Hanging Flowers

New London, CT  2015

Flower baskets like this adorn the streets of downtown New London in the summer time.  They were in full bloom recently, adding some nice color to the city. 

The Team

Norwich, CT

Despite a valiant effort from the Newington High School Baseball team, they fell to Worthington on this day, by a score of 4-2, in extra innings.  To paraphrase that epic baseball poem:

"There is no joy in Newington"

On a good note, however, Nick did not strike out.  

At First Base

Norwich, CT

Here's Nick at first base.  I wasn't keeping score, and didn't note if he got to first base as a result of a hit, fielder's choice or a walk.  He looks pretty intense, studying the pitcher.

The Pitcher

Norwich, CT

Baseball is a relatively slow game.  Most of the action occurs between the pitcher, batter and catcher. Those shots are easy to anticipate and capture.  It's very hard to catch the action when the ball is hit.  The kid has pretty good form.

The Pro

Norwich, CT

I'm envious.  Check out that lens.  I guess you need a lens like that to do good sports photography.  I'm sure it can't hurt.  I know it's a Canon, and I shoot Nikon, but still, it must be nice to have.  I might have to postpone retirement a few years to afford it. ;) 

The Catcher

Norwich, CT

This is no ordinary catcher.  Meet Nick Sanford, the catcher for the Newington High School baseball team.  Nick is finishing his senior year in high school and will be attending American International College next fall with a baseball scholarship.  Nick is the step-son of my oldest daughter, so I guess I can claim him as sort of an "unofficial" grandson.  In any event, he's a great kid and we're all proud of him.  I recently enjoyed watching him play against nearby rivals Worthington High School.  Here are some shots of him behind the plate.

After trying my hand at taking photographs of this game, I can really appreciate how difficult it is to to do great sports photography.  I'll be posting some more pictures of Nick and this game later this week.