“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino hits a go-ahead grand slam home run during the seventh inning of game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino celebrates after hitting a go-ahead grand slam home run during the seventh inning of game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino celebrates after hitting a go-ahead grand slam home run during the seventh inning of game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, second baseman Dustin Pedroia and left fielder Jonny Gomes celebrate after right fielder Shane Victorino hit a go-ahead grand slam home run during the seventh inning of game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino celebrates after hitting a go-ahead grand slam home run during the seventh inning of game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia chats with pitcher Koji Uehara during the ninth inning of game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia celebrate after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and teammates celebrate after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara celebrates with teammates after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox players celebrate after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli jumps on right fielder Jonny Gomes after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry is presented with the League Championship trophy during an on-field celebration after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara holds the ALCS MVP trophy during an on-field celebration after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz gestures to fans during an on-field celebration after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli and outfielder Jonny Gomes give an ice bath to pitcher Jake Peavy during an on-field celebration after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jake Peavy reacts after receiving an ice bath during an on-field celebration after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox catcher Ryan Lavarnway gestures to fans during an on-field celebration after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Carp sprays Champagne during an on-field celebration after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia pours beer on manager John Farrell during an on-field celebration after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox right fielder Jonny Gomes wears an ‘Ironsides’ Red Sox bathrobe as he celebrates during an on-field celebration after winning game six of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers and advancing to the World Series Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
It’s hard to believe, but the Boston Red Sox are going to the World Series. As I’m sure you can imagine, things are absolutely crazy around here in preparations for game one tomorrow night, so I don’t have a lot of time to collect my thoughts and write them here.
I will say, though, that getting to this point has been a dream of mine since I started shooting baseball four seasons ago. I never thought it would come so soon, so I don’t take this opportunity for granted at all. Many journalists go their entire careers working to cover something like the World Series, so regardless of whether the Sox win or lose, I’m thrilled to be here.
When it’s all over, I’ll find time to post more, but for now, here are the photos from the clinching Game Six of the American League Championship Series. I decided to pick up in the seventh inning, when Shane Victorino hit an incredibly timely and dramatic go-ahead grand slam home run to essentially punch Boston a ticket to the World Series. The rest go in chronological order throughout the end of the game and into the post-game celebrations.
Here’s hoping for a World Series Championship in Boston! More to come this week.
“Former Boston Red Sox player Dave Roberts waves to the crowd before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch during a pre-game ceremony before game two of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Major League Baseball Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Joe Torre signs autographs before game two of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes hops over second base during the first inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia makes a diving stop on a ground ball during the third inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia throws to first base after making a diving stop on a ground ball during the third inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder waits on deck during the fourth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta celebrates with first baseman Prince Fielder after Fielder scored during the sixth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz gives the ball to manager John Farrell as Buchholz exits the game during the sixth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hits a game-tying grand slam home run during the eighth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox came back from a 5-0 deficit to defeat the Tigers 6-5.”“The eyes of Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz are displayed on the video board at Fenway Park as he rounds the bases after hitting a game-tying grand slam home run during the eighth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks congratulates designated hitter David Ortiz after Ortiz hit a game-tying grand slam home run during the eighth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz gives a curtain call after hitting a game-tying grand slam home run during the eighth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes celebrates as he scores the game-winning run on a walk-off single by catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (right) celebrates after hitting a game-winning walk off RBI single to score left fielder Jonny Gomes during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox came back from a 5-0 deficit to defeat the Tigers 6-5.”“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes and shortstop Stephen Drew celebrate as Gomes scores the game-winning run on a walk-off single by catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes high fives teammates after catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a game-winning RBI single during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox players mob catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia after Saltalamacchia hit a game-winning RBI single during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox came back from a 5-0 deficit to defeat the Tigers 6-5.”
I feel like a broken record writing that this was the most amazing game I’ve ever been on hand to shoot. I know I’ve said that at least several times this season. The Red Sox have had so many incredible games in 2013, but somehow they seem to outdo themselves with every one of these improbable wins.
This one was more special, more dramatic, and more meaningful than any of the other eleven Red Sox walk-off wins this season. After being held to just one hit by Detroit Tigers pitching in game one of the ALCS, the Red Sox frustrations continued, as 22-game winner Max Scherzer was absolutely dominant. Yet after managing to put up a run in the sixth inning and ensuring Scherzer’s eventual exit in the eighth, the boys pulled off one of the most incredible wins in playoff history.
After a double by Will Middlebrooks, a walk by Jacoby Ellsbury, a base hit by Dustin Pedroia, and a series of bullpen pitching changes by Detroit, David Ortiz stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. In classic Big Papi fashion, Ortiz knocked the first pitch he saw just out of the reach of Torii Hunter in right field for a grand slam to tie the game.
The Fenway crowd went nuts, and after Ortiz crossed home plate and made it back into the dugout, I found myself turned around giving high fives to the fans sitting behind me in the first row. I’m usually able to separate my emotions while shooting, but in this case, it was impossible.
Even though the game was still tied at that point, I knew that we would win it. Sure enough, in the bottom of the ninth inning, Jarrod Saltalamacchia knocked a single into left field to score Jonny Gomes and even the series at 1-1.
These photos above are the highlights of my take from beginning to end. What a night. It still feels like a dream.
“The National Anthem is sung as teams line up during a pre-game ceremony before game one of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jake Peavy high fives teammates during a pre-game ceremony before game one of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“The National Anthem is sung as teams line up during a pre-game ceremony before game one of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland and Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell shake hands during a pre-game ceremony before game one of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Former Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra throws out the ceremonial first pitch before game one of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“The umpiring crew, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland and Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell pose for a photograph during a pre-game ceremony before game one of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester delivers during the first inning of game one of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino reacts after striking out during the third inning of game one of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz warms up on-Deck during the first inning of game one of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew turns a double play during the third inning game one of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester reacts during the fifth inning of game one of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera jokes during the first inning of game one of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pinch runner Quintin Berry steals second base during the ninth inning of game one of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter high fives teammates after game one of the American League Championship Series agains the Boston Red Sox. aturday, October 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
We’re underway at Fenway Park for the 2013 American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers.
Everyone always talks about the capabilities of the Detroit pitching staff, and last night was proof of why they do so. This high powered Red Sox offense was held to just one hit through nine innings, as the Tigers were won 1-0 in game one. It’s hard to win a game on one hit, and from a photo standpoint, it’s hard to make really good pictures when not much is happening. In the way of action, things were very slow last night.
Still, we’re looking to tell the story of the game and to capture the atmosphere and feel inside the stadium, so that’s what I’ve tried to post here.
Here’s hoping things go better tonight for game two! And for less TV air time for this photographer than last night.
