Batter action - Baseball 6 pics

[fslshooter]

Here are some pics I've taken of batters this season. I like to shoot batters from first or third base line and consider my best captures to be ones like these where the batter is coming out of the box after he puts the ball in play. I know that some folks consider pics where the ball is still in the frame and perhaps even striking the bat to be the best shots. I have some shots like those but personally I like these much better because of the action that they show. You can see the batter's face too and that's rare in a shot where he's actually hitting the ball because his eyes are usually focused on the ball as it strikes his bat.

#1
http://www.ourcubs.com//potn/050417.jpg
1DmkII, 300mm, AV 1/2500 @ f/4 ISO 400

#2
http://www.ourcubs.com//potn/050430.jpg
1DmkII, 300mm, AV 1/1250 @f/3.2 ISO 400

#3
http://www.ourcubs.com//potn/050514.jpg
1DmkII, 300mm, AV 1/800 @ f/4 ISO 400

#4
http://www.ourcubs.com//potn/050521.jpg
1DmkII, 300mm, AV 1/800 @f/2.8 ISO 1600

#5
http://www.ourcubs.com//potn/050522.jpg
1DmkII, 300mm, AV 1/1000 @ f/4.5 ISO 400

#6
http://www.ourcubs.com//potn/050618.jpg
1DmkII, 300mm, AV 1/1250 @f/2.8 ISO 800

[RTMiller]

I like them just the way there are.

From the looks on their faces, I would say that...
Pic 1 was a base hit,
Pic 2 was a fly out to left,
Pic 3 was a ground out to second,
Pics 4 and 5 were homeruns,
and Pic 6 hit into a double play!

[Michaelmjc]

I like them just the way there are.

From the looks on their faces, I would say that...
Pic 1 was a base hit,
Pic 2 was a fly out to left,
Pic 3 was a ground out to second,
Pics 4 and 5 were homeruns,
and Pic 6 hit into a double play!

you just might be right there, they all look pretty close.

Nice shots

[DwightMcCann]

Yes, we usually see the ones with the balls, but I think you are right, these made me tense up as I looked at each ... great captures.

[fslshooter]

. . .these made me tense up as I looked at each ... great captures.

Thanks, Dwight. I do the same when I'm looking through my stuff after a shoot. I think that's why I like them better than ball-in-the-shot pics.

[neutral]

I always "thought" I would prefer to see the ball leaving the frame, however these images show more of what's going on.

I like them this way.

[chemicalbro]

I really like number 2 because the batter still has his eye on the ball as it soars away......... the sense of movement in the shot is great..... would have preffered if you hadn't chopped the bat tho

number 4 is nice too (a tad noisy tho)

[DwightMcCann]

fsl, I just saw an similar image in the LA Times to yours, but they cut off the bat and the face wasn't so clear ... I was thinking, "Whoever shot this is second rate compared with (you)" ... good work.

[Pugdaddy]

Thanks for the tip, Jerry. I'm planning on getting over to the local semi-pro stadium (Gary Railcats) and do a shoot real soon. I have not tried shooting any sports yet but this looks like a great place to start. The nice thing about the semi's is you can get right down close to the players. I'm looking forward to it.
Great shots, by the way.

[cappy27]

awesome shots !

[fslshooter]

Thanks for the comments all.

. . . I just saw an similar image in the LA Times to yours, but they cut off the bat and the face wasn't so clear . . .

Some of the PJs I've met don't particularily like to shoot baseball. It's probably a combination of things but a good understanding of the game makes it a lot more fun. Having the best lens for the shot helps too -- it's difficult to keep batters in the frame with big glass.

Thanks for the tip, Jerry. I'm planning on getting over to the local semi-pro stadium (Gary Railcats) and do a shoot real soon. I have not tried shooting any sports yet but this looks like a great place to start. The nice thing about the semi's is you can get right down close to the players.

You might want to see if you can get credentials -- ask the Gary Railcats media director. If you do get credentials, ask about rules that apply to you. Also ask if you can go onto the field and shoot the pitchers' warm ups from behind the base lines between innings. If you shoot from near the catcher, you can get some nice head on shots at those times. Just keep an eye toward the on deck circle and when the batter starts his warm ups get back to your post. Direction of sunlight permitting, you'll get your best pitcher shots if you shoot from his pitching side -- from first base line for lefties and third base line for righties.