Sawn Off!

[fslshooter]

Broken bats are common at games I shoot, probably averaging a couple or more per game; however, pics like these are a bit more rare.

#1 - Pullin' the trigger ...
http://www.jerryhalephotography.com//potn/sawn1.jpg

#2 - Dang ... or was it another four letter word he said
http://www.jerryhalephotography.com//potn/sawn2.jpg

Actually these aren't the same sequence. The batter swung and missed #1 -- #2 was the following pitch. Look closely at the fans or at the guy in the dugout on the far right in #1 -- he's gone in #2.

[swjim]

Great shots! The timing really was perfect!

[Peter G]

Awesome broken bat series, Jerry! Very cool indeed.

[Sledhed]

That had to hurt. You don't see too many with the bat still in the frame.

I have a few broken bat shots but most of mine turn out like this. I was shooting portrait instead of landscape so I missed the bat flying off.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/506849364_250b6f9444_b.jpg

[fslshooter]

Thanks guys --

Truth is I think shots like these are more the result of dumb luck and high speed burst mode than good timing ;) . Actually I was just goofing off. It was late in the game, I had all the sportraits I needed, I was getting bored and I had more memory chips in my bag. So I flipped to portrait mode, cranked up burst (I normally shoot in low speed burst) and pressed the trigger when the pitcher delivered. BTW, the barrel of the bat flew over the first baseman's head and onto the grass in right field. Missiles like that can be hazardous to one's health.

[bcap]

Awesome timing there!