2010 World Series: Game 3

Posted on October 31, 2010

Fans cheer after Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers hit a home run against the San Francisco Giants in Game Three of the 2010 World Series at Rangers Ballpark on Saturday, October 30, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

 

My dad always used to say “You can’t beat fun at the ol’ ballpark.” Of course, Al did not make that up, but he used to say it as I was growing up, and usually he was right. Unfortunately for me, Al Mangin was not right on Saturday in Arlington, Texas as my experience in shooting Game 3 of the 2010 World Series between the Giants and Rangers was anything but fun. It sucked ass, for so many reasons.

Man was I in a shitty mood today. I got to the ballpark early with our MLB Photos crew and I did not feel like doing anything or being very social. I was assigned to shoot from overhead first base and just kinda hung around up there till game time. I am so spoiled getting to work so many games in San Francisco, where there are so many great photo positions.I was not prepared for the nightmare that is Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

I was completely freaked out when I realized from my tiny little riser behind the last row of fans in the first deck that I would be unable to shoot the game if the fans stood or raised their arms. I have shot overhead at the past 11 World Series and have never run up against a situation like this. Here I was at the Series in Texas and I could not take pictures. The field level positions were a mess also. There was no place for me to go.

To the rescue came our picture editor at MLB, Jessica Foster. She came to my position in the second inning and led me to a much better spot a few levels up, closer to home plate. The spot looked great, until the fans stood up. Once they stood up I was hosed, but it was much better than where I started. Of course they stood for most Rangers batters and every time a Giants hitter got two strikes on him, but I was able to get a few pictures I liked out of the evening’s mess.

The end results were bad for this Giants fan, and everyone else rooting for the orange and black as the Rangers played a great game and won 4-2. At least I was able to get some nice stadium overall pictures with fireworks going off and fans cheering after Rangers home runs from my up position that helped tell the story and add to our team’s coverage (see top).

After many many post-game beers tonight I feel better about things and am looking forward to shooting Game 4 Sunday night from field level at third base. No more overhead for me in Texas. It caused too many problems for me. I also think the bad energy coming from me helped lead to the Giants downfall. Once thing I do feel sure about: this thing aint gonna end in Texas. We will be coming back to San Francisco for Game 6 on Wednesday night.

On Sunday night I plan on having fun at the ol’ ballpark. Thanks dad!