2022 Topps Heritage Blaster!

The Heritage brand comes and goes for me. On the one hand, I like the classic designs. I've said that some of my favorite insert sets from the last few years are the throwback designs...even the 1987s. But, with so much history to choose from, it's annoying that the same designs keep getting used over and over. How hard would it be to have Heritage plod along in the seventies...Archives can be one set from the 90s, 00s, 10s, and the insert sets from the 50s, 60s, and 80s. Heck, they can all be the threes. So, 73 for Heritage. Archives can have 93, 03, and 13, while you can have inserts sets from 53, 63, and 83. That way each design is only used every ten years. That could work.

But, I digress. How about this pack of Heritage showing the 1973 design? Let's see how it went.

As always, the box.

And the packs. Including one featuring a couple Sox in the design. Does that mean I need to keep an unopened pack as a Red Sox collectible? I mean I didn't...yet.

Nice rookie card of Wong. Seems like a catcher should have catchers gear in the photo. It's the one chance to mis up the portrait shots. But, I guess the bat on shoulder look works. Again.

Another rookie from the Sox. Of course, this card shows catcher's gear in the shot.

And this one of crafty veteran Rich Hill. I really like the positional silhouettes in this design. They're a fun way to add just enough visual interest to the card front without going too crazy. 

And there are all the Red Sox. What do you think?

How did your blaster go?

Karolyn Martin Visits Section 36!

Photo: Matt Boyd

Section 36 had another visitor! Karolyn Martin is passionate about eating for success, a talented singer, and the current Miss North Carolina. 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 Karolyn Martin visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss North Carolina crown? 

A good night's sleep haha! Between defending my thesis, graduating, starting my first "big girl job", and preparing for the competition, I have not been the most well-rested. I was grateful to enjoy a few good nights of rest before heading back to work and beginning my travels as Miss North Carolina. 

What is something that Carli Batson did as Miss North Carolina that you would like to emulate or expand upon? 

I admired Carli's ability to be herself as Miss North Carolina. She found ways to connect with others through her authenticity whether or not she had the crown on. There is great power in reaching people in a way that is honest and real. That is something I will strive to emulate. 

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

When you have fun on stage, the rest is easy! In previous competitions, I felt like I had to have every little moment choreographed and rehearsed. While I prepared diligently, I allowed myself to make different choices than I may have planned to and enjoyed every second on stage. I believe that being in the moment is what allowed Karolyn to shine through. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “#SelfKare: Eat to Success”? 

As a child, I struggled with my body image, but as an athlete, I learned the importance of fueling my body to feel and function at its best. #SelfKare: Eat to Success focuses on teaching the community to eat in a way that fuels our minds and bodies to success while taking the focus off of weight and appearance. I have had the opportunity to host 2 nationally attended wellness summits, speak to over 2,000 North Carolina students and publish a cookbook for college students! This year, I plan to visit colleges and universities, work with strategic partners across the country, and utilize digital marketing tools to promote my initiative and grow the brand voice of the Miss America Organization. 

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

I love performing and telling stories which is why I love singing musical theatre. Bringing a character to life and connecting with others through a story and your own experiences makes performing magical! 

You recently graduated with a degree in communication studies and marketing. Where do you see that field taking you? 

I am planning to pursue a J.D./MBA and work in business law to help women achieve their entrepreneurial goals. The skills I learned in my undergraduate degree will also be useful in the job of Miss North Carolina as I promote my Social Impact Initiative and our organization on the state and national levels. 

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

Well, I have had the opportunity to perform as characters for children's parties and events for several years now. I was even cast to perform on Disney Cruise Lines, but unfortunately had to turn it down to complete my education!! That being said, I would have to be Princess Jasmine. She was one of my favorite princesses growing up. I loved her strength and determination... and who doesn't want to fly on a magic carpet!?  

If you had an extra ticket to see the Charlotte Knights play the Durham Bulls, who would you take with you? Why? 

Realistically, my mom. She is my partner in crime! In a dream world, Savvy Sheilds! She is the next Miss America I am hoping to meet! 

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

I have always wanted to throw the first pitch at a game! Hopefully, that dream will come true as Miss North Carolina! 

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Hopefully she can make that happen! 

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

As Karolyn continues her time as Miss North Carolina, I encourage you to check out her title's website and social media like Facebook and Instagram, . You should also check out her personal website and follow her on Instagram and TikTok. You can also purchase the cookbook she mentioned on Amazon! In fact, do it all now. 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 Karolyn, and good luck!

Sarah Jensen Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Sarah Jensen is a passionate math teacher, a talented pianist, and the current Miss Idaho. 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 Sarah Jensen visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Idaho crown?

I celebrated winning Miss Idaho by enjoying time with my friends, family, and community. I have competed 5 times for the title of Miss Idaho, and I never would've won without their support.. This is just as much their victory as it is mine.

What is something that Ayriss Torres did as Miss Idaho that you would like to repeat or expand on?

Ayriss started a podcast for her social impact, the Equity Project. I would love to do something similar with mine!

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

I learned not to doubt myself. There were areas of competition that I felt like I could have done better, but at the end of the night, I was award 3 preliminary awards and the title of Miss Idaho. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Why Math Matters”?

I am a math teacher. I wanted to find a way to inspire my students to fall in love with math. In order to do that, I started interviewing people of different professions about how they use math in their careers. I started a Youtube channel and I made a website (whymathmatters.weebly.com) to showcase the interviews. :)

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I LOVE performing onstage. I took piano lessons for 13 years. I love that the Miss America Organization gives me the opportunity to showcase all of those years of hard work.

As a math teacher. What do you enjoy about that field?

I love the idea that I am making an impact on students' lives. I get to be a consistent part of their daily lives, and that is really powerful.

What is your personal fitness routine?

I go to Orange Theory Fitness 4 times per week. It is high-intensity interval training mixed with weights. I really enjoy it!

If you had an extra ticket to see a baseball game between the Boise Hawks and the Idaho Falls Chukars, who would you take with you? Why?

I would probably take my golden retriever, Finn. ;) I understand that they may not allow dogs... but I think she would have a really great time!

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

I would really like the opportunity to throw the first pitch at a baseball game! I have always wanted to do this, and now that I am Miss Idaho, I am hoping to make that happen. 

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There must be a dog at the park day or something so Finn could go! 

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

As Sarah continues her time as Miss Idaho, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram. You should also check out the official Miss Idaho 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 Sarah, and good luck!

Check out My (new) Cards!

It's been a few months, so I decided it was finally time to request another shipment from COMC. Usually I buy cards, list them for resale at a way to high price and then when the stack is big enough I request shipment. The pile had reached the point where I wanted them in my hands. So, I requested shipment. The baseball ones can be seen below. 

Let's have a look, shall we?

Notice I said "baseball" and not "Red Sox"? I figured it was time I had one of these in my collection. Unlike the Griffey from last time, I've never owned one of these before. Now I do.

Decided I should have one of these too. Actually bought and sold a couple others as I decided this nice on-card signature is the one I wanted. Always nice to grab fun cards of young Red Sox stars.

Picked up a couple Dalbec RC as well. I was on a bit of a run where I wanted to stock up on these rising Red Sox stars before it was too late. So, a cheap Houck auto and a couple cheap Dalbec rookies were needed.

Along those lines, picked up a few Houck parallels while they were cheap. Or, maybe they still are. I dunno. But they can be hard to locate sometimes so it was nice to be able to grab a few.

And Whitlock too! Obviously bought these before he was hurt, and while he was still in the rotation. But, still glad to have these. 

And this one too. Remember when I mentioned my strategy of buying cards, then pricing them high while waiting to ship? I bought one of his other RC autos in April for $6, and priced it at $20 to let it sit. Next night Whitlock makes his first start, dominates, and the card sells for the $20. So, great, that's a nice profit. But...I actually wanted a Whitlock auto. Seems stupid to buy back the one I sold, so I was able to get this better one. For basically the initial $6. So I guess it all worked out.

And there they are! Lots of prospecting this time. Hope it works out.

Do you have a favorite card from the lot?

Kaitlin Kerl Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kaitlin Kerl is passionate about getting women in STEM fields, a talented dancer, and the current Miss New Mexico. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I'm especially excited that she is our first visitor from the state of New Mexico!

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

How did you celebrate winning the Miss New Mexico crown?

After becoming Miss New Mexico, I celebrated by spending time with my family! 

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

While competing in the Miss New Mexico Scholarship competition I learned to just enjoy myself. Instead of stressing about achieving perfection I continued to remind myself that I had already prepared for each moment and that my confidence and positivity would follow me on stage. I believe that while you are competing you must have an alternate goal besides winning, because ultimately there can only be one winner. For me it was challenging myself to enjoy my ability to perform one last time and that is exactly what I will be doing at Miss America!

What is something that Emma Broyles is doing as Miss America that you would want to emulate?

I love how Emma Broyles is so open to different types ofcommunity appearances. As a title holder in the Miss America Scholarship Organization, I have always kept an open mind when it comes to engaging with my community. From golfing to repelling down the side of a building I am down!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Building Bridges Through Inclusion”?

Building Bridges Through Inclusion is a movement I created to provide opportunities for growth and success amongst women in STEM. As a future architect I want to design a path for more women here in New Mexico to pursue higher education and careers in STEM. The name is also a play on words. “Building Bridges” is me using architecture as a way to encourage the “Inclusion” of more women becoming interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

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

I love performing on stage because I get to share the parts of me that make me unique while showcasing my hard work and dedication. I was a gymnast for 16 years and I have always loved being given the chance to show off a little bit and get the audience engaged in what I am doing. Performing my talent is an absolute blast and the energy from the crowd is always so electrifying and I love it!

You are working on an MA in Architecture. What drew you to that field?

I am currently in my final year in the Master of Architecture program at The University of New Mexico. I was drawn to architecture because it allows me to make a positive difference for future generations and the environment through design and digital fabrication.

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

I would be Perry The Platypus because I think it would be super cool to be a secret agent and go undercover and I can make the same sounds he makes!

If you had an extra ticket to an Albuquerque Isotopes game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I could take anyone with me right now it would be my boyfriend’s grandma! She is always taking us to Isotopes games, and I always have so much fun. I would love to take her to a game for a change.

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

Honestly, I have been wanting to try the T-shirt canon since I was a kid! I would love the chance to give the fans T-shirts and maybe partner up with the Isotopes to produce a special design!

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A partnered t-shirt design would be a fun idea! 

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 New Mexico, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram. You should also check out the official Miss New Mexico 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 Kaitlin, and good luck!