Day 4

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Padres are still in Tucson and the Mariners have the day off. My wife Shannon wanted (needed!) a break from our six year old son Andrew to spend some time with her aunt to do some girl stuff, so I have my son with me today. I packed up my gear and Andrew, and we headed out to the ballpark to watch some minor league games. The Padres and Mariners were playing in both AA and AAA games, so I got a chance to shoot both teams at the same time. I got a real surprise when I got out to the fields: Greg Maddux was starting the AAA game for the Padres! This was a real bonus since I am only getting to shoot the Padres twice, and the first time most of the starters were in Bejing, China playing the Dodgers. It was really interesting for me to watch these young players that are on the verge of making the big leagues, playing so hard, and watching all the coaches and scouts around evaluating them. Andrew had a blast talking to the ballplayers and collecting baseballs and autographs. Mitch Canham played late in the AA game and got a hit in his only at bat. He took some time after the game to talk to Andrew and sign a baseball card and ball and take a picture with him. Mitch is a great kid! I look forward to watching his progress over the next few years on his way to the big leagues.