I was invited to photograph the CNY Thunder Classic baseball tournament again this year. Unlike last year when the weather was cool and damp, this year our summer has been hot and dry. While the fields at Rome Baseball Association have sprinklers to wet down the infield dirt between games, the Sun would soon dry them out.
Game galleries for this tournament will be available by clicking here: 2011 CNY Thunder Classic.
CNY National's shortstop turns a double play while losing his baseball cap at the CNY Thunder Classic baseball tournament in Rome, New York. Nikon D700/80-400VR, 1/2500s, f/10, ISO 800, EV -0.3, 400mm focal length.
Each team played two games a day over the three day tournament with the championship teams playing an extra game. Still, the players went all out despite the conditions.
Leaving his feet to make a play, a Canadian Terrier infielder throws the runner out at first during the CNY Thunder Classic baseball tournament in Rome, New York. Nikon D700/80-400VR, 1/2000s, f/11, ISO 800, EV -0.3, 400mm focal length.
No player went home with a clean uniform. Dirt and dust was kicked up just by walking so when a play happened in the infield, players came up covered in dirt. Especially when a player would slide into home plate trying to score.
A CNY Americans player scores sliding into home plate against the Ottawa Canadian catcher in CNY Thunder Classic action in Rome, New York. Nikon D700/80-400VR, 1/2000s, f/6.3, ISO 800, EV 0, 400mm focal length.
Not only was it hot for the players, the photographer got a lot of Sun after covering 13 games over the last two days of the tournament. 🙂
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Ooo-wee! I love baseball, but I would not have wanted to be out there for 13 games in the recent heat! Love the second shot with the player tilted in the air.
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This level of baseball is very interesting. These players are hoping to be scouted by colleges and minor league clubs. Still, it is a game, and they all seemed to be enjoying playing even in the heat.
It was hot but I brought lots of cold water to drink. I just wish I applied more sun screen to my neck and, funny enough, around my ankles. A bit sore today.
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I know absolutely nothing about baseball, but like the last shot with th dust.. it all screams “action”.
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Thanks, KW! How’ve you been?
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Very good action photos here. My favourite is the dusty home sliding. Dust and smoke are good components in photos.
Baseball is not common in Denmark. Children play a similar game in school ‘Rundbold’. We’ve had much fun with that.
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Baseball is considered our national sport (except American Football seems to have eclipsed it as of late) in the USA. I played sandlot baseball when growing up with all the neighborhood kids.
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LOVE the last shot!
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The kids ate a lot of dirt during this tournament. 🙂
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These are such great action shots clear and vivid. I really like the last photo.
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Thank you, Anna!
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