In March the Boston Red Sox have "spring training"
(i.e., pre-season practice and games) in Fort Myers.
Xander Bogaerts (above) and Will Middlebrooks hit back-to-back home runs for the Sox.
My seats were in deep left field, so I was 300 feet from the batters.
The images of action on the field were shot at 300mm and then cropped further.
Even though not as sharp as most photos I post, I was happy with them.
An usher led the singing of "Sweet Caroline," a Red Sox tradition
between the halves of the eighth inning since 2002.
EVERYONE wears Red Sox garb.
These two sons will remember going to a Red Sox game with their dad.
(The people shots are all dark because the bleachers were in the shade; sorry.)
Warm thoughts as I rise this morning to sub-freezing temps--again . . .
ReplyDeleteGood sport scenes if you ask me. Looks like you enjoyed your day at the stadium.
ReplyDeleteA very american post!and really great pictures!(I'll trust you for their meaning ... Ü)
ReplyDeletegreat photos! here we have the minor league salem red sox and sing sweet caroline too! i'm ready for baseball!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, Jack. I've been wanting to go some spring training games for a long time. Maybe next spring.
ReplyDeleteIt's a sweet song and a lovely tradition for Boston, the Red Sox, and Caroline Kennedy.
ReplyDeleteThese are great shots Jack! Glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteSpring training games are a delightful way to spend a sunny afternoon. We have season tickets for the Chicago Cubs spring training games, Julie has had the tickets for at least 25 years.
ReplyDeleteThe good news about the seats is that the seats are behind home plate, very close to the field. The bad news is that the protective screen interferes with photos of the field.
I've been to a Twins game in that stadium. Great fun. And your photos are quite excellent. Fortunately, the Red Sox wear some red!
ReplyDeleteYour shots are always superb, Jack! And these are no exception! Next best thing to being there myself!! Have a fun day, but stay out of trouble!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like this team has some very enthusiastic fans!
ReplyDeleteAh, great action shots. Something magical about baseball and you have captured that in your photos.
ReplyDeleteVery nice action pictures!
ReplyDeleteFab action shots Jack, I don't know much about baseball but father and sons look thrilled. These shots are so clear, bet you didn't have a tripod handy either..
ReplyDeleteI made a pilgrimage to their stadium in Boston during my trip last year, of course.
ReplyDeleteNothing says summer better than watching a ball game! Great shots, Jack!
ReplyDeleteTerrific shots of the players and the fans, Jack.
ReplyDeleteRight about now, Cubs fans are telling themselves with great hope, "This is our year..."
I'd like to know the history of the Sweet Caroline thine. When I went to Fenway for the only time two season ago it took me completely by surprise.
ReplyDeleteMy sisters went to a Cardinals-Mets spring training game in Jupiter a couple of weeks ago. They sent me a Cardinals Spring Training hat. I will wear it proudly.
For me, watching paint dry. Your photos will bring many smiles I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteV
Those first two shots are terrific; you really caught the action.
ReplyDeleteOh to play hookie from work and go to a Spring Training game. Did it once, got caught too.
ReplyDelete