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.

Jayden Moffa Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jayden Moffa is a singer, a baseball fan, and (for another week or so) the current Miss Laurel

Photo by Michelle Fisher Photography

Summit. I’m thrilled she was interested in visiting with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I’m sure you’ll love reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Jayden Moffa visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Laurel Summit title?

Lucky for me that the venue I won at was very close to home. (I'm talking like 7 minute trip MAX!) So I was able to go home and relax and really enjoy the evening. The next day I celebrated with one of my favorite desserts, double chocolate cake! 

What was most surprising about your time with the Miss Laurel Summit crown?

When I took on the job this year, I knew I really wanted to go big or go home. I got involved with a statewide program here in Pennsylvania called BrainSTEPS (Strategies Teaching Educators, Parents, and Students) I started a college speaking tour with this group and I was grateful that I did. During my reign I spoke at over dozens of high schools and colleges about the importance of concussion awareness. What really took me by surprise was how many students and adults opened up to me about their personal stories and issues with traumatic brain injuries. I was left speechless and sometimes in tears because of others similar stories, but I was also humbled by the fact that I was able to listen to them and guide them to help. 

What was you favorite thing that happened to you while wearing the Miss Laurel Summit crown?

I truly can not count how many appearances I made during my

reign because I think it was at a record high! One of my favorite memories while wearing the Miss Laurel Summit Crown would have to be at my 3rd Annual Children's Miracle Network Golf Outing. While raising over $6,000 for CMN I was able to enjoy the day golfing (One of my favorite hobbies) all while in a sash and crown! It truly was a great day. Oh and I also got to meet Miss America 2018 Cara Mund! She signed my sash!

How did you select your platform, Concussion Awareness through BrainSteps?

Choosing my platform to be Concussion Awareness Through BrainSteps was pretty set in stone because of the traumatic brain injuries that I suffered through. My first concussion went undiagnosed for over 14 months and I now suffer with a learning disability as well as a loss of depth perception in my right eye. I struggled tremendously in high school and going into college. It was only fitting that I used my struggles to now be my voice and platform. 

As a talented singer, what types of songs are your favorite to sing on stage?

I truly love anything big and showy. I tend to take on songs that are sassy and show lots of personality. I am always down for channeling my inner Celine Dion, or Whitney Huston. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

As a lover of all things sweet, my personal fitness routine has to

dominate all of that. My boyfriend is a State Trooper, so he usually ends up putting me through a pretty hefty workout. I am at the gym 6 days a week with a pretty set plan. Monday: Back and Biceps. Tuesday: Chest and Triceps. Wednesday: Legs. Thursday: Shoulders. Friday: Arms. Saturday/Sunday: Free Workout. I have learned to really love lifting because I feel very empowered. When the weather is nice I am all about going for a hike at Laurel Summit State Park, which just happens to be my title! 

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

Mookie Betts!! He is extremely active off the field with multiple charities which is an amazing quality for a MLB player. I have Mookie to win the AL MVP award this year. I think he is one of the best all around players in baseball right now, great defense and great hitter! 

As a Pirates fan, you've been able to watch many games at PNC Park. What is your favorite feature of that ballpark?

PNC Park is known for having a beautiful view of the city skyline. This is one of my favorite features of the ballpark! There are also some pretty great places to eat, in and around PNC! 

Would you ever want to see the Pirates play the Red Sox at Fenway Park?

I think a trip to Fenway Park could surely be in my future travels.. but I would be cheering "Lets Go Bucs!"

---

If she makes the trip, I'm sure she'll have an amazing time!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Jayden for doing this interview. I also want to thank her for providing so many amazing pictures to accompany the interview. They really add something extra to the post.

As Jayden wraps up her time as Miss Laurel Summit, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Laurel Summit Facebook page and Instagram. It’ll be worth your time! And, since she'll be turning over her crown so soon, you should also follow her personal Instagram to make sure you don't miss a thing.

Thanks again Jayden!

Between the Stitching - by Taylor Higgins

Since this isn't the type of book I usually review, I would say the best way to start this write up is by using the author’s own words.

From the back cover:

In this New England based romance, Taylor Higgins invites you along on the journey she and soulmate, Skyler Williams, share together. Williams, a professional baseball player in the Boston Red Sox organization, battles his way through minor league baseball in hopes of pursuing his dream of playing in the big leagues. During this adventure, the couple encounters many obstacles while individually searching for their own placements in this world. With hopes number eleven will persevere and achieve his dream, Taylor struggles to keep her own identity afloat.

Follow Taylor as she unintentionally exposes the twisted realities behind is beloved ball game. Travel, live out of a suitcase, become part of the unique sisterhood between the wives and girlfriends of the uniformed men, believe in the power of a goal, and witness first hand as she proves that love is the most impactful energy on this planet. Allow her to introduce to you her own heart and together we will devour the saddening repercussions of losing yourself to tattered, empty people.

If that's not enough of an introduction, here's what Taylor said when she visited with Section 36 Bruins.

Anyone who has ever suffered a loss of any kind will benefit from this story. I guarantee it. If you're a baseball fan on top of it, even better! I promise you it will be unlike any book you've ever read before. I recommend this to mature audiences only.

With that sort of introduction, what did I think when I read it?

Wow. 

Simply, wow.

I could not put this book down. Even though this was autobiographical, it certainly didn't read that way. It was a compelling story that was told in a way to drag me right in. I felt her pain, and her joy, as if I was living it with her. I was scared for her. I wanted to yell at her. I was relieved for her. All with the knowledge that this happened in the past.

Honestly, the strictly baseball part of it would have been enough. The look behind the scenes of a baseball relationship dealing with so much time apart was fascinating. The added aspect of the relationship struggles that probably affect all manner of couples was just an added benefit to the story. The combination made for a powerful story that anyone would want to read.

She’s right to suggest mature readers, since some of the scenes can be graphic or sexually explicit. But beyond that, just about everyone will find something to pull them into this book. I can't recommend strongly enough that you read it yourself to see which parts pull you in.

Rating: 4 bases

Celebrating with a Sale

Are you looking for a great way to celebrate the Red Sox winning the World Championship? Have I got the idea for you! Have you considered rewarding yourself with some great gear from the Section 36 store? It's a great way to make a wonderful day even better.

As it happens, the store is in the midst of a sale! You can take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on wonderful gear you can wear!

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

Click Here Now!

And, as always, when you do get an item, send me a picture wearing it for me to share with the world! The blog, Facebook, 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?

The Boston Red Sox are the World Champions!

For the first time in five years!

What a feeling. What a game. What a team!

There's so much that can and should be said about this team that I can't cover it all right now. (But, don't you worry I will at some point.) There are some things, though, that just need to be talked about now. Like last night's clinching game.

I've often said that the definition of “clutch” as “late and close” is somewhat misleading. There can be clutch home runs prior to the seventh inning. Steve Pearce proved that last night. His home run three batters into the game did more than give the Red Sox a first inning lead. It was crushing to the soul of theDodgers. They're in an elimination scenario. They have their ace on the mound, so they at least have some hope. Then, bam, they're down two runs before fans have found their seats. If there's a way to lose a game before it starts, that was it. A one-hundred percent clutch “here we go again” home run in the top of the first inning. Incredible.

Speaking of clutch first inning home runs, the Dodgers tried to get one of their own when they led off their game with a home run on the first pitch. (Thereby making Pearce’s home run even more clutch looking back.) That, of course, could have been crushing for the Sox. A momentum shift to be sure. And, admit it, part of you wondered if it was going to rattle Price. OK, all of you wondered if it would rattle Price. But, it didn’t. New Price didn't let it get to him, and just shut the door on the Dodgers without allowing another run. This isn't your father’s David Price.

Or, what about the “triple” to right field that JD Martinez lost in the sky? That was going to be it, right? A guy who was in the lineup only for his bat, which had been missing for a while, makes a mistake like that. Once again, fans were probably thinking that was it. It was Buckner in there for his bat costing the team with his glove. And specifically for Price, you could almost see it in his head. “I'm finally pitching well, and he does THAT!?!?” Another perfect opportunity to unravel. The odds failing Price again. But, no. He retired the next two batters, and left the guy standing at third base. Two chances to fall apart turned into two chances for Price to simply stand up taller instead.

The key bats returned just in time. We had been wondering where Mookie and JD were hiding. They had allowed the bottom of the order to do a lot of the heavy lifting this far. But, they came back with a key home run each late in the game. Key for a couple reasons. For one, in a clinching game you can never have too many insurance runs. Make it as easy as possible on the bullpen to close out the game. But personally too, it was nice to see them chip in. Mookie didn't end the series going 0-15 or whatever. He hit a key home run in the clincher. That has to feel good, and makes his stat sheet look more respectable. I am especially glad in his case, since it looked like he was coming around, and hitting the ball harder. It would have been too bad if he ran out of time before he found his swing again. JD looked more lost at the plate. But it was still nice to have him end on such a positive. Next year, they'll have something to build on.

After Price’s magnificent start, the game was turned over to another new pitcher, “Playoff Joe Kelly”. Kelly continued his newly remembered dominance and struck out the side. Amazing.

The last inning was handled by Chris Sale. So, apparently he was healthy after all. I was worried that the ball would go to Craig Kimbrel. While he had rediscovered his dominance, in his outing during game four he looked TIRED! I was afraid he would get to close out the game because he “deserved” to close, even if he wasn’t the right guy at the time. After all, he probably had pretty good numbers in Cora’s binder. But, Cora actually played this one by ear. (Unless Sale’s numbers were even better, which is possible.) He slammed the door by striking out the side himself. He even created the best finishing moment since Papelbon levitated with his hands on his head. The image of Manny Machado falling to a knee after being embarrassed by the pitch pretty much summed up the series for him and the Dodgers.

So the best regular season team is the best playoff team as well. It was an amazing ride through an incredible season and I can’t wait to keep talking about it in the months to come.

What was your favorite moment?