Photos: Red Sox Legends Attend Johnny Pesky Memorial.

“David Ortiz, Tim Wakefield, and Jason Varitek attend a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, September 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.”

“Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Pedro Martinez, Dustin Pedroia, and David Ortiz share their memories about Johnny Pesky at a public memorial service at Fenway Park for Pesky Sunday, September 23, 2012, who passed away earlier this year.

“Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens speaks at a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, August 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.

“Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez speaks during a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, September 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.

“Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine signs Pesky’s Pole during a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, September 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.”

“Current and former Boston Red Sox players lay down roses around a number ‘6’ on the infield dirt during a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, September 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.”

Here are a some images from Sunday evening’s public memorial service for Boston Red Sox great Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this season. This was an interesting event to cover, as it brought together multiple generations of players and members of the Red Sox organization.

It’s difficult not to get good pictures when you have so many legends sitting in one spot together. It’s always good when you get Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Tim Wakefield, Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, and Reggie Smith to name a few at the same time. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 vs. New York Yankees.

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Pedro Ciriaco celebrates after scoring the game winning run against the New York Yankees Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Ciriaco scored from second base on a walk-off single by Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox won 4-3.”

“Boston Red Sox teammates crowd center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury after Ellsbury hit a walk-off single against the New York Yankees Tuesday, September 11, 2012. The Red Sox won 4-3.”

“An American flag is dropped over the Green Monster at Fenway Park during a pre-game ceremony honoring the 11th anniversary of September 11, 2001.”

I felt like I photographed two different baseball games last night. After a tribute to lives lost on September 11 during the pre-game ceremonies, Fenway Park was as quiet, subdued, and peaceful as I’ve ever seen it for the first couple innings. 

Yet by the end of the game, the park was well alive as Jacoby Ellsbury hit a walk-off single to beat the New York Yankees 4-3. 

It was one of the better walk-off wins I’ve shot, and we got some really nice reaction out of the players. I’m quite satisfied with the first image I posted above. I love the umpire’s “SAFE!” gesture. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: I’m starting to really like shooting wide rather than tight for these walk-off wins. From my angle last night, shooting with long glass wouldn’t have worked well. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Saturday, August 25, 2012 vs. Kansas City Royals.

“Boston Red Sox shortstop Mike Aviles dives for a ground ball during the seventh inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, August 25, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Pedro Ciriaco is tagged out at home plate during the tenth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, August 25, 2012.”

Another long one last night! A few blown leads, lead changes, game tying hits, and twelve innings later, I actually got a few nice action images.
This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Stay focused in the late innings! Pictures are waiting to be made.

Boston Red Sox Photography: Friday, August 24, 2012 vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

“Boston Red Sox left fielder Scott Podsednik kneels during a pitching change in the eighth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Friday, August 24, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Pedro Ciriaco kneels during a pitching change in the eighth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Friday, August 24, 2012.”

Not too much action from this game, but as I went through my edits, I found that these two work nicely as a pair.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Always keep an eye out during pitching changes. There are often some good candid moments like these waiting to be shot.

Boston Red Sox Photography: Thursday, August 23, 2012 vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia tags out Mike Trout at home plate during the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Thursday, August 23, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run during the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Thursday, August 23, 2012.”

Here are a few photos from what I can honestly say felt like the longest game I’ve ever worked. It was only 10 innings, but somehow it felt longer than the 17 inning game from earlier this year or any rain delay filled game that I can remember. It was a really, really slow 10 innings.

That’s life, though! This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Patience is a virtue. If you sit and wait long enough, you’ll get a nice photo or two.

Photos: Boston Red Sox Honor Death of Johnny Pesky.

“The entire Boston Red Sox lineup wears Number 6 jerseys to honor the death of Red Sox great Johnny Pesky Tuesday, August 21, 2012.”

“The number ‘6’ is cut in the outfield grass at Fenway Park to honor the death of Johnny Pesky Tuesday, August 21, 2012.”

“An American flag is flown at half mast to honor the death of Johnny Pesky Tuesday, August 21, 2012.”

“The sun sets over Fenway Park during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Tuesday, August 21, 2012.”

Here are a few shots from the ceremonies honoring Johnny Pesky, former Boston Red Sox great who passed away last week. 

Fenway Park couldn’t have caught a more beautiful night to recognize him. 

Photos: Futures at Fenway.

“A guest dressed as Chewbacca from ‘Star Wars’ walks around the warning track at Fenway Park during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“Guests dressed as Darth Vader and a Death Star Guard from ‘Star Wars’ walk around the warning track at Fenway Park during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“Kids dressed as ‘Star Wars’ characters parade around the warning track at Fenway Park during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“Members of the 6th Middlesex Regiment prepare to present the colors during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“A member of the Lowell Spinners turns a double play during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash the Frisbee Dog’ catches a frisbee in his mouth during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“A girl poses with her umbrella during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

On Saturday, I shot Futures At Fenway Day at Fenway Park. This day gives baseball fans a chance to see game action from the Boston Red Sox’ minor league affiliates. This year’s double header included games between the Lowell Spinners and the Hudson Valley Renegades and between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Buffalo Bisons. The event was also paired with a futuristic “Star Wars” theme, so the park was filled with both baseball and “Star Wars” fans alike.

It bothers me a bit that this is such a random assortment of photos with no real order or coherency to them as a set, but as I think back, they definitely show the quirkiness of the day as a whole. When Darth Vaders, Chewbaccas, and Storm Troopers are walking around while dogs are catching frisbees between innings of really good Minor League baseball, it’s difficult to expect that the photos are going to make a whole lot of sense. 

It was also nice to get a taste of Minor League baseball again, as I hadn’t shot it in a long time. Every once in awhile, it’s refreshing to shoot. The players are so young and hungry, and show a level of energy that I find contagious as a shooter. 

Photos: Red Sox host Picnic In The Park.

“A clown makes balloon hats for kids during ‘Picnic In The Park’ at Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“A family enjoys dinner during ‘Picnic In The Park’ at Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“Burgers and buns are shown during ‘Picnic In The Park’ at Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

A few from the annual ‘Picnic In The Park’ event, which happened after yesterday’s day game. 
It was a nice, relaxing way to unwind after a long day of shooting. What’s better than eating dinner in the bullpen?

Boston Red Sox Photography: Sunday, August 5, 2012 vs. Minnesota Twins.

“Boston Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine sits in the batting tunnel before a game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox Center Fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and Shortstop Mike Aviles sit in the batting tunnel before a game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“A vendor sells popcorn during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“The Boston Red Sox play the Minnesota Twins Sunday, August 5, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox Outfielder Cody Ross pats Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the back during a game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox hats are shown in the dugout of Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

Sunday games are always busy, and this Sunday was no exception! Over the course of the game, I found myself in just about every part of the stadium at one point – from Yawkey Way and Lansdowne Street outside to the concourses below the stadium to the highest points of the upper deck to the first base photo pit on field level. 

It made for a long day of climbing and running around in the heat, but I got what I hope is a nice variety of images. 

I’m particularly liking the first two photos of this post. We don’t shoot in the clubhouse much, so it was good to get some “behind the scenes” type of features of players and coaches hanging out before the game.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: It’s good to keep yourself active and not stay in one spot for too long. Although it can be more tiring, it keeps your eye sharp and keeps you from becoming complacent.

Boston Red Sox Photography: Saturday, August 4, 2012 vs. Minnesota Twins.

“A crowd applauds as a couple kisses each other after becoming engaged on the field at Fenway Park Saturday, August 4, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox shortstop Pedro Ciriaco gives a curtain call after hitting his first career home run in the eighth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Saturday, August 4, 2012.”

I had a few hours to rest and clear my head after my extremely tolling and difficult (jokes) shoot with Darth Vader the morning of this game, so I came out with lots of energy and had a good night shooting. 

Despite the Red Sox managing to lose after being one strike away from winning the game, I was down low when Boston’s new spark plug shortstop Pedro Ciriaco hit his first Major League home run. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Never assume the game is over until the last out is recorded. 

Also, does anyone have any thoughts about proposals at pro sports stadiums? Romantic? Overrated? Really corny?