As I’m sure one could imagine, things haven’t slowed down one bit around here in the aftermath of the win. We’ve been busy with trophy tour appearances around New England, as well as with all kinds of requests for photos.
Recently in the Red Sox photo department, we’ve also been busy working on this multimedia piece, for which we conceived the idea in the days prior to the World Series. Using both photos and video that we shot, we wanted to tell the story of the Red Sox in the World Series from beginning to end. What results is a wild ride from team workouts to two opening games at Fenway Park to a team flight to St. Louis to three intense games at Busch Stadium to a game six win at Fenway Park and an unforgettable celebration and parade – all in three minutes and seventeen seconds. What a journey!
Watching this piece in its final state brings all the memories and moments rushing back, and I hope that’s the case for you as well when you watch it.
We all know Red Sox culture is nothing without the Dropkick Murphys, so a huge thank you to them for giving the Red Sox permission to publish this piece to the backdrop of “The Boys Are Back,” a song that turned out to be an anthem for the club this year.
“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia hits a double during the first inning of game five of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia throws to first base during the first inning of game five of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester fields a bunt from shortstop Pete Kozma during the third inning of game five of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross hits a go-ahead RBI double during the seventh inning of game five of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox third baseman Xander Bogaerts scores on an RBI double by catcher David Ross during the seventh inning of game five of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox shortstop catcher David Ross is tagged out while attempting to score on an RBI single by center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury during the seventh inning of game five of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester picks up a paper airplane thrown on the field by a fan during the seventh inning of game five of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox right fielder Daniel Nava throws to second base during the eighth inning of game five of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara reacts after recording the final out to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 in game five of the 2013 World Series Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara high fives catcher David Ross after recording the final out to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 in game five of the 2013 World Series Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara high fives catcher David Ross after recording the final out to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 in game five of the 2013 World Series Monday, October 28, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Members of the Boston Red Sox front office board an airplane at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in St. Louis, Missouri Tuesday, October 29, 2013 after game four of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals.”
After a painful end to game three of the World Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, the Red Sox responded in the best way possible, taking the next two games from the Cardinals. Last night’s game was tense, but it was a huge win, as the team now returns to Fenway Park just one win away from a World Series title.
These are the highlights from game five, which although a great game, wasn’t fantastic for pictures. We flew back to Boston right afterwards which made for a long night of travel, so I’m not going to post much more right now.
Tomorrow is a huge day, as the team has the chance to win a World Series at Fenway Park for the first time since 1918.
“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia takes ground balls before game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes looks on during batting practice before game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Clydesdale horses take a lap around the field during a pre-game ceremony before game four of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Fans wave towels before game four of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia turns a double play over center fielder John Jay during the fourth inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew hits a sacrifice fly during the fifth inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox during the inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes hits a go-ahead three run home run during the sixth inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes hits a go-ahead three run home run during the sixth inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes celebrates after hitting a go-ahead three run home run during the sixth inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes celebrates after hitting a go-ahead three run home run during the sixth inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes celebrates after hitting a go-ahead three run home run during the sixth inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pinch runner Quintin Berry steals second base during the eighth inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara delivers during the ninth inning of game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara records the final out of game four of the 2013 World Series as he picks off St. Louis Cardinals pinch runner Kolten Wong during the ninth inning Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli celebrates as he records the final out of game four of the 2013 World Series by tagging out St. Louis Cardinals pinch runner Kolten Wong on a pick-off throw from pitcher Koji Uehara during the ninth inning Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli and pitcher Koji Uehara celebrates after recording the final out of game four of the 2013 World Series by picking off St. Louis Cardinals pinch runner Kolten Wong during the ninth inning Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox players celebrate after winning game four of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
The Red Sox won game four of the World Series last night, tying up the series at two games a piece. This was another dramatic, crazy game with an even crazier ending.
Nobody expected Koji Uehara to end the game by picking off Cardinals pinch runner Kolten Wong at first base (which is the first time in history a World Series game has ended on a pick off), and it happened so fast that I’m surprised I got any pictures out of it.
I’m getting ready to head to the stadium for game five, so there isn’t much time to post, but here are the highlights from the pick off and from Jonny Gomes’ huge three run home run.
“Boston Red Sox pitchers stretch before game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Junichi Tazawa walks toward left field before game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“A young Boston Red Sox fan poses for a photograph before game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“The sun sets over Busch Stadium before game three of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Starting lineups are introduced during a pre-game ceremony before game three of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Starting lineups are introduced during a pre-game ceremony before game three of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Fans wave towels during a pre-game ceremony before game three of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury bobbles a fly ball during the third inning of game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox third baseman Xander Bogaerts hits a triple during the fifth inning of game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino points as he scores during the eighth inning of game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox left fielder Daniel Nava slides into second base as shortstop Pete Kozma turns a double play during the sixth inning of game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly exits the game during the sixth inning of game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow exits the game during the seventh inning of game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia tags out catcher Yadier Molina during the ninth inning of game three of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks is called for an interference error as St. Louis Cardinals infielder Allen Craig runs toward home to score the game winning run during the ninth inning of game three of the 2013 World Series Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia argues with home plate umpire Dana DeMuth after third baseman Will Middlebrooks was called for an interference error by third base umpire Jim Joyce allowing St. Louis Cardinals infielder Allen Craig to score the game winning run during the ninth inning of game three of the 2013 World Series Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
“Umpires walk off the field after the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Boston Red Sox in game three of the 2013 World Series on a fielder’s interference call in the ninth inning by third base umpire Jim Joyce Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.”
It was an absolutely crazy ending to a back and forth game three of the World Series out here in St. Louis. I don’t know what to make of how the game ended, and don’t have much time to post about it right now.
Here are the photos I shot from my elevated position along the first base line at Busch Stadium. We’ll see how it goes tonight. Hoping for a Red Sox win to even the series!
“Lansdowne Street is shown before game six of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Fans gather on Yawkey Way before game six of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“A vendor sells programs on Yawkey Way before game six of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Former Boston Red Sox player Carlton Fisk wears a beard while throwing out the ceremonial first pitch during a pre-game ceremony before game six of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey delivers during the first inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia breaks his bat during the third inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“The cleats of Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino are shown during the first inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino hits a three-RBI double during the third inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino rounds the bases after hitting a three-RBI double during the third inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes celebrates alongside designated hitter David Ortiz, third baseman Xander Bogaerts, and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury after scoring on an RBI double by right fielder Shane Victorino during the third inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury react after scoring on an RBI double by right fielder Shane Victorino during the third inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew hits a home run during the fourth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew reacts after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew reacts after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha looks down during the fourth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“ Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew lunges for a ball during the third inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury gets caught in a run down during the eighth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli hits an RBI single during the fourth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli and designated hitter David Ortiz score on an RBI single by right fielder Shane Victorino during the fourth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey delivers during the first inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey reacts after the fourth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross points during the first inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey tips his cap after exiting the game in the seventh inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara jogs from the bullpen during the ninth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara delivers during the ninth inning of game six of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara reacts after recording the final out to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 to win the 2013 World Series Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara and catcher David Ross react after recording the final out to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 to win the 2013 World Series Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara, catcher David Ross, and teammates react after recording the final out to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 to win the 2013 World Series Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox players celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 to win the 2013 World Series Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Fireworks explode over the Green Monster as Boston Red Sox players celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 to win the 2013 World Series Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
“Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell raises the World Series trophy after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 to win the 2013 World Series Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
So there it is.
The Boston Red Sox are the champions of the world and my long time dream of working for the team and photographing them win the World Series has come true.
It still hasn’t completely sunk in, to be honest, but I’m finally finding a little bit of time to at least get this post together and reflect on this whole experience.
I’m thrilled that we were ultimately able to beat the St. Louis Cardinals, but I’ll start off by acknowledging that had we lost, I still would have felt incredibly lucky to have been a part of this year’s run during the regular season, through the playoffs, and into the World Series. There are journalists, writers, photographers, and other team employees of all types that go their entire careers without the chance to work a World Series, let alone win one. I think that’s important to keep in mind. In no way do I take this opportunity for granted.
Shooting for a team as opposed to a newspaper or magazine or wire service is different in that you’re far more invested in the team’s performance. Not only is that notion of journalistic independence from your subjects gone, but your life revolves around the organization. You spend every day at the Park. You work with people from all parts of the organization, from media relations to marketing to baseball operations to the players and coaches themselves. Just as Major Leaguers make it their goal to win the World Series every year, I go about my work with the same mentality: bring it every day and do my part to make that happen. It must be the athlete in me.
Our left fielder, Jonny Gomes, said it best over the microphone at a gathering with players and front office members just hours after the team won: “You guys are champs, too.”
This year has been unlike any other Boston has ever seen, and this was the perfect ending to a tragic but inspirational story that has grown since Marathon Monday back in April. I feel lucky to have done my part in documenting all the great work the Boston Red Sox organization has done in response to help heal the city, from charity events to pre-game ceremonies to thrilling wins. From the first game back at Fenway after the bombings to the game six of the World Series, this organization has embodied what “Boston Strong” is all about. It became the common thread that kept everyone together.
I got my first taste of the playoffs last year in Baltimore while shooting two games of the ALDS between the Orioles and the Yankees at Camden Yards, but from a professional standpoint, this year’s playoff experience was constructive and valuable for me. With the playoffs comes a whole new set of responsibilities: arranging photo positions in the pits, working to accommodate scores of photographers from all over the world in your home stadium, traveling to work in other cities and stadiums, and pushing images out at a pace, quantity, and quality bigger and better than usual. Many of these things I hadn’t dealt with before. It’s all great fun, but it is a grind. Needless to say, I have yet to catch up on sleep, and I’m glad that these games are over for awhile. They were tense, to say the least, and watching them was both physically and emotionally exhausting at times.
Baseball’s biggest stage also brings the world’s most talented sports photographers and editors into one place, so as a young photographer, it was a pleasure to meet so many shooters whose work I admire, and to re-connect with colleagues I’ve met before.
This job is demanding and at times very grueling, so I’m thankful to many people for helping me along the way. I owe thanks to all my family and friends for their unconditional love, support, and understanding (even the O’s and Yankees fans, people who think baseball is boring, etc.). I also owe thanks to all those in the Red Sox community, and in particular, to the photography staff I work with. Mike, Brita, Cindy, Brian, Steve, Cummo and Marissa are all ridiculously talented photographers, and more importantly, are all great people. I’m honored to have gotten the opportunities I’ve had as a part of that group.
Here are the photos from the game six victory! Thanks so much for following along all season. It’s been a dream come true.
