2020 Topps Chrome Update Blaster!

Here's Another box that I picked up at some point when I found them. I know you're probably sick of the 2020 stuff, now that the 2022s are practically ready for release. But, I think it's always fun to look and talk about cards. I hope you feel the same way.

Let's check it out!

In case you've forgotten what a box of these looks like. 

And what the packs look like. I'm always surprised that there are only four cards in each pack. Trying to decide if I'd rather pay twice as much for twice the cards. How about you?

That's a great bat, don't you think? If I had pulled this in 2020, pretty sure it would have been a bit of a downer. A reminder that Mookie Betts was having an MVP type year in LA and Verdugo was here in Boston. Now? Mookie was much more pedestrian out west, and Verdugo was a key player on the Sox ALCS team. The trade is looked at quite a bit differently now. So, I can appreciate the artistry in this card a lot more than I would have otherwise.

But, that was the only Sox card in the box. The Sox may have won the Mookie trade, but I did not "win" this box.

How about your boxes?

Amy Phillips Visits Section 36!

Photo: Richard Krauss

Section 36 had another visitor! Amy Phillips is passionate about career readiness, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Cape May County Region. 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 Amy Phillips visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Cape May County Region crown?

Although I have my personal training certification, I also consider myself a cake-a-holic (it is all about balance, right?). I indulged in a delicious piece of cake at our Queens’ Reception following our crownings!

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Cape May County Region competition that will help you at Miss New Jersey?

This year’s pageant theme was “Through the Years,” and we had to share what legacy we would want to leave behind through the years. After careful thought, I decided that I would want my legacy to be one of class and kindness. I am a big believer in handwritten thank you notes, firm handshakes, and making people feel important when I am speaking with them. Establishing this mindset at my local competition help me set my intentions in preparation for Miss New Jersey.

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Cape May County Region?

Photo: Joseph Ryan

I have several goals in mind! I would love to make my social impact initiative, Career Kickstart, more accessible during COVID through virtual classroom presentations, career coaching sessions, and media campaigns. I would also love to continue my clothing drive for “Dress for Success,” which is a non-profit that provides job interview clothes for underprivileged women. Serving my county as a great ambassador is my priority, whether that be through speaking engagements, service opportunities, or county events.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Career Kickstart”?

Photo: Laura Goodreau

My high school guidance counselor asked me to host an assembly for rising juniors and seniors to ask questions about my college and career experiences. I was surprised to hear how unprepared students felt about their upcoming options, and with further research, I realized New Jersey does not have a mandatory career readiness curriculum for our K-12 students. I created my own curriculum to prepare students for the workforce where we learn topics such as résumé writing, interview techniques, the various pathways after high school, and how to turn passions into job choices. I have given over 50 presentations to thousands of students, and I can’t wait to increase those metrics. 

Photo: Richard Krauss

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

I have never entered a pageant without choreographing my own talent routine, and being able to perform my own work has to be my favorite part. I think there is something to be said for a candidate who not only has great technique and performance qualities, but who puts her heart into creating the piece she showcases as well. I was honored to win talent at my most recent local competition!

You’ve had the opportunity to work as a television reporter. What have you enjoyed from that experience?

Photo Aaron Lee

I loved my time meeting new people and hearing their incredible stories when I was an ABC and Fox News reporter in Georgia and Alabama! My favorite interview was with David Bellavia, the only living soldier from the Iraq War to receive the Medal of Honor. I was absolutely honored to learn from someone so prestigious, and to hear the details about the Second Battle of Fallujah.

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

Definitely Olaf! If you have ever seen Frozen, you know that this little snowman lights up the room with laughter and warmth. Like Olaf, I also love summer, and I think it would be neat to have my own personal flurry for a week!

What is your favorite part about attending a baseball game in person?

During my undergrad at Towson University, I had the opportunity to commentate and film various sporting events with the Towson Sports Network. I loved practicing my videography skills during Towson’s baseball games, and getting to interview the players and coaching staff after the games.

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

Our current Miss New Jersey, Alyssa Sullivan, had the opportunity to attend a South Jersey Field of Dreams baseball game over the summer. I would love to attend one of their games someday and throw out the opening pitch! The Field of Dreams is a baseball league for children with physical and cognitive disabilities.

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That sounds like it would be a wonderful experience!

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

As Amy continues her time as Miss Cape May County Region, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram and Facebook account, as well as her title organization's Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

You should also check out the website for her SII, Career Kickstart, to learn more information about this great cause.

I also want to wish Amy luck when she competes for Miss New Jersey! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Amy, and good luck!

2021 Bowman Blaster!

I feel like I've opened a lot of Bowman lately. That's certainly not a bad thing. After all, when most of the cards are people you've never heard of, it's good to amass as many as possible to hold onto for the future. You never know which one will be the good one in five years. 

Let's see how this blaster went!

Here's what the box looks like.

Apparently there are six packs in each box. At twelve cards per pack, that's actually quite a lot. These days.

OK, I know this guy. The Red Sox top prospect is on a speed course to the big club. Not sure why I never noticed before, but the Bowman design allows the photo to bleed over the border. I love it when that happens.

This guy I know too! Even if these packs are rookie hunts, fun to get a vet every now and then. Also interesting that the card design is a mirror image of the Kassas with all the design elements on the opposite side of the card. I also see that this card had two photo elements overlapping the border. 

And those are the best two cards in the blaster. Not exactly a hot box. But, two good Sox cards is a good blaster.

How did yours go?

Kaitlin O'Neill Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kaitlin O'Neill is passionate about mental health, a talented dancer, and the current Miss South Dakota. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Kaitlin O'Neill visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss South Dakota crown?
Right after I was crowned, I was actually taken to a celebratory after party with all of the former Miss South Dakota’s which was an amazing way to kick things off. Being a part of the organization for 5 years, I had always dreamed of joining the Miss South Dakota sisterhood. Being at this small celebration was so surreal because I was surrounded by all of the ladies I had looked up to for so many years and was now one of them!

What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself at the Miss South Dakota competition that will help you at Miss America? 
This year in particular, I really focused on my mindset. In previous years, I had compared myself to other candidates, got lost in what I didn’t have to offer, and was more concerned about what I thought the judges wanted to see and hear over what I actually brought to the table. Truly being who I am I think really set me apart. Heading to Miss America, I am working to continue that momentum and mindset especially! It is really easy to play the comparison game especially when you go up against the best 50 ladies in the nation. That mindset and place of peace really helped me see a new side of me and I plan to take that to Miss America as well. 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss South Dakota?
Outside of growing my Social Impact Initiative, BLOOM, and

Tiger Lily Photo

 bringing it to every school in the state, one of my biggest goals as a Miss South Dakota is to grow the Miss South Dakota program. Many people in South Dakota do not know much about the Miss South Dakota and Miss America Organizations and I want to change that. I have benefited so much from this program over the years and I want to share that with the people of my state! This next year is the 75th anniversary of the Miss South Dakota Competition and I want it to be bigger and better than ever before! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “BLOOM Into a Healthier You”?
““BLOOM Into a Healthier You” was actually built off of personal experience. Growing up, I struggled with depression and an eating disorder but no one knew. I kept everything to myself because I wasn’t comfortable opening up about my feelings and honestly didn’t know much about mental health or where to turn. Heading into college, there was a much more open dialogue around mental health and through reflection, I realized the severity of where I was. I needed a change and slowly overtime grew into the person I am now thanks to support from friends, resources on campus, and small steps of strategy implementation. When I was getting ready for Miss South Dakota a few years ago, I realized that this was what I wanted to advocate on. It was extremely hard to open up and find the courage to talk about these hard parts of my life, but it was also healing. As I developed it further, I knew I wanted to create a program that anyone could use that was either struggling or just wanting to maintain their current lifestyle. After looking back at my past and experiences, I wrote down the key factors that helped me get through my hard times. I knew I wanted to create and acronym to keep it simple for anyone wanting to use my program and I wanted a word that represented growth. The word BLOOM fell into my lap and the rest is history! Over the last few years I have grown BLOOM in so many way and am so excited to continue that growth even further – stay tuned as some amazing things are coming your way!

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

FELS Photo

I absolutely love having the opportunity to tell a story and move people simply through movement. Along with that, performing is such a thrill and I love the challenge that it brings. Dance is not something where you can just show up and go. You must constantly work at your craft, push yourself, and put the time in! Dance has become one of my favorite outlets where I can let go, be free, and not worry about anything else. 

You’ve been able to do quite a bit of traveling. What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?
I have attended many summer dance intensives over the years and have had the opportunity to travel all across the nation for them! My favorite by far has been going to New York where I trained with a Radio City Rockettes. I attended the Rockette Summer Intensive three times and someday hope to be dancing alongside them as a member in their company!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?
This is hard! As a big Disney fan, I have many favorites but if I had to pick one to be, I would have to say princess Merida. One, she is a red head and I relate to her on that aspect, but two, I love her grit and drive to be who she truly is rather than who her family or society wants her to be. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Sioux Falls Canaries baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?
I would have to choose my mom as she is a big baseball fan

Tiger Lily Photo

and actually houses baseball players in the summer that come to the Aberdeen area. If anyone would be excited to go to Canaries game it would definitely be her.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?
I would love to attend a Twins game in Minnesota, throw the first pitch, and even sing the national anthem! I am a dancer, but I a lot of people don’t know that I sing as well! It would be such an honor to partake in a Twins game in this way.

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That would be a great way to enjoy a game! 

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

As Kaitlin continues her time as Miss South Dakota, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss South Dakota website and her SII's website. 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 next month. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Kaitlin, and good luck!

Lora Current Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Lora Current is passionate about reading, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Ohio. 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 Lora Current visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Ohio crown? 

Really reflecting on where I’d been. A lot happened (Covid-19) during my first year competing but through that there was a lot of growing done on my part. After getting crowned I spent much of my time in conversations with my mentor to unpack the experience.

What part of the upcoming Miss America competition are you most nervous about?
Talent! During my freshman year of college I broke my pelvic bone pole vaulting. Due to complications, I still have some pain in my hip and it can make jazz dancing a challenge. However, I didn’t want to switch my talent to anything else because of my love for dance that I want to showcase!

You were recently able to appear in the iconic Show Us Your Shoes parade at the Miss America 100th anniversary celebration. What was that experience like?
It was so much fun! I was able highlight my background in agriculture with a 4H theme. It opened up many conversations about Ohio agriculture, food production, and the 4-H program. It was also so fun seeing all the other candidates in their costumes and learning about things that make their home state special and unique.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Read On: Empowering Literacy, Learning, and Leadership”?
Entering my first year of junior high, I was enrolled in tutoring for my reading and cognitive skills. I hated being in this tutoring because it made me feel different from my peers and less valuable. However because of these resources and the support from my family and teachers, I was able to catch up to the reading levels of my peers and graduate high school early. Now is a senior in college, I am able to provide those same resources that I received to students who struggle in school just like I did. This was the goal behind creating ReadOn and it continues to shape and push my goals going into Miss America and beyond.

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?
I love that it brings out emotions that there are no words for. There are times when I can feel emotions inside of me and the only way to let them out is by movement. I also love sharing those same emotions on stage as people watch me dance. Because of a song choice or a routine, I’m able to make people feel joy, hope, and peace.

You’re currently studying social work at OSU. Where do you see that field taking you?
I’m currently a senior at the Ohio State University studying social work with hopes in obtaining my masters level degree in macro level social work. I want to get involved with government policy. This could be through a number of different avenues however my main goal is to serve people and communities through government.

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?
I would be Pocahontas. I love her because she’s more than just a character. She was a real person. Also being Pocahontas, I would continue to share about my Native American heritage and how it’s impacted my life and my family.

If you had an extra ticket to see a Guardians - Reds game, who would you take with you? Why?
I would take my little brother, Lin! He loves all things sports and with six years between us (and my busy schedule) our time spent together is very special.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience? 
I would LOVE to throw an opening pitch! I just think that would be the coolest! 

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Oh, that would definitely be the coolest! 

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

As Lora continues her time as Miss Ohio, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Ohio website. 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 fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Lora, and good luck!