Steroid user (D1, 80-200/f2.8 AF-S, TC-20E, 1/500 @ f5.6, ISO 400)
Like most American kids, I grew up with my baseball heroes. Willie Mays, Tom Seaver, Tug McGraw were some of mine. Later I remember following the Los Angeles Dodgers and my new hero, Orel Hershiser, winning the 1988 World Series. (I actually listened to the decisive Game 5 by tuning our Army-issue FM radios to pick up the TV-audio of the Armed Forces Korea Network, and handy trick to pass downtime during field training.)
Consequently, it was a big deal when I had an opportunity to shoot a Rangers-Orioles game in May of 2001 — my first such opportunity at a major league game. I was in awe at not only being able to photograph, but just being “up close” to see greats like Cal Ripken, Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmiero, Ivan Rodriguez, and Ken Caminiti just play the game.
Legends of the Game (D1, 80-200/f2.8 AF-S, TC-20E, 1/1000 @ f5.6, ISO 400)
Over the years, though, three of the stars I shot that day have been tainted by high-profile stories of steroid use. Ken Caminiti turned into a real tragedy, after becoming the first confessed baseball steroid user. Rafael Palmiero, who I had always admired and especially enjoyed watching join the 3,000-hit, 500-homer club, didn’t even get to celebrate that milestone before being suspended for steroid use. (It should be pointed out the Palmiero continues to deny intentional steroid use.) And now A-Rod becomes the third tainted player from that 2001 Texas Rangers team.
Ken Caminiti (F100, Sigma 500/f4.5, Fuji RMS 100/1000 slide film)
I have to say I had become pretty disenchanted with our nation’s pastime before all of this transpired; the money spoiled much of the game for me long before steroids did. Still, it’s interesting how one day in May 2001 has slowly transformed from a day of hero worship to a trail of cynicism. I’ll still shoot pro ball whenever I get the chance, but the magic just isn’t there.
Sports Photo Guy on a happier day (D1, 24-120/f3.5-5.6D, 1/320 @ f9)
1 response so far ↓
1 Steve // Feb 22, 2009 at 6:40 am
Ah, I still remember the miracle Mets of ’69. I lived in LA and even remember watching the Willie Mays cartoon. I fell in love with the Dodgers infield of the early ’70s. Reggie Jackson and Oakland As were also stars of the day. I even remember Reggie starring once on the Love Boat. For the same reasons as you, I am not so find of the pros. I still love high school and college sports however.
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