Shooting Spring Training for MLB was just a unique experience. The stadiums were smaller and the fans were even closer to the action which provided a more family friendly environment. Photographing Spring Training also afforded me the opportunity to photograph teams and players that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to like photographing the Red-Sox or Toronto BlueJays. I probably would have had more opportunities, but the coronavirus changed everything.
My Spring Training assignment started when I was at the St.Louis Cardinals camp to photograph pitchers and catchers reporting. Nothing like players coming in from an off-season apart and catching up with their teammates inquiring about family and vacations. I was also introduced the the traveling size of the Korean press as they followed every movement of (pitcher name here ) as he starts his major league career.
For me, my favorite part of Spring Training was traveling through out Florida to the different parks on both the East and West coasts of Florida. One week I’m in Vero Beach at the Mets facility and the next I’m at JetBLue Park in Ft.Myers for the Red-Sox. Those early morning drives were enjoyable. No traffic, just me and Spotify to keep each other company. Ok, to keep me company, but either way I could just drive and vibe out to whatever song was playing. I actually made a MLB drive playlist if you wanted to hear how I got from stadium to stadium.
I had hoped to shoot many more games, but the Coronavirus not only shut down Spring Training, but everything else from sports to events and so forth. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this pandemic. I just hope it passes quickly so we all can get back to normal.
Until then, below are some of my favorite shots from the shortened 2020 MLB Spring Training.
