From the Sideline

"So when's your next trip?" they ask. For the first time in a long time, I don't have an answer. Yes, of course, there will be another trip and I'm eager for the next international documentary experience, but right now, I'm taking lots of trips to the ballfield, yelling things like "You can do it!" and "Way to hold 'em!" and "Two down, one to go!" and buying corndogs from concession stands.

In high contrast to the frayed craze of a school year winding down to the halt of summer, I must admit, sitting with my feet propped up on the fence around a baseball field watching my son and his best buddies be mobile for the better part of a Saturday and Sunday, chills me out in the best way. I love the rythm of innings, batters, and bases. The chink of a level swing sending a ball into left field and the dull thump of a fielder making the play. Quick steals and dusty slides. The intense focus of my pitcher on the mound. (The baby I hardly recognize in size L pants.) The rapid-fire sweeps on home plate by a man called "Blue." I soak it in from the sideline, feel my heart beat, and wait for what's to come.

What's moving around you these days? Are you in the mix, or soaking it in from the sidelines?

I shot this image with my Nikon D3s and a 55-200mm lens with aperture set to f/5.6. ISO 250. Applied a sepia tone at .35 intensity in Aperture on my Mac.

Comments

[Marcie]

Oh..how I miss those days of little league baseball. I've been sitting on the sidelines..as family gathers..as we honor and celebrate graduation:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/5/19/of-family.html
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/5/22/with-grace.html

[kristyk]

I love going to the games! My son and his best friend are playing baseball together and my daughter is in fast pitch softball. Sitting and watching the games is the only time I get a chance to really relax. At home I'm always running around trying to get things done, so chilling out for a couple of hours is fantastic!

http://kristyk.org/blog/?p=1894

[Jill]

I've been at the ball field a lot myself. Too bad so many games have been rained out. Only sport my kids aren't completely sick of by the end of the season. I love it too. Here's a different perspective of the game that I liked:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23113159@N03/5673917805/in/photostream

[melissa]

absolutely gorgeous photo. we spent our weekend in the bleachers, soaking in the baseball spirit from the sidelines and loving every sun-kissed moment. thank you for this story, in both image and words. my heart is filled with gratitude for you and your artistry.

[elk]

i am happy you are relishing these .very important moments of simplicity ..


my freshly washed fruit reminds me this morning that as a teacher
my year of mondays is winding down ..none too soon ...
I am "in the mix" soon to be "on the sideline!!"

http://www.redorgray.com/2011/05/morning-star.html

[Kelly]

Great image and I especially enjoyed your description of what you take in from the sideline. I also want to thank you for posting your camera settings and processing technique - very helpful for those of us trying to soak up all we can in learning about photography.

[meredith winn]

i love how grown they look here. it's hard to decipher age until you spot the faded playground equipment in the background. it's a great moment stephanie!

[Sara]

I eat, sleep and breathe little league baseball!!! Both my boys play travel ball and between the two last year they had over 100 games!!! Not that I'm complaining! Gotta love it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49243144@N08/5713143262/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49243144@N08/5640714896/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49243144@N08/4631501247/in/set-72157623784665593

[Anna]

I'm doing some "spring cleaning" of an unusual sort with my family!

http://vandemarkdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/05/spring-cleaning-and-dreaming.html

[Becky Sue]

I, too, am a lover of all things spring baseball. Both of my boys play and almost every day there is something baseball going on. I'm the unofficial team photographer for my older son's team and I'm enjoying learning how to capture action shots with my 100-400 lens as well as those special moments that would perhaps be manufactured if I were closer and using a smaller lens.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rslaflam/5751501786/

[Jess]

Great action shot! You'll find me on the sidelines daily...

http://jessicavescera.blogspot.com/2011/05/soccer.html

[Kat Sloma]

Delights to be found, home and abroad. All different experiences. Lately I'm exploring my artistic side, beyond the camera... http://www.kateyeview.com/2011/05/it-happened-among-roses.html

[Corinna]

I'm visiting my childhood home this weekend, amazed by the whirring winged emergence of 13-year cicadas. The sound is astounding and the cyclic rhythm of their life cycle is strange and intriguing. Also, the last time I witnessed this first-hand I was in middle school so it's weirdly nostalgic too:
http://www.birdwannawhistle.com/blog/2011/5/23/welcome-home.html

[Leanne]

soccer's my thing!
http://knowwheretostand.blogspot.com/2011/05/grateful.html

[Linda Binder]

Reading this was like I could have written it. My son has been playing baseball since he could drag a bat around. His first word was 'ball". Savor these times. My son is almost 16 and baseball his is life. I love how hard he works at it and for it; his disciline and determination amaze me sometimes and watching him on the field is one of my favorite things to do. He plays ALOT of baseball every year (almost all year round), and I never tire of it. Many people say to me, "he's playing again", like it's a bad thing. Well I think it's great. A sport, can teach your child alot and I am so happy he loves his sport. I would like to say to these people "what should I do, say no, go play a video game and don't forget the bag of Cheetos". So enjoy those games, they get even better and more exciting as they get older. But of course, that will always be your baby out there and you will feel every play, error, hit, strike out, etc. probaby even more than he does. Enjoy!