I Scored on May 21, 1999!

I know I do it a lot. But, when I look at cards from the 1999 season, I'm always stunned that this team made it to the ALCS. How Pedro didn't win the MVP that season is beyond me. But, more on that later. Let's look at the card, shall we?

I always like to start looking at scorecards by checking out the pitchers box. What high powered match-up did I get to see this day?

Pat Rapp. 

Yes, it was the rare Escobar-Rapp showdown. Rapp was followed by Lowe, Corsi, and Gordon. In a game the Red Sox won. Seriously. Rapp even pitched pretty well, striking out seven over six innings for a quality start.

So, how did the lineup fare? I use the term “lineup” loosely. Look at those names. No mar was the lone star, and he actually went hitless on this day. (I guess Varitek became a star, but he certainly wasn't one when he was wearing #47.) How did they win? One big inning contained two walks and three hits. That accounted for four Red Sox runs, and was the difference in the ballgame.

The hero on the day? Has to be Darren Lewis. He went 2-3 from the lead off spot, scoring a run and driving in two others. That would account for all the runs the Sox needed.

The goat? Let's go with the aforementioned Nomar. The 3-6 batters all went hitless on the day, but you really expect and need more from Garciaparra. He has to come through.

But, the Sox were able to work around it on that day. The offense did just enough to support a pitching staff that did just enough. That's all it takes sometimes.

And the scorecard shows how it happened.

Turning the Page

Yeah, that weekend wasn't a lot of fun. It's really annoying that MLB makes teams go through that garbage. It's one thing to completely discount the regular season by addin g all the rediculous playoff spots. It's another to then turn the regular season games themselves into a carnival. Why not just turn MLB into a 30-team tournament and a six month barnstorming tour?

So it's good that today is the first of July. Turning the page on the calendar allows the team to turn the page on the season. The first three months weren't what we had hoped. It's time to make the second three months what we all know they can be.

Of course, the main part of that will be getting everyone healthy, especially the pitchers. With injuries, the bullpen has been taxed almost beyond repair. Too many times Cora has had to run to his big guns when injuries sapped his other options. Those guns are now in desperate need of a reload. Barns and Brasier have not only been pitching more than the Sox would like, but they've been pitching in tougher spots. They haven't been able to rest like a true closer would, and come into a game only need to pitch one inning without giving up three runs. They're coming into games with men on, or one run leads. Not only does that make their numbers look worse than they might be (easier to blow a one run save facing the 3-4-5 guys than a three run lead facing 7-8-9), but it wears on you. 

From there, maybe everyone can work into their groove a bit. Adding a fresh arm could help, if there's one available. Even just a warm body type of addition to just eat up some of the innings. 

It's time for the run into the home stretch. There's still plenty of time. After all, at the halfway point, the 2019 team had the same record as the 2004 team that went on to win 98 games. For comparison? The 2013 team was four games better, but ended up with one fewer win. Anything can happen from here on out.

Let's go get that division!

Lauren Molella Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Lauren Molella is a dancer, a superhero fan, and the recently crowned Miss New York. She’s also

a huge..well...Yankees fan. I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more! Especially considering the Red Sox and Yankees face off this weekend in London! I enjoyed everything she had to say, and I’m sure you will too. 

So let’s see what happens when Lauren Molella visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss New York crown?

My celebration was jumping right into fulfilling the job of Miss New York 2019. After my crowning I went straight to a dinner celebration to meet with sponsors, donors, and community officials that support women empowerment and the Miss New York Organization.  

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss New York competition that will help you at Miss America?

During every competition I have learned more about what I can handle and have gained more confidence in myself and in my strengths. During the week of Miss New York however, my sister titleholders taught me some important lessons about true friendships, what it means to inspire others, and most importantly how important it is for women to stand side by side and embrace our differences to build a better future. 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss New York?

I have many goals for the year to come and hope to accomplish all

of them. Some of the overarching themes that I hope to see in my legacy next summer is growth in the organization and its mission, along with forward progress on behalf of our military members through legislation. 

How did you select your social impact initiative “Voices of Honor - Salute and Support our Military”?

Selecting my initiative for change began as a young girl but was

solidified during my time working with wounded soldiers in undergraduate schooling. Our collective Voices of Honor are so important and make a difference in the lives of our brave women and men as we Salute and Support all of our military heroes. I intend to spend the year working to implement suicide prevention statewide, address communities where risk factors such as PTSD are rampant, highlight our military women, and utilize social media and appearances to bring the people of New York to the forefront of helping our heroes. 

As an amazing dancer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

My favorite part of performing on stage is embracing my passion for the art and watching the faces of my audience be transported in the emotions and experience conveyed through both ballet, the music, and me. 

If you could be any superhero for a week, which one would you choose?

I am very into superheroes and choosing just one is challenging. As

a scuba diver and a big Aquaman fan I would have to pick Mera. Having the ability to explore the sea floor at will and rock her incredibly cool water powers would be a dream come true! 

As a big Yankees fan, which Red Sox player scares you the most (Yes, you have to pick one)? Why?

Currently I am most afraid of Mookie Betts for no other reason that he is a great player and could lead the Red Sox to presenting a challenge for the Yankees this year!

What is your favorite Aaron Judge memory?

Aaron Judge stands out in my memory for many fabulous game plays but one on my favorite memories of him at a Yankees player is off the field. I witnessed a moment where he stopped his day and task to sign an autograph and talk to a young fan, its moments like this that show character and truly make baseball an American staple. 

Will the Yankees be able to hold off the Sox (and Rays) and win the division this season?

Absolutely, and you can bet that Miss New York will be yelling the loudest for them all season!

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I guess we'll just have to see about that!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Lauren for doing this interview, and for providing the pictures to go along with it. They're all fantastic.

As Lauren continues her time as Miss New York, I encourage you to follow her on the official Miss New York social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. 

I also absolutely want to wish Lauren luck this fall as she competes for the Miss America crown! Once again there will be several Section 36 visitors gracing the stage. It would be incredible to have her take home the title! 

Thanks again Lauren, and good luck!

Jillian Fisher Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jillian Fisher is a singer, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Vermont. (She is also the sister of former

Jillian and Gretchen

visitor Carly Fisher.) I’m excited that she took 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 Jillian Fisher visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Vermont crown?

After I was crowned Miss Vermont 2019, I spent the night with my family and friends. There were about 30 people who came out on June 1st to cheer me on. I was surrounded by love and never ending support and that meant the world to me!

What part of the Miss America experience are you most excited about?

Photo by Jon Adams Photography

I'm looking forward to meeting all of my accomplished and power house sisters at Miss America! After seeing the bond that the class of 2019 had, I'm so excited for those friendships myself!

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Vermont?

There is a club amongst former Miss Vermont's known as the "251 Club" and in order to join Miss Vermont must attend an event in every city and town in the state during her year of service! I would love to join the ranks!

How did you select your social impact initiative “Fighting Addiction”?

Since I have two uncles who have battled addiction, this is something that is very close to my heart. Not only did I watch the pain they went through, but also the devastating effects it had our entire family. As Miss Vermont, I plan to travel around the state and reduce the stigma that surrounds addiction. The language we use, the perceptions we hold and the biases we have all contribute to the stigma and it can be damaging to those who are searching for recovery. I also plan to help on the ground and find ways to get Narcan, the overdose reversal medication, in the hands of more Vermonters and help find and fund more resources and recovery programs.

Photo by
Jon Adams Photography

As a talented singer, what’s your favorite part about performing on stage?

Thank you for the compliment!! It may come as a surprise but I haven't been singing publicly for long at all. That being said, I enjoy finding new confidence in myself and my ability every time I step on stage!

You’re currently working on a degree in Animal Science. What drew you to that field?

Jillian and Jupiter

I can't remember a time that I didn't want to be a veterinarian. As I grew older my love for animals also developed into a love for science and medicine so I knew I wanted a course load that was as hands on as possible. The University of Vermont had just that! The Animal Science program at UVM is highly ranked, has many courses where students get to interact directly with animals, and is amazing preparation for vet school! My favorite course so far has been CREAM, where I ran the dairy herd with 15 other students. We learned how to milk cows, birth calves, make business decisions and so much more!

Who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

Carly and Jillian

My favorite player is Mookie Betts! His energy is incredible and fans can always count on him at bat.

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

I would LOVE to be able to sing the National Anthem at Fenway! Singing in one of my favorite spots in New England and in front of so many people would be absolutely unreal.

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

This is so dorky but I was sitting in my apartment with the game on

Carly, Wally, and Jillian

as I was studying for a biochemistry exam. I may have had a test but I had to watch my Sox take home the trophy!

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Sounds like the perfect reason to multi-task to me! Glad she was able to do both.

As usual, I want to give huge thanks to Jillian for doing this interview. I also want to thank her for providing the pictures to accompany the interview. They definitely make the interview a lot more fun.

As Julia continues her time as Miss Vermont, I encourage you to follow her on the official Miss Vermont social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. 

I also absolutely want to wish Jillian luck this fall as she competes for the Miss America crown! Once again there will be several Section 36 visitors gracing the stage in Atlantic City. It would be incredible to have her take home the title! 

Thanks again Jillian, and good luck!

It's Sale Day!

OK. It's actually "sale several days", but you get the point.

It's finally summer out there! The last time I went to a game, I didn't have to wear my winter clothes. I was actually...what's that word...hot! I think this is how it's going to be from now on. So, be prepared! And, that means having the proper wardrobe! It's time to go shopping!

Thankfully, Section 36 is here to help!

Today through Sunday, the Section 36 store will be on sale! Don't miss this opportunity to show your support for the blog all season long! 

So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. Remember, 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! Not only would it be a great way to show the world your amazing outfit, but if you have a business or cause that needs promotion, it's an easy way to get a mention on Section 36!

Like Bridget did! (With some help from K. Garcia Productions)

This sweatshirt is on sale!

Or, like Bernadette did to show off how amazing this tank top looks on her.

This tank is on sale!

Or Phil did.

This tank is also on sale!

Or Holly did with her cozy new hoodie.

This hoodie is on sale!

Or Nicolette did with her great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is on sale!

Or like Allison did!

This t-shirt is on sale!

But, first you need to buy something you like. There's a lot to choose from.

What will you get?