Grounds crew members of the San Francisco Giants work on the area at home plate before the game against the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park on Saturday, April 28, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

During the baseball season I always like to look back on Mondays and remember the fun times I had at the ballpark the previous few days. As I sit here in my office with my cats Mike and Willie this afternoon I can look back at this past weekend of San Francisco Giants baseball games played in the glorious park by McCovey Cove and remember the great times I had both as a fan and as a photographer.

Instagram of my ticket for game between the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on April 27, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

I had tickets for the Friday night game against the San Diego Padres in my cool season ticket seats and went to the game with my sister Paula and her husband Randy. Over the past few years the three of us have attended many Giants games together and we always have a great time. The play was sloppy and the Giants couldn’t hit in the Padres 5-3 win, but we all had a great time. As I get older I try not to let the outcome of the game effect me too much. Instead of getting super bitter and pissed off when the Giants lose I try and enjoy the time I get to spend in my seats with family and friends. I was pretty well-behaved Friday night as I did not let the outcome ruin my night.

Instagram of my sister Paula Mangin has a good time during game between the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on April 27, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Since I shoot every day game I enjoy being a fan for a dozen or so night games during the year, doing my pest to pick all the Friday night games when we have our ticket draft each February. I have had my season tickets with a group of friends since the new park opened in 2000 and I still enjoy going to the yard and sitting in my seats as much as I did back then.

Instagram of the Juan Marichal statue at dusk with bird flying by outside the stadium during the game between the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on April 28, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Saturday’s game was a 6:05pm start, so I decided to head out and shoot the first few innings so I could get out of the house and see some friends. As usual I had my iPhone 4s with me and was on the lookout to shoot a few new Instagrams for my collection of baseball images. My goal was to leave the game before it ended when the sky got dark blue so I could shoot some stock images with my Canon Mark IV of the park in the pretty light, as well as a few frames with my phone. I was really happy to get one image I really liked with my favorite new camera (see above) as I heard the crowd cheering inside the park during the Giants two-run rally in the 7th inning. I listened to the final few innings of the Giants on my car radio win as I drove home and was already looking forward to photographing Sunday’s 1:05 start in the series finale.

Instagram of bats in the San Diego Padres dugout before their game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on April 29, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Sunday morning started bright and sunny and only got better as I walked onto the reddish-brown dirt on the field at 10:15am eager to get to work. Alas, it was Little League Day (again) so there was no batting practice to shoot. Luckily my good friend Robert Leiter was in town from his awesome home in Santa Barbara to shoot the game. Rob and I settled into the Padres dugout and talked baseball as we waited to go upstairs and crush the media lunch.

Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants reaches for a high throw at first base as San Diego Padres base runner Jason Bartlett #8 is safe at first during the game on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

By the time the game started I was ready to give my cameras a workout and had a blast shooting a rather boring game. I filled up several 16 gig memory cards with pictures of the really awful Padres for my client, Major league Baseball Photos. The Giants came out on top 4-1. I drove home across the Bay Bridge with some great memories of spending time with family and friends, and a few good pictures to keep as souvenirs from a great weekend at the yard.

Andres Torres of the San Francisco Giants bats against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game 5 of the NLCS at AT&T Park on October 21, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Last night the San Francisco Giants sent outfielder Andres Torres (along with Ramon Ramirez) to the New York Mets for outfielder Angel Pagan. This was not a shock after Torres had a down year in 2011, but I know there are many Giants fans today who are sad to see the Giants former center fielder leave for New York.

Andres Torres #56 of the San Francisco Giants sits in the dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at AT&T Park on September 19, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Giants fans will never forget how important Torres was to their 2010 World Series Championship team. Torres played center field and held down the lead-off spot for most of the year. His smiling face, blazing speed, and brilliance in the outfield helped spark the Giants to their unlikely title. Torres was so important to his teammates that he was voted by them as the 2010 winner of the “Willie Mac Award.” This award is given annually to the Giants player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership consistently shown by Willie McCovey throughout his long career.

Andres Torres #56 of the San Francisco Giants bats against the Boston Red Sox during the game at AT&T Park on June 25, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Torres is one of those rare players in the game of baseball who is a genuinely nice guy. “What a joy he was to be around. He was one of those guys who never had a bad day. He always enjoys being around people and he’s so thankful for everything that’s happened to him in his career,” Bruce Bochy told Giants beat writer Andrew Baggarly.

“I’ve always believed the players who resonate with fans are the ones who simply appreciate what they have and what they get to do for a living. They never button up a jersey without a little bit of lightness in their chest. I’m not sure I’ve ever covered a player who was more grateful, more genuine than Andres the Giant,” Baggarly wrote in his blog Extra Baggs today.

Andres Torres #56 of the San Francisco Giants slides home safely against the Oakland Athletics as A's catcher Kurt Suzuki #8 applies the late tag during the game at AT&T Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

I always enjoyed shooting Torres. He is a switch-hitter who looks good from both sides of the plate and is always running around the bases hard and sliding all over the place. He also has amazing smile that is always on his face, especially during batting practice. Torres gave all he had with the Giants and the fans loved him for it. Last year was a bummer for him, and his bad numbers helped convince Giants brass that he was expendable.

Pablo Sandoval and Andres Torres of the San Francisco Giants celebrate after the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at AT&T Park on August 7, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

One of my favorite things about Torres when he wore the orange and black was the way he would jump in the air with teammate and roomie Pablo Sandoval on the field after each Giants win (see above). This was always a can’t-miss nice picture that seemed to look good no matter where I shot it from. I hope Torres find a willing partner in New York to celebrate with after each Mets win.

Andres Torres of the San Francisco Giants holds up the World Series trophy and celebrates after the Giants' 3-1 victory to win the World Series over the Texas Rangers in Game Five of the 2010 World Series at Rangers Ballpark on Monday, November 1, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

My favorite image of Torres, and one that will always be in my mind when I hear his name, is the picture above of him holding the World Series trophy over his head in Texas. The joy on his face, and the love for his teammates is so apparent in this picture. Andres The Giant is now Andres The Met. New York fans will LOVE him. Giants fans- you have until July 30, 2012 to figure out how you will welcome Torres back to AT&T Park when the Mets make their only visit to San Francisco this coming season. I have a feeling he will get a standing ovation.

Angel Pagan of the New York Mets waits in the on deck circle against the San Francisco Giants during the game at AT&T Park on Sunday, July 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Everyone knows the Giants will have to do all they can in 2012 to get by with great pitching and a mediocre offense. There is no money for them to go out and get a big thumper like Albert Pujols. They have to mix and match, dump salaries, do some creative math, stay healthy, and catch lightning in a bottle to get back to the playoffs again. They took a big step in that direction late tonight by sending Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez to the Mets in exchange for center fielder Angel Pagan. Do I have any pictures of Pagan in my archive? You bet!

Angel Pagan #16 of the New York Mets enters the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on July 18, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

What does this trade do for the Giants? Well, they sent two guys coming off poor seasons to the Mets in exchange for a lead-off guy coming off a sub-par year at Citi Field. Who knows what will happen in 2012, but as of now the Mets feel that Torres might be a defensive upgrade in center field as Pagan made 10 errors for them last season. Pagan is a few years younger than Torres and stole 32 bases last season. Pagan might be the real lead-off guy the Giants have been looking for.

Bats belonging to Angel Pagan of the New York Mets sit in the bat rack in the Mets dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on Sunday, July 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Torres will be missed by the fans in San Francisco. He will forever be in their hearts as a key cog in the 2010 Giants World Series run. He won the Willie Mac Award that year and is only expendable because of the down season he had in 2011. He hit only .221 over 348 at bats and never got it going after pulling a hamstring on the second game of the home season on a cold Saturday night in April. The Giants wore their special gold-lettered versions of their uniforms celebrating their World Championship status on that night, and it was bad luck for Torres.

Angel Pagan #16 of the New York Mets bats against the San Francisco Giants during the game at AT&T Park on July 18, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

One thing is for sure, I will now have another new guy to shoot at AT&T Park in 2012, and that is always a fun thing. As for Ramirez? He was terrific down the stretch in 2010 after a late- season trade. However, he never got it going last season and was expendable. As usual, I see the Giants having an unsettled outfield next season, mixing and matching every day depending on who is pitching, who is hot, who is not, etc. Sound familiar?

Photographer Brad Mangin poses on the field after the San Francisco Giants last game at against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on September 30, 1999. (Photo by Martha Jane Stanton)

I love Candlestick Park. I always have. I always will. When I was a kid growing up in the 1970′s it was the home ballpark for my team- the San Francisco Giants. What kid doesn’t love the hallowed ground where their heroes play? Even if your heroes were Mike Ivie and John Tamargo, like me. They wore the orange and black and played for my team on the faded, rock-hard, lime green Astroturf that covered the field. I could never imagine the Giants playing anywhere else. I figured I would grow old watching the Giants play at The Stick. Either that or I would have to follow them on television as they played in Toronto or Tampa Bay. You see, everyone but me seemed to hate the place. Bobby Murcer was the first guy I really remember complaining about the wind and the cold, but he certainly wasn’t the last. It became apparent that if I wanted to grow old watching my team play in San Francisco they would have to get a new yard, but that was NEVER gonna happen.

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE IT BIGGER) I designed a new Giants park by putting a dome on Candlestick and calling it the "George Moscone Dome" in April of 1982. This was an assignment for a drafting class during my junior year in high school. This project won me a first place blue ribbon at the Alameda County Fair that summer.

Night games at Candlestick were so cold my dad would only take my sister Paula and I to day games. By the time I was 12-years-old in 1977 I was desperate to get to a night game. As a kid I wanted to see what the ballpark looked like at night! I finally dragged my dad to a Tuesday night Phillies game in July of that summer. Man was it cold! However, the home runs by Tim Foli and Randy Elliott warmed us up as the Giants somehow beat ace lefty Steve Carlton.

Marvin Benard of the San Francisco Giants watches the last pitch ever thrown at The Stick during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on September 30, 1999. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Things were so bad in the early 1980′s that San Francisco mayor Dianne Feinstein proposed putting a dome on the old park. I took this idea a step further by putting a dome on The Stick myself as a final project for Mr. Franchi’s drafting class my junior year at Washington High School (see above). When the team won they would get a few fans out at the park, but during normal years they would only get a few thousand for a night game against the Expos. This could not continue if the team wanted to compete in the marketplace for talent as players salaries kept going up and up.

Dave Kingman, Mike Ivie and Rich Murray of the San Francisco Giants gather at first base after the final game ever played at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on September 30, 1999. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

After owner Bob Lurie could not get a ballot measure passed to build a new park either in San Francisco or Santa Clara he finally sold the club to new owners, led by Peter Magowan in December of 1992. The new owners were not messing around. They finally got a stadium ballot measure passed in San Francisco allowing them to build a $240 million privately financed park in China Basin. Ground breaking took place on December 11, 1997. It was finally gonna happen!

Fans of the San Francisco Giants celebrate after the final game ever played at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on September 30, 1999. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

The new yard, Pacific Bell Park, was slated to open in April of 2000. This meant that Candlestick would have it’s own farewell tour- every home game during the 1999 season. I became very nostalgic as the season wore on. The final game would take place on September 30, 1999 against the Dodgers. This day would be very special for so many reasons. I was assigned to cover the game and festivities for Sports Illustrated. The Giants media relations department was super classy as they realized what a big deal this was. They issued special 5 x 7 inch laminated credentials just for the final game (see in picture at top).

Manager Dusty Baker of the San Francisco Giants holds up home plate next to owner Peter Magowan and CEO Larry Baer after the final game ever played at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on September 30, 1999. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Of course the game meant nothing that glorious fall afternoon in The City. It was all about the park, and I did my best to try and tell the story of the final game at the old “pigsty” as former 49ers owner Eddie Debartolo once called it. Once the game ended on a Marvin Benard infield grounder at 4:35pm the fun began. It was a thrill to see all the former players trot out to their positions one last time in Giants jerseys. I got chills down my spine when the crowd chanted “Ivie – Ivie – Ivie – Ivie” for Mike Ivie as he ran out to first base (see above). After the introductions and the final pitch by Willie Mays home plate was removed to be delivered by helicopter to the new park (see above). This long day was coming to an end and I got a little sad.

Photographers shoot a grounds crew worker taking a pick-ax to the mound on the field after the San Francisco Giants last game at against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on September 30, 1999. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

I had the pleasure of shooting this assignment with the great V.J. Lovero. After the game V.J. told me to get some dirt to save for myself. I got two film canisters and put dirt from the mound in one and dirt from home plate in the other. An era had ended and I still could not believe they would never play at Candlestick again.

Because I am a little nutty and am always thinking about baseball and photography I have dreams every once in awhile that the Giants are going back to The Stick to play a weekend series against the Dodgers. I get so excited in my dream and call my editor at the magazine Nate Gordon to tell him the big news. I get fired up to shoot baseball at the great old yard one more time. It was a great place to work, but I was too young and dumb back then to take advantage of all it had to offer. If I could go back to a Giants game there one more time I would do so many cool things.

Thanks Candlestick Park. You taught me to love baseball, and you taught me how to photograph the game I love. I will never forget your place in my life.

Bill Mueller of the San Francisco Giants bats during a game against the Cincinnati Reds in 1997 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

One of the fun parts about working on my never-ending archive project is being able to re-live all the great games and fun personalities I have photographed in the past 25 years. Among all my old pictures, the most important to me are those depicting San Francisco Giants history. They are my team. The always have been, and they always will be. With that in mind I have made a special effort of getting old chromes scanned of pretty much everyone who ever wore a Giants uniform in front of my cameras. It is so fun to look back on this old stuff. Need a picture of Jerry Spradlin? Got him. What about Damon Minor? Got him too. What about Mike LaCoss? Well of course I do! And finally, if you wanted to see some Bill Mueller, well look no further!

Bill Mueller of the San Francisco Giants bats during a game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California in 1997. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Bill Mueller was one of those guys who seemed to come out of nowhere. He joined the team during the horrendous 1996 season and surprised everyone by hitting .330 in 200 at bats. Would the Giants be able to pencil him in as their opening day third baseman in 1997? You betcha! “Our little Ted Williams,” as teammate Barry Bonds liked to call him, would hold down third base for the next four seasons.

Bill Mueller and the Giants got off to such a great start in 1997 that Sports Illustrated did a big feature on them early in the season. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Within no time Mueller was a fan favorite, and a favorite of photographers like me because of his old-school style of play that included hustle, eye-black, and a ferocious competitive spirit. It is no wonder that the Giants had several good seasons with Mueller holding down the hot corner as they made the playoffs in 1997 and 2000, while making it to a one-game playoff in 1998 to decide the National league Wild Card winner against the Cubs.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Bill Mueller makes a play during Game 3 of the 2004 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri on October 26, 2004. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

After the Giants 2000 season ended suddenly in the first round of the playoffs at Shea Stadium in New York local fans were shocked when Mueller was traded to the Cubs for Tim Worrell. Third base would become a black hole that the Giants tried to fill in following years with Russ Davis, Edgardo Alfonzo, and Pedro Feliz. While the Giants were trying to stabilize their infield after Mueller’s departure he eventually landed in Boston where he was a vital cog in their ball club that brought Red Sox fans their first World Series championship since 1918. Many Giants fans felt a little something special for Mueller as he became a champion with the Red Sox. After all, he was once a Giant. He was a GOOD Giant.

Aaron Rowand of the San Francisco Giants wipes his face with a towel in the dugout during the game between the Houston Astros and the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, May 15, 2010, at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

The news hit me like a ton of bricks as I drove across the Bay Bridge yesterday on my way to the ballpark. The San Francisco Giants had DFA’d Aaron Rowand. That’s right, the $60 million free agent with one year left on his five-year contract was being designated for assignment. Cut. Released. Shown the door. Bottom line: he was gone.

Simpler, happier times. Aaron Rowand of the San Francisco Giants takes batting practice before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California on May 11, 2008. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

The veteran outfielder who was a fan-favorite during previous stints in Chicago and Philadelphia never made his mark here in San Francisco, and I know there are many fans, like myself, who think it was smart to let him go. It is no secret among my friends that I was never a huge Rowand guy. In fact, I had recently bragged to many friends that Rowand was the one guy on the team I refused to photograph. I did not think anyone would want to use any pictures of him, and his swing made me nauseous.

Hitting coach Carney Lansford, left, talks to Aaron Rowand of the San Francisco Giants in the dugout during the game against the Chicago Cubs at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California on July 3, 2008. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Of course, all of this is about money. Isn’t it always? Rowand was a fine role player with the White Sox World Series Championship team in 2005. He was not a headliner, merely a supporting player who was a great teammate and made $2 million. The south side fans loved him and were angry when he was traded the following season to the Phillies in exchange for Jim Thome. With the Phillies Rowand sparkled, especially since he was hitting in a band box. He also played stellar defense, and earned national fame (and probably several million dollars with the Giants) by crashing into the center field fence in Philly while making a great catch. This play was aired numerous times on ESPN, etc. and showed our hero breaking his nose and getting blood all over his home white uniform. He was a gamer!

Aaron Rowand #33 of the San Francisco Giants slides safely into third base after going first to third on a single in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers during the game at AT&T Park on June 21, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

After the 2007 season ended the Giants needed an overhaul. Bonds was gone. The team sucked. They had money to spend, and no good free agents wanted to come to San Francisco. This, my friends, was Aaron Rowand’s lucky day! The hard-working player who always had a dirty (and bloody) uniform was on the market. The Giants wanted him! “How does $60 million over five years sound?” the Giants asked. “Where do I sign?” Rowand answered.

Aaron Rowand #33 of the San Francisco Giants gets ready in the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 23, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Thus, Rowand became the Giants big-ticket free agent for the 2008 season. I shot tons of pictures of him in Scottsdale for Sports Illustrated that spring. Rowand was going to be THE GUY. One problem. Rowand was not equipped to be THE GUY. He had never been THE GUY. All that money for a guy who was not THE GUY was a bad move, and it became apparent pretty quickly as the season got underway. He was not going to hit for any power at AT&T Park. He tried to show off his arm way too often and ended up throwing the ball away more times than I can count. He struck out a lot. He became hard to watch.

Pablo Sandoval and Aaron Rowand of the San Francisco Giants celebrate after Rowand knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the 12th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during Opening Day at AT&T Park on April 8, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

I had a hard time seeing Rowand spend all five years patrolling center field for the Giants. Despite his declining numbers the Giants improved over the next few years and even won a World Series title last year with Rowand on the roster! His .281 on-base percentage in 331 at bats was not pretty, but luckily he was not playing that much as the season drew to a close, so I did not have to shoot many pictures of him. Rowand did make one great contribution to the 2010 post season, and to be fair I need to talk about The Throw. In game 4 of the NLCS at home against the Phillies, Rowand made the throw of his life as Carlos Ruiz tried to score from second base on a single to center field. His strike to catcher Buster Posey nailed Ruiz at the plate and helped save the game for the Giants. For this one great throw I will always think that Rowand earned his winner’s share.

This is the last picture I shot of Rowand before his departure. Aaron Rowand #33 of the San Francisco Giants walks back to the dugout after striking out against the Houston Astros during the game at AT&T Park on August 28, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Rowand started the 2011 season as a back up, and only saw his 331 at bats because of injuries to other players. His .233 batting average and demeanor around the club made it clear he needed to go. He was not helping the club at all, and his behind-the-scenes complaining about playing time was wearing thin. The big question was whether the club would be willing to eat the $12 million they owe him for next season. Yesterday the answer was a resounding YES.

By all accounts Rowand is a good guy and a good teammate, but sometimes a player needs a change of scenery. Especially if he is not up to being THE GUY.

Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the game at AT&T Park on June 26, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Were you worried about Madison Bumgarner? I wasn’t. No way should the Giants drop him from the rotation, or send him down to the minors after one horrendous outing last week. After what he did in Game 4 of last year’s World Series in Texas he has earned many yards of rope from me. Still only 21-years-old, the kid has a fire in his belly and is relentless on the mound. He sure proved all of his critics wrong last night, helping lead the Giants to a 3-1 win over the Indians to complete a three game sweep while striking out a career-high 11 and giving up one run in seven innings.

Grady Sizemore #24 of the Cleveland Indians drops a fly ball in center field against the San Francisco Giants during the game at AT&T Park on June 26, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Last night was a great night to be at the ol’ ballpark. ESPN was in town, so we had a glorious 5:09pm first pitch. The light, as usual at that time of the day, was spectacular. I got there early, hung out before the game with Bay Area photojournalist George Nikitin, and eagerly anticipated what kinds of cool things might happen in the pretty light. Thanks to Bumgarner I was not dissapointed.

Third base coach Tim Flannery #1 tells base runner Bill Hall #6 of the San Francisco Giants to slide into home plate during the game against the Cleveland Indians at AT&T Park on June 26, 2011 in San Francisco, California. Hall was safe at home on the play in the bottom of the second inning. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

I shot like crazy anytime something happened in the quickly fading sunlight. I joked with my friend George that I would not shoot anything that happened in the shade, and for the lost part I didn’t. It was just like I was shooting chrome! I got to see some good friends, get a few nice pictures, and see the kid bounce back in dominant form. For a minute there I felt like I was back in Arlington watching the kid dominate the Rangers in Game 4 of the 2010 World Series. Nice going kid. There are a lot more games like this in your future.

San Francisco Giants Legend Will Clark stands on the field on San Francisco Giants Legends day before an MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants on Satuday, June 11, 2011 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

Old Timers. Heroes of the Game. Legends. Whatever you want to call them, some older gentleman who once donned the orange and black uniforms of the San Francisco Giants appeared back in uniform on Saturday before the Giants hosted the Reds at AT&T Park in San Francisco. There were over 20 alumni gathering in the third base dugout at 11am, but all eyes were on one guy, and one guy only. Number 22, Will Clark.

San Francisco Giants Legends J.T. Snow, Shawon Dunston, Will Clark, Mike Felder, and Jim Davenport talk in the dugout on San Francisco Giants Legends day before an MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants on Satuday, June 11, 2011 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

As soon as he sat down in the dugout surrounded by some of his teammates Clark began holding court. The cackle was back. The swagger was back. The eye black was back! No one was having more fun than Clark on this day, except maybe the fans who gathered in the park early to remember the days when they were younger, and the days when Will The Thrill occupied first base for the Giants from 1986 thru 1993.

San Francisco Giants Legend Will Clark sits in the dugout on San Francisco Giants Legends day before an MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants on Satuday, June 11, 2011 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

Talk to any Giants fan over the age of 30 and they will undoubtedly tell you their favorite player was Will Clark. Ever since he homered in his first at bat off Nolan Ryan on opening day in 1986 Clark was a fan favorite. His legend only grew with his sweet swing, Nuschler face, high-pitched voice, and eye black. He was The Natural. The Golden Spikes Award winner. He single-handidly won the 1989 pennant for the Giants as he had one of the greatest playoff series ever against the Cubs in the NLCS.

San Francisco Giants Legend Will Clark takes batting practice on San Francisco Giants Legends day before an MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants on Satuday, June 11, 2011 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

I was fortunate to begin shooting the Giants in 1987, so I only missed photographing Clark’s rookie year. I photographed him every year from 19897 til his final season in 2000. The camera loved Clark. He was a picture waiting to happen. He always made great faces, and he would go nuts if he struck out. If I needed a good Giants dejection picture I could always focus on Clark after he struck out in a key situation as he was sure to throw his bat, kick the dirt, or throw his helmet- sometimes all at the same time!

Bobby Bonds of the San Francisco Giants (left) smokes a cigarette and talks with Will Clark in the dugout before an old timers game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California in 1988. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

I was excited to photograph Clark on Saturday. The Giants have not had an old timer’s game in many years, so I have not had the chance to photograph some of my old heroes in a long time. Clark is around the club off and on as a special coach, but he is never dressed up like the player he once was, down to the eye black. This was a special occasion and I needed to come away with some pictures that show he still has that personality, even if he is a few years older.

Will Clark fans hold up signs urging the San Francisco Giants to "Keep Will" during a game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on Wednesday, September 29, 1993. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Clark did not disappoint the fans, hitting one into McCovey Cove during batting practice and giving his all during the one inning game that followed. There are many fans who wished the Giants would “Keep Will” (see above) after they let him to to the Rangers as a free agent for the 1994 season. However, on this special day, and for every day in the future Clark will be a Giant. He always was, and he always will be.

Darren Ford #34 of the San Francisco Giants slides home to score the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning and hugs teammate Cody Ross #13 during the game against the Oakland Athletics as A's catcher Kurt Suzuki #8 is in the background at AT&T Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Yesterday afternoon the A’s and Giants played the third and final game of round one of the annual Bay Bridge Series in San Francisco. The Giants won the first two games in thrilling fashion, and I was looking forward to having fun Sunday afternoon while shooting the ballgame. By the time Darren “The Bullet” Ford dashed home with the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Giants a 5-4 win I was thrilled and exhausted. I even had a few frames that I kinda, sorta liked.

Andres Torres #56 of the San Francisco Giants slides home safely in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics as A's catcher Kurt Suzuki #8 applies the late tag during the game at AT&T Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

I shoot so many A’s and Giants games during the season, so when they play each other it is a great chance for me to goof around, have fun, and shoot from different spots since I do not need to worry about getting traditional stock images of any of the players. I had a pretty good game plan heading into the game. I would shoot from one of my favorite positions, low inside first base, looking up the third base line. From this spot I can sit in a nice chair and be protected by a net. I can really hunker down and shoot my game without the fear of getting smoked in the face with a foul ball. I was ready to make pictures!

Mark Ellis #14 of the Oakland Athletics slides home safely against the San Francisco Giants as Giants catcher Buster Posey #28 can't handle the throw during the game at AT&T Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

By the time the 1:05pm first pitch was made I was ready. I decided to shoot the entire game with just two lenses. The 70-200mm 2.8 and the 800mm 5.6. Nothing like working with two very different lenses to keep things fun and challenging. One of the best parts about shooting down in this great spot was the company of other photographers I was able to sit next to and tell stories with. There are so many games that I end up shooting by myself, like in the third deck in Oakland when I have no one to talk to. Sunday I felt like chatting with some old friends, and I was not disappointed.

Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants winces in pain after having a foul ball hit his mask against the Oakland Athletics during the game at AT&T Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Veteran Bay Area photographers Ben Margot from the Associated Press and D. Ross Cameron from the Oakland Tribune were seated next to me. These two guys can be as funny and salty as anyone, and they usually keep me laughing- especially Ross. Since Margot and I both worked for the Alameda Newspaper Group newspaper chain owned by Dean Singleton in our past lives around 20 years ago, and since Ross works for a newer version of the same company, we have some old war stories to rehash every time we get together. Sunday was no exception.

Darren Ford #34 of the San Francisco Giants runs home attempting to score the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning against the Oakland Athletics during the game at AT&T Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

We shared many great stories about one of our favorite ANG alumni, Dino Vournas. We shared stories about some of our favorite editors. We even quizzed each other on who is the most bitter ANG photographer of all-time. Our choice was unanimous. The day was off to a great start thanks to the many laughs in the pit, and the Giants were clinging to a 2-0 lead. Until the A’s finally woke up.

Darren Ford #34 of the San Francisco Giants slides home attempting to score the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning against the Oakland Athletics during the game at AT&T Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

By the time Nate Schierholtz hit a dramatic pinch-hit two-run homer to tie the game at 4 in the bottom of the 8th inning the sell-out crowd was going nuts, and I began to wonder how late I would get home and how long it would take me to edit my take before I relaxed in front of the television to watch the newest episode of Audrina. I was out late Saturday night, and my new cats Mike and Willie made it hard to get a full nights sleep, so I started yawning over and over as the game crept into extra innings.

Darren Ford #34 of the San Francisco Giants slides home to score the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning against the Oakland Athletics during the game at AT&T Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

The defending World Champions had been playing well at home, and they had won six games in walk-off fashion in 2011. I was with 42,000 other fans hoping that Sunday would end with walk-off win number seven. The hazy sunshine was getting prettier and prettier as the wind kicked up causing the temperatures to dip into the 50′s. What a cold spring we have had so far in the Bay Area. I was ready to go home, and thanks to some youngsters on the ballclub I would soon get my chance.

Darren Ford #34 of the San Francisco Giants slides home to score the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning against the Oakland Athletics during the game at AT&T Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

As the clock on the scoreboard read 5pm the speedy Ford stood at second base with one out in the bottom of the 11th as his good friend Emmanuel Burriss came to the plate looking to send everyone home. What happened next was a blur, literally, as Burriss lined a hard single to right field and Ford dashed around the bases to challenge to the strong arm of A’s right fielder Ryan Sweeney. There was no way Ford was NOT going to score. The throw was a good one, but the Bullet was safe with a thunderous slide and a cloud of dust. By the time tired Giants rookie hugged teammate Cody Ross as the rest of the club vaulted over the dugout railing to begin the celebration I knew I had a pretty cool set of pictures.

I did not get home til close to 7pm, and by the time I finished editing it was about 9:30pm. Still enough time to watch Audrina. Did you know here dad looks EXACTLY like Jack Cust?

Tim Hudson of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

The Atlanta Braves scared the crap out of me when the San Francisco Giants faced them in the opening round of the National League playoffs last October. All of the games were very close, and if it weren’t for some key injuries and a kid named Brooks Conrad the Giants might not be flying a bright orange 2010 World Champions banner at their ballpark. The same Braves came to town this past weekend with a healthy squad and Conrad with a goal of showing the Champs what they were made of. Boy did they ever. The Braves pretty much shoved it up the Giants asses all weekend and took all three games in front of sellout crowds that still don’t know what hit them. The Braves meant business and they proved that they might have something to say about who comes out of the National League alive in October.

Brooks Conrad of the Atlanta Braves gets ready in the dugout before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

I attended Friday night’s opener as a fan with my sister Paula and watched as boring a ballgame as I had seen in quite some time as the Giants went down meekly to a hungry Braves team 4-1, led by the great pitching of Tommy Hanson. The night was extremely disappointing after co-author Brian Murphy and myself had such a great time signing copies of “Worth The Wait” for two hours at the Giants Dugout Store at the Stanford Shopping Center. The fans we met were jacked up for the big weekend series against the Braves, and so was I. No way did I ever think the Giants would get skunked.

Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

I was very excited to shoot Saturday’s game for many reasons. I would get to see my good friend Robert Leiter, who was making the trip up from Santa Barbara to shoot the game. I would also get to photograph two great Tim’s on the mound: Tim Lincecum and Tim Hudson. Of course Lincecum needs no introduction around the Bay Area, and local fans should never forget how terrific Hudson was with the A’s. Huddy was always one of my favorite pitchers to photograph, and he was just sensational on Saturday in leading his team to a 5-2 win. Huddy totally out pitched Timmy and put on a clinic on how to “pitch.”

One of the highlights of my day was spending a few minutes before the game in the Braves dugout chatting with the aforementioned Conrad. What a great guy! I asked him how he liked wearing the terrific zipper-top Boston Braves uniform last week on turn back the clock day against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. He told me how much fun they were to wear, and also how comfortable they were. I watched the game on television and agreed that they looked great. Don’t worry, I kept the conversation light and did not bring up last year’s playoffs.

Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants hits a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the game at AT&T Park on April 24, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

As usual I was planing to spend my Easter Sunday shooting a baseball game. Game 3 of the weekend series was set to start at 1:05pm and there was no way the Giants would get swept. Right? I was excited to goof around on Sunday and have fun at the game, so I brought along the Canon 800mm lens to shoot some real tight stuff. This lens is always fun to use. It yields many frames that do not work, but when I happen to frame the action well and get something good within that frame it looks really cool. A great example of this is the picture above of Buster Posey hitting a 2-run homer. During the season I shoot so many batting pictures head-to-toe with the 400mm lens, it is fun to try stuff real tight- if I can keep the player in the frame. It’s not so easy!

Mike Fontenot #14 of the San Francisco Giants bats against the Atlanta Braves during the game at AT&T Park on April 24, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

I enjoyed hanging out in the third base photo well right next to the Giants dugout. The conversation was fun with other photographers, especially Marcio Sanchez’s critique of the new VH-1 show “Audrina.” Marcio thinks the show is pretty bad, but he was looking forward to the new episode airing later on Sunday night. The ballgame was fun to watch and shoot, but after the Giants bullpen collapsed the relentless Braves were ready to pounce like my new kittens Willie and Mike. By the time the dust had settled the Braves were 9-6 winners and I was left to make the long drive home to edit my take.

Brian Wilson #38 of the San Francisco Giants sits in the dugout during the game against the Atlanta Braves at AT&T Park on April 24, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

Many Giants fans were ready to jump off the bridge after the game as I listened to some of them call into Marty Lurie’s post-game show on KNBR. I wasn’t worried at all as I headed home. The Giants won the freaking WORLD SERIES LAST YEAR. The season is only 21 games old, and there are many more games to play. Besides, I was able to enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon at a baseball game. It doesn’t get much better than that.