Boston Red Sox Photos: Sunday, May 12, 2013 vs. Toronto Blue Jays.

“Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell, outfielder Jonny Gomes, first baseman Mike Napoli, and third baseman Will Middlebrooks, line up in front of the dugout during the National Anthem before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jose De La Torre makes his Major League debut during the ninth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco fields a ground ball at first base during the ninth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A mother holds her son as he sleeps before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 on Mother’s Day at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A couple kisses each other on the stairs inside Gate B during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays on Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A young fan in the bleacher seats drinks lemonade as her mother watches during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays on Mother’s Day at Fenway Park Sunday, May 12, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Pink-laced baseballs are shown in honor of Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew bats with a pink bat in honor of Mother’s Day during the ninth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco takes practice swings during the the ninth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

Here are some images of mine from the Mother’s Day festivities this afternoon at Fenway Park for the final game of a series between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Not a good baseball day for the Sox, but Mother’s Day always makes for a good picture day. This is a little mix of action, fan features, and pink bats and balls.

We also produced a Mother’s Day video piece with footage and photos we shot around the Park, which you can see by clicking here.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Boston Red Sox Photos: Thursday, May 9, 2013 vs. Minnesota Twins.

“Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury leaps as he attempts to catch a deep fly ball during the fifth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 10, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino slides after stealing second base during the third inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia applies a tag on Minnesota shortstop Pedro Florimon as he steals second base during the second inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox reliever Koji Uehara high fives teammates after retiring the side in order during the eighth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino climbs the right field wall as he attempts to catch a home run by Minnesota right fielder Oswaldo Arcia during the fourth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

Back at it at the Park last night, this time from first base pit to shoot game action between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. There were a few strange plays sprinkled throughout the game, which I posted here, but otherwise, not a whole lot was out of the ordinary during this game. 

It was good to get back into the groove of shooting action, though. Now, if we could just get some warmer weather!

Boston Red Sox Photos: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 vs. Oakland Athletics.

“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester delivers during the sixth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Oakland Athletics shortstop Jed Lowrie tosses a glove to catcher Derek Norris during a game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Oakland Athletics second baseman Andy Parrino throws to first base during a game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks sets during the fifth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew applies a tag to Oakland Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson during the seventh inning Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A full moon is shown over Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Wednesday, April 24, 2013 during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics.”

Yesterday, we had a 4 PM start time for the final game of the Boston Red Sox series against the Oakland Athletics.

Beautiful light and shadows and an early end to the game – a win win situation for all the photographers in the house! Here are a few images from the day. I tried to take advantage of the golden light and dark shadows that were creeping across the field by shooting from up high for most of the game. 

Boston Red Sox Photos: Sunday, April 21, 2013 vs. Kansas City Royals.

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia turns a double play during the eighth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“The bat of Boston Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes is shown in the dugout at Fenway Park Monday, April 22, 2013 engraved with the words ‘Boston Strong’ and the names of the four victims killed in the bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon.”

“A ‘Boston Strong’ jersey is hung in the Boston Red Sox dugout at Fenway Park Sunday, April 21, 2013 in honor of the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon.”

It was nice to get back to a normal routine at the park yesterday, given all that’s happened. In fact, it was so normal that I didn’t come away with too many photos. 

Here are a few that I liked. 

Photos: Red Sox Baseball Resumes After Marathon Attacks.

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Daniel Nava celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting the game-winning 3-run home run during the eighth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, April 20, 2013. It was the first Red Sox home game since the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon.”

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Daniel Nava celebrates with Jonny Gomes and Mike Napoli after hitting the game-winning 3-run home run during the eighth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, April 20, 2013. It was the first Red Sox home game since the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon.”

“The Boston Red Sox congratulate each other after defeating the Kansas City Royals Saturday, April 20, 2013. It was the first Red Sox home game since the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon.”

“Shawna Salomon of Auburn, Massachusetts kisses her son, Jacob, 3, as Blake Ratcliffe of Brighton, Massachusetts watches on Yawkey Way during the first Boston Red Sox home game after the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis greets fans during a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and others involved in the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“A Boston Police Officer salutes the flag during a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and others involved in the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“Marathon Volunteer Tinamarie Sanborn of Somerville, Massachusetts gives a birthday hug to Tom Licciardello of North Andover, Massachusetts during a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and others involved in the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“Marathon Volunteers are introduced during a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and others involved in the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“A fan wipes tears away during a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and others involved in the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“A picture of Lingzi Lu, one of the victims of the Boston Marathon attacks, is shown on the scoreboard during a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and others involved in the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“A fan holds a Boston Strong sign during a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and others involved in the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“Wally the Green Monster mascot shows his Boston Strong shoes during the first Boston Red Sox home game after the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“Fans sing along to the National Anthem during a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and others involved in the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“Marathon Volunteers stand in front of the American Flag on the Green Monster during a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and others involved in the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“Fans greet each other in the Green Monster Seats during the first Boston Red Sox home game after the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

“Fans sing along to ‘Sweet Caroline’ during the first Boston Red Sox home game after the attacks on the 2013 Boston Marathon Saturday, April 20, 2013.”

Sports have a way of bringing people together. In the wake of the tragedies of the Boston Marathon, I think the city has been itching to get back to normalcy.

What better way to do that than with a Red Sox game at Fenway Park? After a city-wide lockdown during the tail end of an intense manhunt extended into Friday evening, Friday’s originally scheduled game was postponed. Today, we’ve got a double-header to make up for that game, but yesterday’s game, the first home game since the attacks, was one to remember. 

The pre-game ceremony was both solemn and comforting, and the game finished with a storybook ending – a late inning come from behind win off of Daniel Nava’s three run home run.

Here are my images from throughout the day.

Photos: Vigil Held for 8-Year-Old Marathon Victim.

April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: From left, Conor Gillis, 4, his sister Emily Gillis, 7, of Dorchester, and their cousin Benjamin McCormick, 8, of Milton hold candles during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A woman reacts during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Locals hold up their candles in a moment of silence during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Locals gather in a moment of silence during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A mother embraces her three children during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: The sun sets as locals await a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A candle is lit during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Jake Quigley, 7, of Dorchester, Massachusetts has his candle lit during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

Last night, I covered a community candlelight vigil for Martin Richard, an 8-year-old from Dorchester, Massachusetts who was one of three people killed in Monday’s bombings at the Boston Marathon. 

There’s not much to say here. It’s an incredibly tragic occurrence. This was a beautiful coming together of community, and I’m glad I was there to get these images. 

Photos: Boston Marathon Bombings, Red Sox Win.

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia celebrates after scoring on a walk-off RBI double by first baseman Mike Napoli to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday, April 16, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino jumps into a pile of players as they celebrate after walk-off RBI double by first baseman Mike Napoli to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday, April 15, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“An American flag drops over the Green Monster at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 15, 2013 during a pre-game ceremony recognizing Patriot’s Day.”

“Members of the United States Air Force stand in left field at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 15, 2013 before a pre-game ceremony recognizing Patriot’s Day.”

“Fenway Park is shown during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 15, 2013.”

“A young fan hits a beach ball during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 15, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Jeff Mahoney and Althia Wait of Medford, Massachusetts, were married before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 16, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Fans sing ‘Sweet Caroline’ during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 15, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Fans cheer during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 15, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A vendor sells lemonade during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 15, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A fan eats a Fenway Frank during a game between the Boston Red Sox at the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 16, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Shane Victorino is shown in the outfield grass during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 15, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Fans crowd the Gate B food court at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 15, 2013.”

“Members of the End Zone Militia pose for a photograph during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 15, 2013.”

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A member of the Boston Police Department directs pedestrians outside Hynes Convention Center in Copley Square after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A Boston SWAT team member walks near the perimeter of Copley Square after two explosions were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Boston SWAT team members patrol near the perimeter of Copley Square after two explosions were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A woman cares for a Boston Marathon runner outside Hynes Convention Center after two explosions were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Boston Marathon volunteers leave the scene near Copley Square after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A Boston Marathon runner makes a phone call near Copley Square after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Ambulances line the street near Copley Square after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis addresses the media at the Westin Hotel in Copley Square after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Massachusetts Deval Patrick (right) watches as Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis (left) addresses the media at the Westin Hotel in Copley Square after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A member of the Boston Police Department directs pedestrians outside the Westin Hotel in Copley Square after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A pedestrian walks on Commonwealth Ave near Kenmore Square after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A member of the Boston Fire Department reacts in a firetruck after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Pedestrians walk near Copley Square after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Debris on Boylston Street is shown after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

April 15, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Debris on Boylston Street is shown after two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)

It’s crazy how things can change so quickly. On Monday morning, I photographed the Red Sox pull-out an emotional, hard fought walk-off win over the Tampa Bay Rays. In the afternoon, I was photographing the aftermath of two bomb explosions that rocked the center of Boston at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring scores of others.

To be absolutely clear and upfront, I put lots of thought and consideration into how to display these photos, if even at all. Thankfully, I was nowhere near the finish line when the explosions happened, but some of these are still a bit tough to swallow. I also debated whether to post images from the Red Sox game. At a time like this, it’s hard to be sure if sports matter at all. But the Sox are a huge part of Boston. This city breathes baseball at this time of year, and so I think, given their emotional, late-inning win on Monday, the photos are both newsworthy and in acceptable taste. I also find it important to see how upbeat the atmosphere at the Park was, and how that all changed so swiftly.

Below is my account of yesterday’s unpredictable and tragic course of events:

We rarely get day games in baseball, and we almost never get morning games. That’s one of the many things that makes the Boston Red Sox season so special. Every year on Patriot’s Day and Marathon Monday, fans from all over fill the stadium for an 11:00 A.M. game. It’s a treat for families and friends who have the day off from work. This year was no exception.

I roamed the park for the majority of the game. Days like yesterday are more about the scene than the action anyway, so I wanted to document all that was going on. It’s funny, because I remember thinking to myself in the sixth or seventh inning that this was one of the happiest, most lively crowds I’ve ever seen at a game. As you’ll see from the photos above, kids were throwing beach balls and stuffing their faces with hot dogs, and older fans were partying in the bleacher seats. One couple even showed up to the game in full wedding garb. They had been married just hours before.

After the top of the ninth inning when the Tampa Bay Rays mounted a comeback to tie the game up, you’d have thought they would have sucked all life out of the place. But such was not the case, and the crowd rallied around the Sox as Dustin Pedroia sparked a rally with a walk and eventually scored the game winning run on an RBI double by Mike Napoli. It was the Sox’ second walk-off win in three games.

It wasn’t until two fellow photojournalists and I were finishing up our game edits in the office when we heard the news. I sat there, dumbfounded as I watched the breaking coverage on television. I think I stared at the same caption I was working on, trying to complete it for five minutes and not getting a single word out.

After several more minutes, it collectively sank in that we needed to get out there. We were three capable, talented photojournalists with gear ready, so we began to make our way downtown.

We shot what we saw along the way, but quickly found that we couldn’t get into the actual scene of the explosion. We thought we should try to get a vantage point from up high, so we went to the top floor of the Westin Hotel in Copley Square. After knocking on a few doors, we found some guests who were there and graciously let us into their room to shoot pictures out the window. They had a vantage point of the sites of both explosions, which you can see above. After filing pictures from their room, we went downstairs and happened to stumble into the end of the press conference with Governor Patrick and Police Commissioner Davis. 

When that was through, I made my way back home, shooting what I saw along the way, and called it a day. 

I’m lucky I wasn’t close. I’m lucky I didn’t see what the photojournalists near the finish line saw and photographed. It’s impossible for anyone to prepare for a situation like this. Say what you will about how the media has covered this story, or others similar to it. The good journalists out there do it right, and it’s times like these that show the importance and necessity of this profession. 

My heart goes out to everyone involved with the Marathon. 

Boston Red Sox Photos: Sunday, April 14, 2013 vs. Tampa Bay Rays.

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. walks toward the on-deck circle during the third inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia slides into home during the third inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia takes a lead during the first inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell walks toward the dugout after a mound visit during the third inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A fan walks up stairs in the Big Concourse at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, April 14, 2013.”

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. waits in the on-deck circle during the third inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz delivers during the eighth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Buchholz held a no hitter through eight innings.”

“Members of the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans await an honorary pre-game ceremony Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

Here is a set of my images from today’s game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays.

There was a lot going on around the park, so this is a mismatch of both the game action and features I shot. Clay Buchholz was dealing today, and pitched seven innings of no hit baseball. Go figure, seconds after I got down to the third base photo pit in hopes of some celebration photos, Rays second baseman Kelly Johnson broke up the no-no with a broken bat single to right field.

That’s how it goes.

More to come tomorrow from the Marathon Monday game. Enjoy!

Boston Red Sox Photos: Wakefield Named Honorary Chairman.

“Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield gives a press conferences to announce his return to the organization as the Honorary Chariman of the Red Sox Foundation and Special Assignment Instructor Friday, April 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox President & CEO Larry Lucchino introduces former pitcher Tim Wakefield as the Honorary Chariman of the Red Sox Foundation and Special Assignment Instructor Friday, April 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell gives a press conference after a game against the Tampa Bay Rays was postponed due to inclement weather Friday, April 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

The game last night was postponed due to rain, so I shot two press conferences instead.

The first was an ordinary presser with Red Sox Manager, John Farrell. The second was to announce former knuckleballer, Tim Wakefield, as the Honorary Chairman of the Red Sox Foundation and as Special Assignment Instructor to the team. 

Click here to watch a quick video from the press conference. I even made a little appearance in it once or twice! 

Boston Red Sox Photos: Thursday, April 11, 2013 vs. Baltimore Orioles.

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks spits before a game against the Baltimore Orioles Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia reacts in the dugout before a game against the Baltimore Orioles Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia blocks a wild pitch during the third inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia slides into third base during the third inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis hits his sixth home run of the season during the second inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis looks on during the fourth inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

I shot the rubber match of the first season series between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles last night. It turned out to be a good one, particularly throughout the first half of the game.  

I’ve shot tons of games, but it was good to use last night to get back into the rhythm of shooting baseball again. When it comes to action photos, I think I’m still in tennis mode.

Someone who’s not having an issue with timing, however, is Chris Davis, the O’s first baseman who already has six home runs on the season. The photo up above is of the one he hit last night, which I knew was gone as soon as it left the bat.  

Photo: Author Paul Reid visits Fenway Park.

“Paul Reid, Author of ‘The Last Lion: Wintson Spencer Churchill, Defender of the Realm, 1940-1965′ speaks as part of the Great Fenway Park Writers Series Tuesday, April 9, 2013.”

“A copy of ‘The Last Lion: Wintson Spencer Churchill, Defender of the Realm, 1940-1965′ by author Paul Reid is shown during the Great Fenway Park Writers Series Tuesday, April 9, 2013.”

This blog is going to get a lot of baseball love over the next several months, so I’m going to try to keep it as diverse as possible.

So, for the literary fans and history buffs, here’s Paul Reid, author of a new bio of Winston Churchill which reached the New York Times Best Sellers list.

Boston Red Sox Photos: Opening Day 2013.

“The Boston Red Sox host a pre-game ceremony during the 2013 home opener at Fenway Park Monday, April 9, 2013.”

“Fans atop the Green Monster at Fenway Park watch the first inning of the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener against the Baltimore Orioles Monday, April 9, 2013.”

“An American flag covers the Green Monster at Fenway Park during a pre-game ceremony at the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener Monday, April 9, 2013.”

“Members of the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles line up during a pre-game ceremony at the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener at Fenway Park Monday, April 9, 2013.”

“A member of the grounds crew prepares the infield dirt before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener at Fenway Park Monday, April 9, 2013.”

“Fungo baseball bats are lined up along the Baltimore Orioles dugout at Fenway Park before the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener Monday, April 9, 2013.”

“Batting helmets are lined up inside the Baltimore Orioles dugout at Fenway Park before the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener Monday, April 9, 2013.”

It’s hard to believe time has passed so quickly, but yesterday marked the start of my fourth season working as a photographer in Major League Baseball. 

I always love Opening Day, and yesterday at Fenway Park was no exception. We caught a break from the freezing cold that we’ve had up here in Boston, and had a beautiful, sunny, warm afternoon to work in. That, along with all the other familiar sights and sounds that make baseball so perfect, was rejuvenating to say the least. 

It made for a long day, beginning with a 5:00 A.M. arrival at the ballpark and ending with night class and a few hours of editing in the lab at Boston University, but a great day nonetheless. 

Here are some images I made from the pre-game ceremonies and the general scene around Fenway. I threw in a bit of orange and black as well.

It was fantastic to see all the Boston photographers back in the same place, and a pleasure to meet some new ones. Plus, the Red Sox took on my hometown heroes, the Baltimore Orioles.

My two favorite teams and a fresh start. A dream come true for this guy.

Here’s to another season!

Boston Red Sox Photos: Opening Day Sunrise 2013.

“The sun rises over Fenway Park before the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener Monday, April 8, 2013.”

“The sun rises over Fenway Park before the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener Monday, April 8, 2013.”

“The sun rises over Fenway Park before the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener Monday, April 8, 2013.”

“The sun rises over Fenway Park before the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener Monday, April 8, 2013.”

Happy Opening Day!

Photos: Fenway Park Prepped for Opening Day 2013.

“An entranceway along Fenway Park’s right field line is painted in preparation for the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener Wednesday, March 27, 2013.”

“The Opening Day logo is prepared behind home plate at Fenway Park before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener Saturday, April 6, 2013.”

“The Gatde D entrance to Fenway Park is shown before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener Wednesday, March 27, 2013.”

“Lights are shown at Fenway Park before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener Saturday, April 6, 2013.”

“Members of the Fenway Park grounds crew prepare the field before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener Tuesday, March 26, 2013.”

“Members of the Fenway Park grounds crew prepare the outfield grass before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener Tuesday, March 26, 2013.”

With the Boston Red Sox 2013 home opener just a day away, I decided to put together a quick post of the prep work I’ve been shooting at Fenway Park over the past several weeks.

It’s been a long, cold winter in Boston, but the forecast calls for a warm, sunny day tomorrow.

I’ll be at the Park before the sun rises. Be sure to check back for Opening Day photos!

Photos: Boston’s Mayor Menino visits Fenway Park.

“Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, arrives at Fenway Park Friday, April 5, 2013 to take a tour of the stadium before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener.”

“Larry Lucchino, Boston Red Sox President & CEO, points out new ballpark features to Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, at Fenway Park Friday, April 5, 2013 during the Mayor’s stadium walkthrough before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener.”

“Larry Lucchino, Boston Red Sox President & CEO, and Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, sample new menu items at Fenway Park Friday, April 5, 2013 during the Mayor’s stadium walkthrough before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener.”

“Larry Lucchino, Boston Red Sox President & CEO, escorts Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, at Fenway Park Friday, April 5, 2013 during the Mayor’s stadium walkthrough before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener.”

Before the Boston Red Sox home opener every season, Boston’s Mayor, Tom Menino, visits Fenway Park and takes a look at the new additions and upgrades to the ballpark. 

This morning, he came for his annual visit, and checked out the park’s revamped Champions Club and Royal Rooters Club. He also took a taste test of the park’s new menu items. 

This was particularly timely, as several days ago, Mayor Menino announced his decision not to seek another term in office. It was his last walk through Fenway, if you will.