36 Pack Wax Match: Pack 22

The Stage has been set. The Match is underway. Who will come out on top? There’s only one way to find out.

Keep going, and open that twenty-second pack!

As we dive into this pack, 1990 was holding onto its lead following a tie in pack twenty-one! Can it once again extend its lead? Let's see!

Hall of Fame +1

1988 Starts things off with this great card of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. This is a pretty much perfect card with the ivy in the background showing off the Cubs home uniform, which matches perfectly with the red and white borders on the card. Awesome.

But, that's where the scoring ends! Will one lonely point be enough?

Hall of Fame +1

1990 doesn't think so. It gets that point back with this great Ken Griffey Jr card. The cropping might be a little closer than I'd like. But, you can't go wrong with the Kid as a kid.

Red Sox +2

Now things are just getting silly. 1990 adds another two points with Jody Reed. The red and white on this card actually makes the colors work, which is fantastic.

And that's where the scoring ends! 1990 extends its lead by taking another pack victory!

Box Bottom: 1988 +1 (1-0)

Pack 1:  1990 +6 (1-1)
Pack 2:  1990 +4 (2-1)
Pack 3:  1988 +3 (2-2)
Pack 4:  1990 +1 (3-2)
Pack 5:  1990 +1 (4-2)
Pack 6:  1988 +2 (3-4)
Pack 7:  1988 +3 (4-4)
Pack 8:  TIE   +0 (4-4)
Pack 9:  1990 +2 (5-4)
Pack 10: 1990 +4 (6-4)
Pack 11: 1990 +4 (7-4)
Pack 12: 1990 +1 (8-4)
Pack 13: 1990 +5 (9-4)
Pack 14: 1988 +3 (5-9)
Pack 15: 1988 +2 (6-9)
Pack 16: 1988 +3 (7-9)
Pack 17: 1990 +3 (10-7)
Pack 18: 1988 +2 (8-10)
Pack 19: 1988 +3 (9-10)
Pack 20: 1990 +2 (11-9)
Pack 21: TIE   +0 (11-9)
Pack 22: 1990 +2 (12-9)

What will happen next time?

What Happened?

When the Dream Team 1992 USA Basketball team was getting ready to qualify for the Olympics, the first game they played together as a team was against a collection of college stars. 

The college kids smoked them. 

There are some reasons why this might have happened. The Dream Team was just coming together as a "team". Maybe they took it lighter than the college kids who had something to prove. Some people think that the Dream Team coaches threw the game, as a way to get the team's attention and tell them not to take any team lightly. The main factor supporting this theory? Michael Jordan didn't play much is the second half. With the game on the line, team USA's best player was on the bench. Now, in a regular season game, I might buy that theory. If the Celtics don't play their best player, that might be a reason for them to lose the game. But, this was a collection of hall of famers...playing college kids. Jordan would have made that much of a difference? Bird and Magic and Malone and Robinson and the other guys on the team weren't enough? 

Which brings me to this last Red Sox homestand. Mookie Betts is still on the DL, so the Sox are without their best player. So, I can understand them struggling against Houston on the road. But, Detroit and Chicago? Even without Hanley, JD and Xander and Benintenti and Moreland can't carry it out? How much better would Mookie have been? Maybe an extra hit a game? Was that the difference? I mean, JBJ hit a home run, so it's not like they were expecting Mookie's pop and didn't get it.

Or, maybe it's like the Dream Team missing Jordan. It just shifts everything out of order, and everyone it playing catch up from there. Maybe they just need to get things back to normal.

Hopefully Mookie is back soon so we can find out!

Alyssa Maitoza Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Alyssa Maitoza is a dancer, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Bristol County. She is presently

gearing up for the Miss Massachusetts competition at the end of the month. I’m flattered that she was willing to take the time out of her busy schedule to discuss those topics, and a few more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Alyssa Maitoza visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss Bristol County?

Right after I won Miss Bristol County, I had a cheeseburger and fries! I was so hungry after having such a long day of competition, but after that, I spent time with my family that came to support me that day. 

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Bristol County?

I am constantly surprised by the influence I have, especially on young children. When kids see someone with a sparkly crown, they pay attention to your every move. It is such a blessing to be able to be a role model for young girls in my travels, and my favorite moments are when they tell me they'd like to be just like me when they grow up. It seems like I was in their shoes not too long ago, and I am so grateful to have this platform to be a role model. 

You’re a former Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen, but this will be your first trip to the Miss Massachusetts stage. What aspect of that upcoming competition are you most nervous about?

Most people think I'd be wary of the Lifestyle and Fitness in swimsuit phase, just because this is my first time having to compete in that on stage, but I'm actually really excited for that phase. Much like when I competed at the teen level, I am always most nervous for the onstage question. I absolutely love the interview phase, but the onstage question is so much more of a high pressure situation in my mind. I always have to take a deep breath before I answer, and tell myself that it always ends up being just fine.  

How did you select your platform, “The Arts in Action”?

Choosing "The Arts in Action" as my platform was a no-brainer. It has been my platform since I started competing at the teen level as a 13 year old, and I don't think I would ever change it. I have been singing, dancing, and acting for as long as I can remember, and the performing arts have helped me through every up and down in my life. I have seen firsthand how the arts can make a difference, and I want to be an advocate for how important they are. I am a strong proponent of keeping the arts alive in our school systems, especially since schools are becoming more and more of a stressful environment for kids.

As a superb dancer, what is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage? 

My favorite part about tapping on stage is the audience's reaction. I chose tap as my talent because it is always so awe-inspiring, and people go crazy for tap! 

You recently played the role of Belle in Rhode Island College’s production of Beauty and the Beast. What was that experience like?

Playing Belle was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. Something about her just set my soul on fire, and throughout the process I got so attached to how empowered she made me feel. I loved exploring new ways to make this classic Disney princess more of a strong, and independent woman with each rehearsal. Our wonderful director, Bill Wilson, just kept telling me over and over again, "I am woman, hear me roar," and if one quote were to describe my Belle, it would be that one. I was also so fortunate to have such a supportive cast and crew that I now consider a second family, and Beauty and the Beast will always hold a special place in my heart. 

If you can’t sit in Section 36, where would you like to sit to watch a Red Sox game?

If I could sit anywhere to watch a Red Sox game, I would want to sit close to the dugout, to see the players get ready to knock em out of the park, and so I'd have a nice view of the green monster. 

Who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

My favorite player right now is Mookie Betts, because he's a great player, and he has the BEST outfield dance! 

How do you think the Red Sox will finish the 2018 season?

I think the Red Sox could win the World Series this year! 

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I think she’s absolutely right!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Alyssa for doing this interview, especially since she has so much going on right now getting ready Miss MA. (I should point out that between the times Alyssa did the interview and when I could actually post it, Miss America eliminated the "Lifestyle and Fitness in swimsuit" phase from their competition, although that phase will still be at Miss MA. I think it’s interesting that she was looking forward to that phase.) I also want to thank her for providing the pictures to accompany the interview. They definitely spruce up the post, and make it a lot more fun to read.

As Alyssa continues her time as Miss Bristol County, I encourage you to follow her on the official Miss Bristol County Facebook page. 

I also want to wish Alyssa luck this month as she competes for the Miss Massachusetts crown! It’d be fantastic to once again have a prior visitor to Section 36 take home that title! 

Thanks again Alyssa, and good luck!

36 Pack Wax Match: Pack 21

The Stage has been set. The Match is underway. Who will come out on top? There’s only one way to find out.

Keep going, and open that twentyfirst pack!

As we dive into this pack, 1990 went back to its winning ways with a victory in pack twenty! Can it continue to extend its lead? Let's see!

Red Sox +2

This great card of Kevin Romine starts things off right! You know the deal..Red Sox colors and the border colors loo great together!

Yankees -2

 But, then the pack loses the points. This card of Tolleson staring into the sun drops the pack back to zero.

Hall of Fame +1

This card containing Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett pits the pack into positive values again. Matt Nokes was an all-star?

And that's where the scoring ends. 1988 will have to hope that lone point holds up.

Red Sox +2

 1990 Starts off strong with this card of Red Sox fireballer Lee Smith. The away uniforms don't coordinate so well with the these borders.

Hall of Fame +1

The scoring continues with this card of legendary Dodger Eddie Murray.

Yankees -2

1990 slides back a bit with a Yankees card. I know it's just for a picture, but how far is he choking up on that bat? He's going to break his wrist if he tries to swing that way.

Interestingly enough, that's where the scoring ends. We have another tie! Everyone go find your sister.

Box Bottom: 1988 +1 (1-0)

Pack 1:  1990 +6 (1-1)
Pack 2:  1990 +4 (2-1)
Pack 3:  1988 +3 (2-2)
Pack 4:  1990 +1 (3-2)
Pack 5:  1990 +1 (4-2)
Pack 6:  1988 +2 (3-4)
Pack 7:  1988 +3 (4-4)
Pack 8:  TIE   +0 (4-4)
Pack 9:  1990 +2 (5-4)
Pack 10: 1990 +4 (6-4)
Pack 11: 1990 +4 (7-4)
Pack 12: 1990 +1 (8-4)
Pack 13: 1990 +5 (9-4)
Pack 14: 1988 +3 (5-9)
Pack 15: 1988 +2 (6-9)
Pack 16: 1988 +3 (7-9)
Pack 17: 1990 +3 (10-7)
Pack 18: 1988 +2 (8-10)
Pack 19: 1988 +3 (9-10)
Pack 20: 1990 +2 (11-9)
Pack 21: TIE   +0 (11-9)

What will happen next time?

Join Sabrina Ponte at Fenway for Massachusetts Night Tonight!

Baseball teams have been trying a lot of different ideas for drawing fans to the ballpark. Naturally, some are good and some are bad.

Some are short term fixes, and some are long term solutions.

One of the more popular short term ideas is giveaways. If you come to the game, you’ll get something free. Or, if you come to the game early, you get something free (like a Benintendi bobblehead, perhaps).While those certainly get people to that specific game it’s never clear whether you’re drawing fans to increase your fan base, or drawing people who collect garden gnomes with no intention of ever buying another ticket.

The other popular idea is to increase in-game entertainment. The minor leagues are pro’s at this, with a different activity happening between almost every inning. Whether it’s mascot races, or trivia contests, there’s always something to do. The major leagues have adopted some of these, like pierogi races in Pittsburgh, or even Sweet Caroline in Fenway. While I doubt anyone is buying a ticket just to come to the park to sing a song in the eighth inning, it adds to the overall enjoyment of the experience. Without even really putting their finger on it, fans leave the game in a better mood, and will be more likely to remember that when they consider buying another ticket. I generally like these types of activities, as long as they don’t take away the focus from the game. (I hate “kid areas” where you’re encouraged to stop watching the game and go someplace else with your kids.)

One idea that Fenway has embraced is theme nights. Sometimes they’re a big sponsored event, like Star Wars Night. Sometimes these are barely announced, like the nights celebrating New England states. In those cases, they might play specific music, or show specific graphics on the scoreboard. Not enough to alter the game, but enough to make you feel a little better, even if the specifics don’t jump out at you.

To that end, tonight the Red Sox are hosting Massachusetts Night! I would expect there to be mascots from different Massachusetts teams there to hang around with Wally and Tessie. Maybe the song selections will have a Massachusetts slants. Of course, the biggest draw is always the appearance of Massachusetts local Miss America titleholders. 

Tonight you’ll have the chance to be in the same building as former visitor Sabrina Ponte as she proudly wears the Miss Cranberry Country crown and sash. It will be sure to make an already fantastic night even better. Be sure to get in your seats early so you can see her introduced on the field.

And, should you bump into her, tell her how much you enjoyed her interview with Section 36.

You should also politely ask if you can take a picture with her…with Section 36 in the background, of course!