Spring Sports

When the snow starts to thaw and the trees start to turn green again, I am immediately excited for the spring sports that are to come. Baseball, softball and the various other sports that start when the cold weather ends are my favorite sports to photograph, and when their seasons start I am in a noticeably better mood.

Baseball is synonymous with warm weather and high spirits. From the MLB to unofficial backyard games, life is better when baseball is being played. Ohio University’s baseball team is not particularly amazing, but that doesn’t stop photographing games from being the highlight of my week. While the baseball team progressed and grew in terms of athletic skill I grew in terms of love for and grasp of sports photography and its creative expression.

A baseball player in a green Ohio uniform walking on the field with a bat in hand, near the dugout, during a game.
Baseball player in black uniform diving to catch a slide at home plate while a runner in white uniform with green helmet is stopping at the base, and an umpire watches nearby on a baseball field.
Baseball player with a helmet and bat on the field, with others and a scoreboard in the background.
A baseball player sliding into home plate while the catcher attempts to tag him out during a game.
A baseball game in progress, with a player in a white and green uniform preparing to catch a ball, a player in a black uniform sliding into a base, and an umpire watching. There are spectators sitting on a grassy hill in the background.
A baseball player in a white pinstriped uniform with green accents, and a green cap with a white O, is pitching a baseball on a baseball field during daytime.
A golden retriever dog lying on a blanket on the grass surrounded by people sitting on lawn chairs and on the ground, some using their phones, with a blurred background of greenery.
A baseball player in a white pinstripe uniform standing on the pitcher's mound with a glove, looking down. Another player is visible in the background on the field.
A baseball player in a green jersey and striped pants swings at a pitched ball on the field. There is an umpire in black behind the player, and a green outfield wall with signs that read '10' and '3' in the background.
A baseball player in a pinstripe uniform and green helmet is in a ready position at a base, while an umpire dressed in black observes. Other players and a coach are visible in the background at a baseball field.
A baseball pitcher in a green cap and white pinstripe uniform is throwing a pitch on the mound, with a player in a black jersey and yellow number 31 in the foreground watching the game, and spectators seated in the background.
Baseball players in green uniforms during a game, with one player running to the base and another in the background, on a baseball field with a green wall featuring a MAC logo and date history.
A baseball player in a white pinstripe uniform with a black helmet and pink gloves standing at home plate, holding a bat, with a catcher in black gear kneeling in front of him on a baseball field.
A baseball player in a green jersey and cap on the pitcher's mound, preparing to throw a pitch. Another player in green is seen in the background on the field with a fence and scoreboard in the distance.

There are few things in the world that outweigh my love for softball season. It is a truly nostalgic time for me; I’ve been going to my sister’s softball tournaments since I was in middle school, and it was at one of her high school games I first tried my hand at photography. Although I didn’t stick with photography in high school I rekindled my passion for it in college, finding a second home in Ohio Softball Stadium. The Ohio University Softball team is incredible, and capturing players’ triumphs and defeats is even more so.

Female softball players in green and white uniforms playing on a softball field, with spectators in the background.
A female softball player wearing a green and white uniform, a white batting helmet, and gloves, holding a bat and preparing to swing, outdoors on a field with blurred spectators and trees in the background.
Softball team in green jerseys huddling together on the field
A female softball player in a green and white uniform is preparing to catch a ball with her glove. She is at home plate on a softball field, with her left arm raised and holding a yellow softball. Other players and spectators are visible in the backg
A girl in a green softball uniform with a helmet is running on a dirt field, with dust visible behind her. There are spectators in the background cheering and clapping, behind a chain-link fence.
Two softball players with green and black uniforms sharing a moment during a game, with other players and spectators in the background.
Softball team in green uniforms celebrating on the field
A softball player from Ohio is hitting a yellow softball during a game, with a catcher in protective gear and a composite background of spectators.
A female softball player in a green uniform pitching a ball on a baseball field.
A softball game scene with a batter swinging at a pitch, a catcher in red gear catching the ball, and spectators watching behind a protective net. It takes place on a softball field with a dirt infield and green padded walls.
Softball players in green uniforms on a softball field, with one player preparing to catch a ball.
Softball players in green uniforms celebrating on the field, with a crowd of spectators behind a fence in the stands.
A softball game in progress with players near home plate, one in green and black sliding, another in navy and yellow, with a catcher and umpire nearby, and the batter attempting to reach first base.