Jack the Photog, Version 1.0 vs. 2.0

To have a good blog you need a good subject. When you have a group of seasoned veterans playing a game we all love, for the last time together, and playing in never boring, often edge of the seat fashion, well it becomes pretty clear that even a trained monkey could produce quality with this group (or even a guy who loves commas the way these guys love playing baseball).

But even with a great subject, text alone can't make a good blog, and the success of this one is due mostly to the graphics. And those, dear readers, are due mostly to Joe's Dad, Jack.

And Jack is all about raising his game. How serious is he? Did you know we lost him for game 2 so he could go get some professional photojournalistic-type training? That's right, our guy Jack took himself off to some desert locale in Nevada or New Mexico or Arizona somewhere, meeting up with group of long-time colleagues (college drinking buddies) who share his same passion for photography (and companionable story telling). And these guys spent hours per day in intensive training (of a photographic nature). Frankly the results are incredible, lending total credibility to Jack's claim to Adrienne that he and the lads spent their week in serious study of photo taking, and not (just) drinking and playing cards.

Want proof? How about some before and afters, starting with the classic Profile shot:

Morgan L - batting, Game 1

Game 1 - Morgan L. Great looking kid, great subject. Now let's throw in some chain link, some backstop, a couple cars, maybe a house or three.

Morgan L - feel the sun, smell the cut grass, Game 3

Game 3 - Morgan L.
Field of Dreams, baby, Field of Dreams! Goodness gracious, you can hear the theme song from Chariots of Fire looking at this pic!





How about the classic Action shot?

John C - has to be on a base path, Game 1

Game 1 - John C. Another great looking kid, probably a base runner... on a basepath... focused! Ready to do... something,  just as soon as it's called for!

John C - Layin' down the tag!!! Game 3

Game 3 - John C. At second, playing second, having caught the throw on the fly (literally, he hasn't reached ground yet!), laying the tag on a base-stealer. Dirt flying, runner avoidin', tension everywhere! Wow!


And finally, the classic At Bat shot:

Joe L - Batting, Game 1

Game 1 - Joe L. at bat, waiting for Pitcher to throw pitch... maybe a catcher there too, blending into the background...

Nick S - Here it comes! Game 3

Game 3 - Nick S. at bat, ball on way, all eyes locked in, decision to be made, pre-swing movement underway...



So, I love the Game 1 pics (they're better than I could ever hope to take). And I miss the Game 2 pics (thank goodness the Flip was working and we got some good clips). But I am in awe of the upgraded Jack the Photog v2.0 that we got for Game 3. And as importantly... beyond! Well done Jack, and can't wait to see what you cook up for us next game!