Sycamore At Mason Baseball

This was actually a continuation of a game that was suspended because of rain. Does anyone else feel like it has been a very wet spring? I actually went to this game to play around a little. I really have trouble just shooting for myself sometimes. I think most photographers are this way. My goal is to set time aside at least once a month to do something I want to do - either a game, find a willing subject for a portrait type session or go off exploring by myself. In this case I decided a game. There are things I have been wanting to try to do differently at baseball games. I like most of the results. Any opinions and comments would be great. Here are a few of my favorites from the game.

Sycamore at Mason Baseball

A nice sunny baseball game. As opposed to last night's lacrosse game. I almost got hit twice by the ball. Actually the first one almost took out my second camera that was laying on the ground next to me. The second was a sharply hit ball pretty much right at me. Luckily I was able to get out of the way quickly. I was on my knees shooting from the 3rd base line and was able to rock back out of the way. Thanks to everyone who asked me if I made it out of the way on time and if I was okay. Except for a slightly elevated heart rate I was fine. There is talk about requiring photographers to wear helmets at baseball games if they are inside the fence. Or in this case, at the end of a fence. I have actually thought about getting a helmet and think a requirement might be a good idea. Somebody needs to make one that will not get in the way of holding the camera to your face though. Enough about that, here are some of my favorites from the game:

High and tight.

Kings At Mason Baseball

A baseball game from the 30th of April. The Freshmen teams met up at a field in Mason to play. It was a little on the cold side but a lot better than the weather for the softball game previously posted. I did get a little distracted during the game when another team showed up to have batting practice in the cage next to where I was shooting. Nothing like hearing the crack of the bat hitting the ball while focusing on an outfielder. Since I was sitting at the end of the fence I definitely had to be aware of where balls were being hit. Luckily I quickly adjusted to where the sound was coming from so it was not a distraction for long. Here are some different looks from the game.

I am thinking in my head, this could really hurt.

He did manage to keep his chin from smacking the ground which was definitely a good thing. Nice play.

A dive back into first.
A slight brush of the glove for the tag.
Trying to jar the ball out without success.

Fairfield At Mason Baseball

The ballgame on Monday was in totally opposite the one last week. Least weather wise. It was a pretty cold day for baseball. The wind was whipping and there was no escaping it. If you do not believe me it was cold check out these players.

Told you it was cold. Mason has a really nice field and open sidelines. While it is nice to not have to shoot through a fence it is also a bit unnerving. You constantly have to pay attention to the batter so you know if a foul ball is coming your way. I was all ready for a pick off attempt to first base and really thought the pitcher was about ready to pitch. My mistake. I take a peak at the batter and realize the throw is coming to first. Here is my stellar image of that :)

That is what I get for being fooled by the pitcher. One more reason why I am behind a camera and not trying to play baseball or softball. I am not good at either. I did better the rest of the game and that was only 1 of 2 images I really regret screwing up. The other one I did not even get an attempt as there was a player between me and the actual play I wanted to get. But here are a few of the good ones.

I converted this one to b&w and decided I liked it better that way than in color.

Another b&w
A hard throw for a pick off attempt. The ball is pushing the webbing out.

Oak Hills At Lakota East Baseball

The weather was so nice when I got back from my workshop that I could not resist going to a baseball game on Thursday. No coat necessary! I struggle a bit photographing baseball because I want to get images of peak action. That means guessing where the action is going to be and I am not always correct with my guesses. If only I knew where the batter was going to hit the ball ahead of time:) The Lakota East field has fences all the way around it but with my 300mm lens it is not a problem. I put the lens against the fence and it does not even see it since it is so close to the focus point. Plus I get the added benefit of not having to worry about a ball hitting me while I am looking in a different direction. Here are some images from the game. I would love to hear any feedback from you. All images from the game are located through the Games link on the right.

Freshmen Baseball

On April 7th the Oak Hills freshmen baseball team took on the LaSalle team. It was one of the first nice days after the cold spell we had. There was a good crowd for both teams. I met a lot of the LaSalle fans and it was talking with them. A lot of times I do not get the chance to talk with fans before or after an event. And of course during I'm busy concentrating on the game. Both sets of fans were vocal and into the game yet were more than accomodating to me. I try my best to stay out of the fans and these fans were great in watching out for me and walking behind me whenever they could. See below for a few images from the game.

Legging out a hit.

Connecting with one
Fielding a grounder
The windup
Small collision