2020 Topps Gold Ryan Weber

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. As a nod to the Gold Together activities going on this month to help raise awareness of the leading cause of death by disease in children, I thought I'd contribute several "gold" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month. Here's the next one.

Let's talk about this card...

It's nice that Topps decided to include just enough border on this card to allow for the colored parallel. As much as I like a design that focuses on the picture, it's nice to have something anchoring it visually. This card does a nice job of that. It also does a great job of cropping in close enough to get Weber's intensity without going in so close that you lose the rest of the picture. Overall I'd say a nice job.

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If you are able this month, or any month, to support the Gold Together efforts, I highly recommend you consider a donation. You can follow the the link to the American Cancer Society here.

Support their efforts to be Gold Together!

Ebony Mitchell Visits Section 36!

Photo: Jason Masters

Section 36 had another visitor! Ebony Mitchell is passionate about digital responsibility, a marketing specialist, and the current Miss Arkansas. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Ebony Mitchell visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Arkansas crown?

I celebrated with some much needed sleep! Haha. I also celebrated with my family by eating some Crumbl Cookies and sushi! There isn’t much time between winning and the start of the job, so it was a quick celebration, but it was great to see family. 

What is something that Whitney Williams did as Miss Arkansas that you would like to emulate or expand upon?

Whitney always did a great job of expanding her Social Impact across Arkansas, so this year I will be expanding on this and taking my social impact across Arkansas and the nation! 

What part of the upcoming Miss America competition are you most nervous about?

I don’t know if I would say nervous, but I am anxious to be there! I have watched Miss America since I was 9 years old and I have always wondered what it would be like to compete on that stage. I’m anxious to compete and see what it is truly like to be on the Miss America Stage. I’m excited to represent the best state in the U.S!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “A Responsible Digital You”?

When I was in 8th grade, my best friend and I created our first Facebook accounts and posted things like our phone numbers, locations, and things that weren’t responsible because we weren’t aware of the repercussions. As time went on, my best friend was approached by an online predator. Watching her go through that was traumatic, but for her to go through that herself was even more traumatic. Since then, I’ve studied marketing and social media and obtained a marketing degree in college. I knew this was an area I could champion and a cause I could bring awareness to and potentially save a life. We’re online now more than ever! So, I believe this is the perfect time to spread awareness about being digitally responsible. 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I enjoy the ability to perform for a crowd and do what I love. I’ve been dancing since I was 4 years old, so anytime I have the chance to dance, I take it! Dance helps me express myself as well as decompress. I’m excited to finally dance on the Miss America stage. 

You currently work as a marketing specialist. What drew you to that field?

I have always been a people person and enjoy being around people. As a Marketing Specialist I have the opportunity to collaborate with many individuals and see their creative visions. I love taking ideas and bringing them to life! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would choose Cinderella! I have always loved watching stories where the underdog comes out on top. I love the story of Cinderella and watching her happily ever after come to fruition. We can’t forget about those fabulous shoes either! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the NW Arkansas Naturals play the Arkansas Travelers, who would you take with you? Why?

I’d take my sister! Mainly because she knows nothing about baseball so it would be funny to hear the commentary she would give! I enjoy spending time with my family as much as I can. So anytime I have a free day or weekend, I’ll always choose to spend it with my family. 

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

I threw out the first pitch at an Arkansas Naturals baseball game when I was 13 years old. I’d love to relive that experience as Miss Arkansas! 

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It would be great if she could do that again! 

As always, I want to thank Ebony for visiting with us, and for sending along the picture to go with the interview.

As Ebony continues her time as Miss Arkansas, I encourage you to check out her title's Website and Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Ebony, and good luck!

Madison Leslie Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Madison Leslie is passionate about empowerment, a huge Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Maine. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Madison Leslie visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Maine crown? 

I spent the night with all of my family and friends. They all came to support me during competition. Most of them are from out of state so they stayed at my house. My family and friends mean the most to me and being able to just sit in the same room as them fills my heart up. 

 

What is something that Mariah Larocque did as Miss Maine that you would like to emulate or expand upon?

Mariah is extremely passionate about this organization and her drive is something I admire. I have loved this organization from the second I stepped into it in 2016 and I hope to continue to use social media as our organization’s asset. I have already had young women reach out to me via Instagram and ask how they can get started in MAO. 

 

As a former Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen, do you think that national competition experience will help you at Miss America?

Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen really jump-started my journey into becoming a strong woman. As Miss America says: “Preparing great women for the world. Preparing the world for great women.” MAOT gave me the tools to learn more and grasp the idea that I could achieve whatever I put my mind it. Competing at MAOT was where I was able to test my public speaking skills and my confidence. I believe that this entire experience has prepared me for my year as Miss Maine and Miss America because I am aware of what the job entails. I have learned what best strategies fit how I want to approach my job this year. I also feel that it was a “practice” round for a lack of a better phrase for the big job. I am beyond blessed to have been able to have had that experience and use that passion I found and continue with the momentum to compete with my whole heart on the Miss America Stage.

 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Shake Your Beauty”?

I made a post back in 2019… speaking about my physical insecurities and I was overwhelmed with the response of all the people who related.  Leaving high school I was consumed by the opinions of others and struggling with my mental health. I created “Time to Shake Your Beauty” to be an empowerment movement. To own your space! And claim your confidence! “Time to Shake Your Beauty” is not just my social impact initiative, it’s my purpose. I aspire to be an empowerment speaker and talk about the message of inner confidence, and positive self-talk. 

 

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

Music is where I really express myself. I am a very bubbly person, but I am not in my performances. I talk a lot about the importance of prioritizing your mental health, I have struggled with anxiety and depression. I find my outlet in my music. I am able to find comfort in lyrics and the passion of a performance. The talent piece of competition gives me the opportunity to show another side of myself and use my voice. 

 

You recently graduated from Franklin Pierce University. Where do you see your degree taking you?

I graduated with a B.A. in Communications, a focus in Journalism/Media Production, minor in Political Science, and a certificate in Gender and Leadership studies. I found a passion in branding, and I see myself using the skills I’ve learned with my degree to continue my social media work with more businesses and growing my own brand. I plan to use the skills that I have learned to improve my personal brand: “Sheismads” and “Time to Shake Your Beauty.” I love public speaking and I hope to use this passion with spreading the message of confidence to young people around the country, and the world! 

 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

CINDERELLA!! She has birds getting her ready in the morning. That seems so peaceful and a great addition to my morning routine! 

 

Which is your favorite place to watch the Red Sox…the AA team in Portland or the big club in Boston?

I am a HUGE sox fan. My dogs are Fenway and Papi. My family has a Red Sox room with all sorts of memorabilia. Hadlock Field is nostalgic for me because I grew up going to the games with my Dad. However, Fenway has the most contagious atmosphere that can’t be replicated. I love them both for different reasons. 

 

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

It is a dream of mine to sing the National Anthem at the Red Sox. I also am a big Rafael Devers’ fan. I’ve been watching him since 2016 at the Portland Sea Dogs. I would love to meet him one day. Meeting him is on the top of my bucket list, for sure!

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I think that's on a lot of bucket lists! I also really want a tour of that Red Sox room. 

As always, I want to thank Madison for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Madison continues her time as Miss Maine, I encourage you to check out her title's Website and Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Madison, and good luck!

2013 Topps Gold Craig Breslow

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. As a nod to the Gold Together activities going on this month to help raise awareness of the leading cause of death by disease in children, I thought I'd contribute several "gold" themed posts sprinkled throughout the month. Here's the next one.

Let's talk about this card...

OK. Back to an honest to goodness gold card. Although, not a particularly interesting one. Breslow had a career year for the Sox in 2013, and was a big part of their World Championship that season. In this picture, he looks ready to stare down another hitter...even if the picture is from the previous year.

I have to say the weird color red on the sea turtle basepaths really clashes with the red sox logo. But, I doubt the Topps designers looked at leach color scheme for every card in that detail. Too bad.

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If you are able this month, or any month, to support the Gold Together efforts, I highly recommend you consider a donation. You can follow the the link to the American Cancer Society here.

Support their efforts to be Gold Together!

Alexa Baisch Visits Section 36!

Photo: Stacie West

Section 36 had another visitor! Alexa Baisch is passionate about eliminating child trafficking, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Montana. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Alexa Baisch visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Montana crown?

Winning the title of Miss Montana was such a whirlwind! I was crowned on July 2nd so, I was able to celebrate my new title AND the 4th of July by appearing in a parade in my hometown followed by a BBQ with my friends. It was so special to be surrounded by supporters within my community and my friends and family. I can not think of a more perfect way to celebrate!

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Montana?

So far the biggest surprise has been how much support I have received from people all over the country! I have people reaching out to tell me congratulations and ask for autograph cards from all over the place! One of my largest sponsors is even located in Mississippi! The support and kindness I have received has been incredible and I am so grateful for it!

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

Each time I have competed for a title within the Miss Montana organization I learn something new! It is incredible how much progress I have made throughout my years in this program! I have improved so much and this year I was given more tips on how to grow and continue to improve in order to feel prepared for Miss America!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Kids Matter: Eliminating Child Trafficking”?

One of my favorite parts of this organization is the opportunity to advocate for something you care about. During the pandemic some of my friends and I fell into the obsession with true crime podcasts. They constantly discussed cases that were thought to involve human trafficking and the exploitation of men, women, and children. It was exciting to listen to, but they always left me feeling like I needed to do something to help. The more I researched how scary this issue truly is the more I felt called to make a difference. That's how I chose "Kids Matter: Eliminating Child Trafficking". I am so excited to use my title to support organizations who are fighting against human trafficking, increase awareness and share preventative tactics to keep children safe, and help victims receive the help they need. 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

I have been dancing since I was very young and performing is one of my favorite things to do! I love dancing, especially tap, and just being on stage brings me so much joy!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

If I could be a Disney character for a week I think I would have to choose Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). I know I look more like Ariel but, I think I'd rather have three fairy godmothers to grant my wishes than a fish tale! 

You recently graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in commerce and business administration. Where do you see that degree taking you?

I hope to use my degree to pursue a career in consulting! I was able to work with some phenomenal companies throughout my time at The University of Alabama that inspired me to want to go into this field and help companies function at their highest potential!

If you had an extra ticket to a Pioneer League baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

My extra ticket would go to my younger sister! We love going to local legion baseball games together and supporting our friends that play! I also love any excuse I can get to spend time with her!

Is there a feature or activity during a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

It has always been a dream of mine to throw the celebrity first pitch at a baseball game! Maybe I will add that to my Miss Montana bucket list!

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I hope she gets to cross that off her list! 

As always, I want to thank Alexa for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Alexa continues her time as Miss Montana, I encourage you to check out her title's Website and Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Alexa, and good luck!