A Look From Inside the Dugout

The Fall semester of 2021 is finally coming to a close and with it, I am left wondering where all the time gone. It feels like my first day with Commodore Baseball was just yesterday. I recall being tossed into a whirlwind of names and faces I couldn’t quite remember. Don’t get me wrong, I was eager to work with them, but between the darkly polarized sunglasses and matching baseball caps, I had a hard time remembering who was who. This is especially true when you consider that there are two “Masons” and three “Tylers” on the team. 

Names aside, the whole experience has been world-changing. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Goines in the Digital Media Program for presenting me with an opportunity such as this one. I was looking for a way to continue to develop my photography and writing, and Head Coach Younger was looking for a student who could “step up to the plate” (pun intended). After my first meeting with him, I knew this experience would be greatly beneficial towards helping me complete my Bachelor’s degree. 

Standing Room Only

When the team began to play games in the Fall season, I knew it would be a great chance for me to try and develop my camera skills. Although photographers are typically known to be seated in the stands amongst the other fans, I took a chance and asked Coach Younger if I could take my photos from within the dugout. After receiving a prompt “yes”, I hurried home to ready my equipment. It was worth noting that I did not leave practice without promising to stay out of the way for the athletes. 

During as many games as I could attend, I stood in the dugout with the team. Often I went unnoticed completely and was regarded with questions about how long I had been standing in one spot. On the other hand, I was also questioned about photos of close calls during the games. There were also perks to standing on aching feet for the better part of three hours. 

Overview

As a prior athlete, I am all too familiar with the “team dynamic”. If the team is doing poorly, it reflects on everyone’s moods. Then again, if the team is doing well, it can boost everyone’s spirits. To be in the dugout with the Commodores was a unique experience. It allowed me to step back and see the whole sport through a strictly objective lens.

Over time, I found myself smiling internally at their successes and silently cheering them on from behind my camera. As the Fall season comes to a close, I am proud to share that I now know all their names by heart. 

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