We grew up in "the land of the free, the home of the brave." As a result, we are granted opportunities to freely engage in activities like the game of baseball. Throughout my childhood, baseball has been my passion. Baseball has facilitated fun, smiles, memories, friendships, good health, and future desires. I play, watch, listen, follow, and coach for the love of the game. It is my favorite sport. Similar to baseball, I love my country. I have long been interested in the history and political arena of our nation. Baseball, America's pastime, often reflects the mood, ideals, and ambitions of our great nation. Baseball is individualistic yet emphasizes teamwork and community too, the same foundation of our country. Growing up in the United States, it would be hard for anyone to imagine a summer's day or night without the sound of the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the smell of cracker jacks and hot dogs, and the smiles on everyone's faces, all under the breathtaking setting summer sun. I hope to convey the American spirit, pure joy, and unforgettable memories that baseball creates through my digital photography. All of my images will be original, self-created digital photographs taken with my iPhone with excessive sharp structure.
The Game That Transcends All
Baseball is a 162 game season. It has its ups and downs. It's a marathon. It kind of reminds me of life. Baseball fans don't give up until the last strike. Just like Americans. Many Americans always believe until the last possible moment that they can still win.
There is a reason each country has the sports that it loves. They somehow embody the nation, and the national spirit, and the national pride, and the people rally around these sports figures. At times of national triumph, we rally around them and enjoy. At times of national tragedy, we rally around them to remember who we are.
Similar to the symbolism of the red and white stripes of our flag, a baseball is more than white ball with red seams crossing home. It's a ball - it's a pitch that transcends sports, transcends, politics, transcends history, and reminds all of us of our home, the United States of America.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." -Walt Whitman
The Game That Creates Lifelong Friendships
Our country is not solely run by our President. The success of America takes everyone. A baseball team is not run solely by the manager. The success of the team takes everyone. America and baseball are individualistic yet emphasize teamwork.
In life, it's vital to have good teammates - friends. When people find friends, they feel connected to the world they are living in. Having a best friend is a strong predictor for being happy and productive in life.
"As the seasons go on, teammates go from teammates, to friends, to brothers."
The Game of Timing
It is by all statistics in baseball the most opportune time a hitter can expect the pitcher to groove a fastball right down the middle of the plate. What's at stake in this situation? The pitcher doesn’t want to walk the batter by throwing another ball so he might as well throw a fastball for the hitter to take his best shot.
The second we think we have everything figured out life throws us a curve ball on a 3-1 count. How do you prepare for those times? How can you be successful when presented with that curve? Do you swing or do you take the pitch?
We, as a nation, make many mistakes as humans and even though we have massive amounts of information to tap into in today's world we can never really calculate exactly how our outcomes will be.
All we can do is make sure that the United States is in the 3-1 count, the best position to succeed. It may not always be about the hit or the strikeout in the moment, but maybe more important is the run that is scored in a later inning, at a later time, as a result of that hit or strikeout. Be happy you're in that 3-1 count. It's the best position to win.
"Live Life Like a 3-1 Count."
The Game That Creates a Another Home
A good way to start is by showing the splendor and impact of baseball in America is looking at the 30 Major League Baseball parks. They become staples in each city for they bring thousands of people downtown. They are a hub of economic flurry. The merchandise, food, personnel, traditions, diversity of fans, and infrastructure is all a microcosm of America. Think about it. In America, consumerism has risen. Hot dogs, pop (or soda), and fast-food have become symbols of our American diet. Similar to singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," America has traditions in which we participate and celebrate. Baseball fans are representative in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, income level, etc. of our nation. Finally, like our homes, office buildings, and stores, physical structures are critical to everyday life.
Most importantly baseball stadiums become homes. They are the places where your best summer memories occur. The sights, sounds, and smells make everything in the world okay. They are the best seats for the picturesque summer sunsets, especially when you're sitting next to friends and family.
"Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing."
The Game That Births Legends Every October
The autumn game is every bit as central to the sport as the summer game. But it sure is different. October, playoff baseball leaves you feeling like your heart has been in your throat for untold hours at a time.
"No rule says the ability to play under incredible do-it-now pressure is an inferior standard to do-it-every-day-for-six-months. Nothing says postseason baseball with more off days and the option to use your best pitchers in a much higher percentage of your team's innings is an inferior form of baseball to long season in which nondescript starters and no-name relievers might work 700 innings. To be champions, you have to master both forms of the game."
What gets measured in October, playoff baseball? Clutchness and the ability of players to rise to any occasion. Baseball fans remember The Babe's Called Shot, The Willie Mays Catch, Curt Schilling's Bloody Sock, and Mr. October, Reggie Jackson.
What gets measured in American history? Clutchness and the ability of our people to rise to any occasion. American's remember Apollo 11, the response to September 11, 2001, the American Revolution, and the Death of Osama Bin Laden.
"Legends Are Born In October."
That Game That Is Home
Every morning and every night, I wake up and fall asleep with baseball and America around me. Baseball and America make my bedroom feel like home.
Baseball makes America home.
"In Baseball, As In Life, All the Important Things In Life Happen At Home."