Baseball is a game of boundaries, some obvious, some subtle, some irregular. An old saying describes it as a game of inches (or centimeters, if you prefer). A small distance this way or that can make the difference between victory and defeat.
A few examples:
Top - the Cardinals' infielders sprint to their positions at the start of the game. There is an infield and an outfield, with a running path in between. You work them in very different ways.
Second - Cardinals' center fielder Jon Jay leaps over the foul line on the way to his position. Maybe he thinks it's unlucky to step on it.
Third - Cincinnati center fielder Shin Soo Choo completely loses a ball in the sun when it was within reach. He missed it altogether, allowing it to bounce off the wall. The Cardinals scored on the play.
Bottom - Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig fouls one off. Cincinnati catcher Ryan Hanigan can't find this one, either. The concept of the strike zone is a bit mystical. For international readers who don't know the term, click here.
A few examples:
Top - the Cardinals' infielders sprint to their positions at the start of the game. There is an infield and an outfield, with a running path in between. You work them in very different ways.
Second - Cardinals' center fielder Jon Jay leaps over the foul line on the way to his position. Maybe he thinks it's unlucky to step on it.
Third - Cincinnati center fielder Shin Soo Choo completely loses a ball in the sun when it was within reach. He missed it altogether, allowing it to bounce off the wall. The Cardinals scored on the play.
Bottom - Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig fouls one off. Cincinnati catcher Ryan Hanigan can't find this one, either. The concept of the strike zone is a bit mystical. For international readers who don't know the term, click here.
The photo of Choo is amazing!
ReplyDeleteLife, as well, is a game of inches.
ReplyDeleteYou nailed the last three photos here.
ReplyDeleteI love baseball pics. I don't think that's a foul ball by Craig, since the bat hasn't been swung. It's great to see the balls in mid air.
ReplyDeleteTerrific dynamic energy in those shots, Bob.
ReplyDeleteI like the foul line leap.
ReplyDeleteThese days in the majors, a strike is from the belt to the ankles. It has moved a lot lower since the days I played.