Then the MLB kicked off. The Padres started off strong then quickly fizzled to last place. They traded Jake Peavy late in the season and talks of trading All-Star Adrian Gonzales swirled around Petco Park. Wasn't the greatest baseball to shoot, it turned from shooting the Padres to shooting whoever the Padres played.
I did have a chance to shoot some playoff games. The American and National League Championship Series in Los Angeles and Anaheim. The Dodgers only had two games in LA before they lost in Philadelphia. The Angels played three at home before losing to the Yankees in New York.
San Diego Padres ace Jake Peavy pitches during one of his last starts as a Padre. Peavy spent most of his season as a Friar on the DL and was traded to the White Sox while he was still on the DL.
Nikon D3: 35mm 2500 F2.8 ISO 1600San Diego Padres catcher Henry Blanco tags out Colorado Rockies Ian Stewart at the plate.
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 1250Jake Peavy throws during the early innings of two of his starts.
Nikon D3: 400mm 100 F14 ISO 1600
Nikon D3: 400mm 2000 F2.8 ISO 1000Jake Peavy on opening day against the Dodgers.
Nikon D3: 400mm 800 F6.3 ISO 500
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 1600Padres walk off hit to win against the Pirates.
Nikon D3: 200mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 2000San Diego Padres catcher Nick Hundley late to tag Colorado Rockies Jason Giambi
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 2000Pregame features before the San Diego Padres vs Colorado Rockies
Nikon D3: 16mm 2500 F3.2 ISO 400Tony Gwynn makes a catch in center field
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 1600San Diego Padres right fielder can't make a diving catch
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 2000It was always nice when the Dodgers came to town. It gave me a chance to shoot decent baseball. Manny Ramirez was a big story this year with his contract issues and steroid use. Late in the season, the Dodgers had three chances, playing the Padres, to clinch the NL West championship, but they were swept.
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 2000
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 2000
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 2000
Nikon D3: 400mm 2000 F4 ISO 320I shot the World Baseball Clasic when it came to town. It seemed more interesting when national and internationl teams played because there are more signs of pride for their country.
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 2000
Nikon D3: 400mm 1000 F2.8 ISO 2000Got a call to shoot the NLCS and ALCS in Los Angeles and Anaheim. What a great opportunity that was. Here are a few photos. Both the Dodgers and Angels lost on the road, so no champagne bath photos this year.
Ryan Howard rounds first base following a homerun against the Dodgers.
Nikon D3: 400mm 2000 F3.2 ISO 320Tori Hunter caught in a run down against the New York Yankees
Nikon D3: 400mm 1250 F2.8 ISO 800Angels players celebrate following a game winning hit to beat the Yankees.
Nikon D3: 400mm 2500 F2.8 ISO 1000Alex Rodriguez celebrates after scoring against the Angels in the ALCS
Nikon D3: 550mm 1000 F4 ISO 2000I hope you enjoy some of my best baseball photos from 2009. I think for 2010 I am going to work on setting up and shooting with remotes to get some different shots. Please check back to see my best of football 2009 and if you are lucky I will put up a best of weddings and engagements. So check back.
