So a couple of days ago, the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays, who are moving to Midland next year, honored the fans who've been season ticket holders since the franchise's inception in 1995. Between games of the home finale double header, those fine folks came down to throw ceremonial first pitches. As team photographer I'm down there to record for posterity the momentous occasion, and I'm standing about 10 feet away from a good friend, who happens to be wheelchair bound. He throws his pitch, and as I snap the shot, here's what happened...it brought the house down.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/yankfan/Baseball/Aug31Johngetsnailed.jpg
He nailed me on the leg--not far from a very delicate spot. A few inches to the right, and I'd have been down for the count. It didn't really hurt, and we all got a laugh over it. My wife said it was worth the drive to see that.
Enjoy.
BTW...if you look at the scoreboard, you'll notice the final score of game one. The Devil Ray starter pitched a no-hitter and lost.

They say every picture tells a story. Well, I would guess every time you look at this it going to bring back a nice story to tell.

Jim

Its not everyday that a photographer gets injured during the ceremonial pitch, John. Its a great story. Thanks for sharing.

John,
Although I do not beleive in rules, there is one I do beleive in for photographers, especially sports photogs..... don't become the story or part of the action! And don't take after me..... surgery aint fun! My shoulder STILL hurts and almost as much as before surgery.

I have two photos of one photog who was part of the action. In one a gate is hitting him as it's being blasted open by a race car and in another a tire is flying past his head. Somehow all he did was bruise his ankle in the first one.

BE CAREFULL!

BTW, did your wife talk to this guy just before throwing that pitch? :D :rolleyes:

JS

John,
Although I do not beleive in rules, there is one I do beleive in for photographers, especially sports photogs..... don't become the story or part of the action! And don't take after me..... surgery aint fun! My shoulder STILL hurts and almost as much as before surgery.

I have two photos of one photog who was part of the action. In one a gate is hitting him as it's being blasted open by a race car and in another a tire is flying past his head. Somehow all he did was bruise his ankle in the first one.

BE CAREFULL!

BTW, did your wife talk to this guy just before throwing that pitch? :D :rolleyes:

JS

Who knew??:p No, she didn't, but she sure did enjoy it.:D