Andrew McCutchen terrorizes the Giants

Posted on June 4, 2015

Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates smiles in the in deck circle during the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

 

I haven’t had the chance to blog in awhile, but after Andrew McCutchen and the Pittsburgh Pirates left town last night after sweeping the San Francisco Giants in the three game set at AT&T Park I thought it would be a good time. Even though I am a Giants fan and have published three books about the team, I love shooting great opposing players and visiting clubs that play the game well. McCutchen and the Pirates fit both of those categories. The Pirates came to San Francisco to open a three game series Monday night. I don’t usually shoot night games, but my Championship Blood co-author Brian Murphy was being honored (along with his KNBR radio morning show co-host Paul McCaffrey) with a bobble head at the ballpark. Of course I had to get one of those, so I figured I would head out to the yard, supports my friends, grab an amazingly cool souvenir, and shoot a few innings of stock on the Pirates. The special added incentive was the big right hander on the mound for the Bucs that night, young flame thrower Gerrit Cole. I had never shot the kid before and he is off to a great start this year. He might even start the all-star game next month in Cincinnati. Since the Pirates only make one trip to the Bay Area this season this would be my only chance to photograph the young man. Boy was I glad I went.

When I go to night games like this I try to shoot heavy early and then get out fast after a few innings when the open shade turns into night and the pictures start to look a little funky. Besides- when I am working for myself there is no better feeling than driving out of the parking lot in the middle of the game and listening on the radio as I drive home. The huge bonus I cashed in on was the gorgeous grey jerseys the Pirates wore Monday night, instead of their awful black alternate tops. The greys are so nice and classic, and they photograph so much better. During the short time I was there, just three innings, I made sure to shoot Cole from three different angles, and to also get some good frames of McCutchen and some of the other Pirate players at bat while the light was still good. I knew I would be shooting them in a day game on Wednesday, and I also knew that the light would probably be harsh and they would probably be wearing the black tops. I was right!

Even though my main goal on Monday night was to shoot the Pirates, I managed to get a few frames of the Giants that I liked. You never know when you will run into one.

When I got to yesterday’s day game I decided I wanted to shoot from one of my favorite spots at AT&T Park, low inside first. From this position I shoot many things around the home plate area loose with my 70-200, as well as tight with my 400. Since I got some bread and butter stock out of the way on Monday night I was ready to try and get some different stuff. I get bored very easily!

Sure the Giants got knocked on their ass this week, and there were no great plays at the plate that happened right in front of me. However, it was fun shooting the Pirates, especially McCutchen, and it was fun being at the ballpark. I was not bored, and I got an awesome, RARE new bobble head to add to my collection. Thanks Murph!