready to take my dancing to the next level. I was on BC’s dance team for three years and was ready to push myself to become a professional. Making the team has been the most amazing experience of my life. When deciding to try out I could have never even imagined all the opportunities and experiences NFL cheerleading would soon reward me.

How did you celebrate making the squad for a second time? 

The second time I made the team I was surrounded by my teammates at Gillette Stadium! Making the team a second time was so different from the first, I think because I got to be excited about all the things I knew I would get to experience again, like our swimsuit calendar trip, game days and promotional appearances.

How have things been different for you during your second year on the team? 

Things have been so different this year but definitely all in the best

way possible! I feel more confident and not as nervous when performing in front of all of our fans, and lots of new friendships with my teammates have blossomed which I am so thankful for. It’s a known NEPC thing that you wait for the day you are no longer a rookie because you finally feel like you have it all together!

You’ve been able to travel all over the world. What has been your favorite place to visit? Why? 

While my favorite place has to be Italy, since that is where my Dad is from and where most of my family lives, another amazing trip I took was to Mexico City for the Patriots vs. Raiders game. I had no idea what Mexico City would be like and the people were so warm and welcoming. I got to climb to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun and sign autographs for hundreds of fans. Being with my best friends, in a brand-new place doing what we love certainly made memories that will last a life time.  

What is your personal fitness routine? 

I switch up my fitness routine all the time and since I’m a personal trainer myself I’m constantly trying new things. While I love getting in the gym and doing cardio and weights I also love Corepower yoga’s sculpt class. Sculpt is a yoga class which incorporates weights. It’s high intensity and sure to leave you sore the next day. Speaking of fitness if anyone is looking for a new routine, I’m running a January fitness program with my teammate Talia which is sure to be a success!

Your boyfriend is a pitcher in the Minnesota Twins organization. Are you still able to cheer for the Red Sox? 

Of course!! Since we both live in Boston during his off season we certainly still root for the Sox. I grew up a Red Sox fan and they will always be one of my favorite teams. There’s nothing like a warm summer night watching baseball with a famous Fenway Frank!

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

I’ve always wanted to go to one of the extreme winter sports events at Fenway Park. I think it would be so cool to see the park transformed into a snowy wonderland!

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series? 

Brian and I were on our couch glued to the TV! We had good vibes it was going to be the Red Sox throughout the entire series and were waiting for that last pitch!

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I bet a lot of us would answer that last question the same way!

As always, I want to thank Isabella for visiting with us. I enjoyed everything she had to say! I also want to thank her for the pictures she sent along to include with the interview. They're incredible shots.

As a way to follow along with Isabella, I suggest you visit her New England Patriots Cheerleaders bio page. It's full of great information and pictures. It's a wonderful way to follow her journey through the season, and hopefully the Super Bowl!

You should also absolutely contact her to take part in the January fitness program she's running! It looks like the perfect way to make sure that you keep that New Year's resolution this year.

Thanks again for the visit Isabella, and Go Pats!

Nicolette Peloquin Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Nicolette Peloquin is a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Rhode Island. In addition to following the

Sox, she'll be spending her summer preparing for Miss America in September. Thankfully she was nice enough to take time out of her busy schedule and visit with us to discuss her short time as Miss Rhode Island, Disney Princesses, the Red Sox, and much more. 

So, let's see what happens when Nicolette Peloquin visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss Rhode Island?

Right after I was crowned Miss Rhode Island, I was immediately surrounded my friends, family, and mentors.  After years of competing (this was my third time), I had finally pulled through and brought home the gold for all those people that have been supporting me for YEARS.  There is so much time and energy invested in preparing for a pageant so I was glad I could make them proud! I would be remiss to not mention that I had lots of donuts that night too!!

What lessons from the Miss Rhode Island competition can you bring with you to Miss America?

I now know that I won this year because I was the best version of myself.  I was not worried about being better than the girl next to me.  I was most concerned with being the best version of the person I saw in the mirror.  In preparation for Miss America, it will be important for me to remain true to myself and where I come from while helping people along the way.

Which portion of the Miss America competition are you most excited about?

I am most excited about the interview portion of competition.  I feel as though this portion of competition allows for the judges to see who I truly am!  I have a bubbly, outgoing personality and always try to get the panel of judges laughing.  At Miss Rhode Island, I

Nicolette is flanked
by Carly Fisher (L)
and Alissa Musto (R)

had the judges laughing about a story that involved my late grandfather and it brought me comfort in one of the most important aspects of competition.

Last year your talent was singing while dressed as Rapunzel. What made you switch back to a tumbling routine for this year’s competition?

On the weekend’s, I perform as a Disney Princess where I do magic tricks, balloon animals, sing, and dance.  Considering it was something I practiced almost every weekend for work, I figured why not (and the costume was super cool)!  As I had said before,

when preparing this year for the competition, I wanted to remain true to myself.  My roots lie in all star cheerleading so I knew I needed to go back to a tumbling routine.  I was a competitive cheerleader from a very young age and had the opportunity to represent the United States at the USASF Cheerleading Worlds for a number of years.  I am so incredibly thankful that I have such an extensive background in tumbling, it made the talent portion of competition this year so much more enjoyable!

In addition to Rapunzel, as you mentioned, you’ve performed as Belle and Anna at various events. Which Disney Princess is your favorite? Why?

Being a 90’s baby, I am a huge fan of the classic princesses.  There are some really well developed characters in some of the newer Disney movies but I would still have to go with Belle from “Beauty and the Beast”.  Belle is introverted yet looks for the best in those who aren't necessarily the kindest to her; I think this is a message that should resonate with everyone!

How did you become involved with your platform, “Be the Match: The National Bone Marrow Registry?

I lost both my Nana Nancy and Papa Kenny to cancer.  While my Nana Nancy was undergoing treatment, I had an emergency surgery to remove a golf ball sized lymph node that was potentially Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Luckily, I came out unscathed and had a blood infection.  However, there are so many people who end up being diagnosed with a blood cancer.  When I went back to school (Salve Regina), there was a registry drive for Be the Match and I joined.  Within a few months I was called and told I was a match for a 60 year old stranger.  I knew what I had to do!  On August 9, 2016, the day after my 21st birthday, I donated over 360 million stem cells to a stranger in another country.  Just a few weeks ago, I finally found out that my match is healthy and doing well.  It is an incredible feeling to know I may have lost out on celebrating my birthday, but I was able to buy my match another birthday and more time with her family. If you are interested in joining the registry, click on the link: http://www.ribc.org/ways-to-give/donate-marrow Use promo code : MISSRI

This is the first Red Sox season in a while without David Ortiz. What’s your favorite Ortiz memory?

My favorite Ortiz memory, by far, is not one that has to do with a fantastic hit.  When he took the microphone at the Red Sox game right after the Boston Marathon Bombing and spoke, what he said showed how resilient and united the city of Boston was, and always will be.  So many people were shocked by the lack of censorship but I respect that it was from the heart and embodied so much of what the city of Boston stands for!

Who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?
Dustin Pedroia has showed an immense amount of commitment to the Red Sox organization.  So many athletes will bounce around from team to team, but he has stayed true to Boston.  Pedroia has been a consistent asset to the team and a leader.

How do you think the Red Sox will finish the 2017 season? 

Considering the fact that the Sox are tied for first with the Yankees…. let’s be serious.  We know they will end up on top!  New England sports teams are the best.  No need to knock on wood here.  Regardless, I am a proud Sox fan no matter what the outcome is this year!

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Fantastic answer! Glad she'll always be a fan of her Sox!

As always, I want to send a huge thank you to Nicolette for taking the time to visit with us. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Another big thanks for supplying the great pictures to go along with the interview. They really make the interview much better than it would be otherwise. The fact that she sent a picture of three Section 36 visitors was just perfection.

If you'd like to keep up with Nicolette during her time as Miss Rhode Island, check out her official Facebook, and Instagram. You can also follow the Miss Rhode Island Organization itself on both Facebook and Instagram. Oh, and if you happen to be looking at some Barbara Gerwitt items over at Island Pursuit, you might recognize one of the models!

And, of course, I want to wish Nicolette luck at the Miss America competition in September! Last year Alissa finished in the top 15 after visiting Section 36. Hopefully Nicolette does at least as well as that.

Thanks again Nicolette, and good luck!