Yes, Governor

It’s always fun to add something new to a collection. Especially when it’s a fun unexpected collection. In my case, I almost accidentally started a political autographed baseball collection. I happened to have a baseball with me when I bumped into a governor one time, so had him sign that for me. It was actually pretty lucky since as a Red Sox collector, I have quite a few baseballs. So that fit right in. Later, I happened to be planning on being at an event where another governor would be. I thought it might be fun to have matching governor baseballs. So I brought one with me, and was lucky enough to have her sign it. After that, I’ve already told you how I got a baseball signed by the Democratic Caucus chair of the Kentucky House of Representatives. Now, here’s my latest addition.

A friend of mine was going to be at an event where NH governor Christopher Sununu (son of former governor and White House Chief of Staff John Sununu) would be. She was nice enough to get him to sign this ball for me. So that’s now three governor signed baseballs in my collection!

Unfortunately, he had some trouble signing it. Not sure if the problem was the pen, or the ball, or if he’s just not used to signing baseballs. But, the second half is a bit foggy. It’s not a big deal to me because I’m not exactly doing this for resale.

(Although, anyone know what the trouble could have been? It’s not an OML baseball. It’s just something from Target. But I looked for a ball with a leather cover. Figured that would be enough. Should I rub them down first?)

But however it looks, it’s a fun addition to a growing side collection of mine.

Wonder who I’ll be able to get next.

Paying Forward

The Red Sox announced the signing of Nathan Eovaldi on Monday, after word came out on Friday. Since Eovaldi was a key contributor to the Red Sox World Series victory, most Red Sox fans wanted him back in Boston. So, when the deal was rumored to be done, most fans were pretty darn excited. The Sox rotation was full, and if Eovaldi is anything like he was for the Sox, the rest of the league better watch out.

Of course, the EEIdiots weren't happy.

Radio hosts were going ballistic over the terms of the deal, which were actually pretty reasonable. Well, reasonable within the inflated world of free agent contracts. What was their problem with the deal? There isn't the history in his career to warrant such a contract. We still don't know what he is, let alone what he will be.

The problem with that logic is, by the time a player has shown you what sort of player he is...he's too old to be paid like it.

This isn't the first time that the radio heads have said the Sox signed a player too early. After the Sox traded for Rick Porcello, they extended his contract five years. “Too soon!” they yelled. He hadn't even pitched a game in a Sox uniform yet! Don't give him the money yet! But, the Sox did. Porcello rewarded them with a Cy Young, and a ring. Not bad at all.

So, this time the Sox didn't extend the guy right away, and it might have hurt them. I'm not saying it was an option, but imagine if the Sox had offered Eovaldi an extension immediately after trading for him? I bet it would have been much less than what they just gave him. But, they waited it out and saw exactly how he could pitch. He can handle the AL East...especially the Yankees. He doesn't wilt under the bright lights of the playoffs. He seems like a pretty good guy to go after. But, apparently, we still haven't seen enough out of him.

How much do they expect a team to look at a player?

How about Chris Sale? We've seen him a couple years now. So, the Sox should extend him for a multi-year nine figure deal, right? Well, not so fast. He's getting older now. His arm is starting to give him trouble. Is he someone you want to give a contract to?

You can't have it both ways.

Either you make an educated guess on the future of a player and get a deal, or you overpay for the past of a player whose career is in a decline.

Now, if the Sox had given Eovaldi (or even Porcello) David Price money? Yeah. That would be silly. That would be overpaying for a past that didn't even happen.

Is it possible Eovaldi never reaches what we assume is his potential? Of course it is. But that's the chance you take by signing him early. Lower cost, higher risk. If you want less risk, you have a higher cost. The EEIdiots want low risk at low cost, which in the read world doesn't exist.

Although, since when does talk radio exist in the real world?

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!

-----

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!

Was Adrian Beltre Any Good?

With the announcement of his retirement fresh in my mind, I thought it would be fun to see how potential Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre performed in games where I was in the park. Or, at least games where I kept score. After all, the guy played forever, and even spent some time in Boston. So I should have a pretty healthy sample.

Let's see what we have.

Adrian Beltre
Date	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	2B	3B	HR	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
4/10/2007	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000
5/8/2010	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000
6/19/2010	3	0	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	0.333	0.333	0.333	0.667
7/17/2010	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0.000	0.250	0.000	0.250
8/21/2010	5	0	1	1	0	2	0	0	0	0.200	0.200	0.200	0.400
9/4/2010	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.250	0.250	0.250	0.500
Totals	21	0	3	1	1	5	0	0	0	0.143	0.182	0.143	0.325
660 AB AVG	660	0	94	31	31	157	0	0	0	0.143	0.182	0.143	0.325

Yeah. I was surprised too. Six games? I know he spent lots of time in the NL, but he also spend a ton of time in the AL. I would have expected at least a dozen. But, six is what we've got. So, how did he do in that six-game sample?

Not exactly Hall of Fame numbers. A .143 batting average? Even worse, a .143 slugging percentage? Dear god, a .324 OPS? Nasty, nasty, nasty...and not nasty like Chris Sale’s slider.

Which is disappointing. Especially since most of those games, he was wearing a Boston uniform. I wanted him to be hitting well when I saw him. And, he just didn't.

So, once again I didn't see the true Adrian Beltre. I'm starting to think I'm bad luck or something. Maybe I should start going to more Yankees games to test that theory.

How did Adrian Beltre do while you were in the park?

Championships Cost Money

Especially if your favorite team keeps winning them.

If you've read this blog for more than a post or two, you know I'm a collector. Delicately balancing that line between collector and hoarder. Naturally, one of the best little segments of collecting is World Championship merchandise and memorabilia.

When you're first exposed to that segment of collections, it's a bit of surprise. Suddenly the Red Sox win the World Series, and the flood of choices comes pouring out. And some of them are under a time constraint. If you want a newspaper, you need to get it that next day. Probably even the next morning. If you want a magazine, you might get a week to think about it. Other choices will sell out quickly, so you better know what you want.

When the Sox won in 2004, I talked to a Yankees fan. I asked him what he bought to celebrate the 1996 Yankees championship. He responded with a World Series hat, and a picture of the pig pile celebration. I thought those were pretty good choices. Of course, I added a few of my own selections on top of that. I think I ended up with a nice selection.

Since then (and even a bit before then) I've gotten plenty of practice when it comes to championship purchases. There are DVDs. And baseball card sets. And autographs. And on and on.

So, when we came to the 2018 World Championship, I was almost a pro at it. Grab the newspaper first thing in the morning. Be sure to get an extra early edition with the funny incomplete headline. Get the Sports Illustrated for the week. Get the commemorative Sports Illustrated. Wait for the DVD and order it. Grab a parade shirt. Grab the can of Coke. Grab a ToppsNOW card.

Phew.

Which can be expensive as a Boston fan and you have to do this for at least one of your favorite teams every couple of years. I have to forgo the hat purchases because I wasn't wearing out the old one fast enough. I only buy the parade/locker room shirts I really like. Otherwise, I'll go broke.

Oh, the troubles with being a Boston fan.

What about you? What is on your "must buy" championship item list? What have you stopped buying?

Assuming you still have money left.