New Giant Nori Aoki is very photogenic
Posted on January 26, 2015
Nori Aoki #23 of the Kansas City Royals sits in the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum on Friday, August 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
Last week the San Francisco Giants signed free agent outfielder Nori Aoki to a one year contract to help fill a huge hole in left field and add some outfield depth. I was super excited when I heard this news. Why? First of all I think Aoki is a good ballplayer who can help out the Giants. Second, and almost more important in my book, he is crazy fun to photograph. I can’t wait to have an entire season to shoot him wearing the orange and black!
Norichika Aoki of Japan warms up before the exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 11, 2009. Japan defeated the Giants 6-4. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
Norichika Aoki of Japan bats during the exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 11, 2009. Japan defeated the Giants 6-4. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
I first photographed Aoki during spring training in 2009 when he was playing for team Japan during the World Baseball Classic. Japan was in Arizona playing a few exhibition games between the first and second rounds of the tournament against MLB clubs and I found them one glorious afternoon at Scottsdale Stadium playing against the Giants (see above). I had no idea who he was at the time, but he happened to be in the starting lineup, along with Ichiro, so I knew he had to be good. During the game I had a blast shooting Aoki and all the other Japanese ballplayers. These guys all had style. Most Japanese baseball players do, making them very photogenic. Aoki is no exception. He has the high leg kick like the legendary Sadaharu Oh, and an exaggerated follow through when he leaves the batters box. He also has a fabulous smile!
Norichika Aoki #7 of the Milwaukee Brewers stands in the dugout during the game against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
Ryan Braun #8 and Norichika Aoki #7 of the Milwaukee Brewers get ready in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on Saturday, May 5, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
A few years later I shot Aoki as a Milwaukee Brewer (above), but it was not until last season when I really started to appreciate his game. Because his team, the Kansas City Royals, were so good, and ended up playing the Giants in the World Series, I saw him play all the time. I also photographed him more than ever. Sure he won’t make Giants fans forget Michael Morse by belting home runs, but he will get on base and keep the line moving. On top of that his great personality and athletic flair will be a hit with his teammates and the fans.
Nori Aoki #23 of the Kansas City Royals bats against the Oakland Athletics during the game at O.co Coliseum on Friday, August 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. )Photo by Brad Mangin)
Norichika Aoki #23 of the Kansas City Royals bats during Game 7 of the 2014 World Series against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
As a Giants fan Aoki scared me every time he stepped into the batter’s box during the World Series. I was always fearful of him slapping one down the left field line for extra bases, and he almost did in Game 7 against Madison Bumgarner (see above). It will be fun to root for him this season. It will be especially fun to photograph him.
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