Wow, how time flies! It’s already two months into the regular MLB season and I haven’t made a post since before spring training started. With the Twins on the road I had a little time available to update my blog, so I thought I would share some of my favorite photos I’ve shot so far this season or photos I just thought were interesting. First, I wanted to mention that this season I wanted to do a lot better job of staying on top of keeping my photo archive up to date. I’ve been shooting at least 1 game from each visiting team series (except I missed the Rangers series) and I’m happy to say that so far I’ve uploaded all of my 1st and 2nd edits to my archive from every game I’ve shot so far. In total, I’ve uploaded 1,854 photos to my archive from the regular season so far, which are all directly available for editorial licensing through Photoshelter’s built-in licensing capabilities.

Another thing I wanted to mention is that I’ve been using Instagram a lot this season. I’ve been trying to post at least one photo from every game I’m at and I’m having a ton of fun using it at the ballpark. I’ve been challenging myself to get more creative with it this season, so I’m always keeping my eyes peeled for potential Instagram opportunities. You can check out my Instagram feed at the following link: Ben Krause Instagram feed. The link can also be found at the very bottom of my website on all of the blog pages.

On to the photos!

I turned the big 3-0 early this year, so as my birthday present my amazing wife bought me a trip to spring training to catch two Twins games. She sure knows how to make me happy. One of the games we caught happened to have a fantastic sunset followed by a fireworks show.

A general view of Hammond Stadium during a spring training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Minnesota Twins in Ft. Myers, Florida on March 13, 2013.
A general view of Hammond Stadium during a spring training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Minnesota Twins in Ft. Myers, Florida on March 13, 2013.
A general view of Hammond Stadium during a post-game fireworks display after a spring training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Minnesota Twins in Ft. Myers, Florida on March 13, 2013.
A general view of Hammond Stadium during a post-game fireworks display after a spring training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Minnesota Twins in Ft. Myers, Florida on March 13, 2013.

Let the regular season begin!

Bunting hangs at Target Field during the Opening Series between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Bunting hangs at Target Field during the Opening Series between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
The "Opening Series" logo on the field during Opening Day 2013 during a game between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers on April 1, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Tigers defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
The “Opening Series” logo on the field during Opening Day 2013 during a game between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers on April 1, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Tigers defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

I can’t get enough of this light at Target Field during the rare occasions it happens during a game.

Vance Worley #49 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during a game against the Detroit Tigers on Opening Day 2013 on April 1, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Tigers defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Vance Worley #49 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during a game against the Detroit Tigers on Opening Day 2013 on April 1, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Tigers defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

The first team to visit this season was the Detroit Tigers. For the second time in his career Torii Hunter made his debut with a new team while playing against his original team on Opening Day. It’s always nice to see Torii visit Minnesota with his great smile.

Torii Hunter #48 of the Detroit Tigers smiles during batting practice before a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Torii Hunter #48 of the Detroit Tigers smiles during batting practice before a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

Miggy being Miggy?

Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers smiles during batting practice before a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers smiles during batting practice before a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Torii Hunter #48 of the Detroit Tigers waits on-deck during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Torii Hunter #48 of the Detroit Tigers waits on-deck during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Justin Morneau #33 of the Minnesota Twins heads off the field before a game against the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Justin Morneau #33 of the Minnesota Twins heads off the field before a game against the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

Focus.

Justin Morneau #33 of the Minnesota Twins looks on during a game against the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Justin Morneau #33 of the Minnesota Twins looks on during a game against the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of a hat and sunglasses during a game between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of a hat and sunglasses during a game between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

As I promised myself last season, I wanted to experiment with multi-exposure shots more this season. The light was what I was hoping for, but I think I still need to experiment with it more. I like the result, but I think it can be refined a bit more.

[Note: This photo was created from 3 exposures merged in-camera.] Kevin Correia #30 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during a game against the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
[Note: This photo was created from 3 exposures merged in-camera.] Kevin Correia #30 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during a game against the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

The 2nd game of the season the Twins won in dramatic walk-off fashion. It’s always a treat to get to shoot walk-off wins.

Brian Dozier #2 and Jamey Carroll #8 celebrate after scoring the game-winning run against the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Brian Dozier #2 and Jamey Carroll #8 celebrate after scoring the game-winning run against the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Minnesota Twins players celebrate as Phil Coke #40 of the Detroit Tigers walks off the field after the Twins won in walk-off fashion on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Minnesota Twins players celebrate as Phil Coke #40 of the Detroit Tigers walks off the field after the Twins won in walk-off fashion on April 3, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

The New York Mets came to town and they bring their own on-deck circle gear, which is very unusual. I liked that all of the pieces had their logo on them.

A close up view of gear in the on-deck circle of the New York Mets during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of gear in the on-deck circle of the New York Mets during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

The 2013 All-Star Game also belongs to the Mets and they have a patch on their jerseys to celebrate it.

A close up view of the 2013 All Star Game logo on the sleeve of Mike Baxter #23 of the New York Mets during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of the 2013 All Star Game logo on the sleeve of Mike Baxter #23 of the New York Mets during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

One of the most detailed paint jobs I’ve seen for an MLB catcher’s mask.

John Buck #44 of the New York Mets heads toward the dugout during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
John Buck #44 of the New York Mets heads toward the dugout during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

I just think it’s funny the way David Wright sticks his tongue out all. the. time. when he plays.

David Wright #5 of the New York Mets bats during a game against the during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
David Wright #5 of the New York Mets bats during a game against the during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 4 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

Josh Hamilton joined Albert Pujols on the Angels as part of their major spending spree the last two seasons.

Josh Hamilton #32 of the Los Angeles Angels waits on-deck during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 16, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Angels 8 to 6. Photo: Ben Krause
Josh Hamilton #32 of the Los Angeles Angels waits on-deck during a game against the Minnesota Twins on April 16, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Angels 8 to 6. Photo: Ben Krause
Ryan Doumit #9 of the Minnesota Twins scores during a game against the Los Angeles Angels on April 16, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Angels 8 to 6. Photo: Ben Krause
Ryan Doumit #9 of the Minnesota Twins scores during a game against the Los Angeles Angels on April 16, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Angels 8 to 6. Photo: Ben Krause

This is another vantage point I’d like to experiment with some more this season. Clean backgrounds are a little tricky to find at MLB ballparks, so it’s always a good idea to try new perspectives to clean them up to get something different.

Jose Fernandez #16 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the Minnesota Twins in Game 1 of a split doubleheader on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Marlins 4 to 3. Photo: Ben Krause
Jose Fernandez #16 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the Minnesota Twins in Game 1 of a split doubleheader on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Marlins 4 to 3. Photo: Ben Krause

Former Minnesota Twins catcher Mike Redmond made a return to Minnesota, this time as a first-year manager of the Miami Marlins. I hope Mike has some success in Miami.

Manager Mike Redmond #11 of the Miami Marlins looks on in Game 2 of a split doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Marlins defeated the Twins 8 to 5. Photo: Ben Krause
Manager Mike Redmond #11 of the Miami Marlins looks on in Game 2 of a split doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Marlins defeated the Twins 8 to 5. Photo: Ben Krause

One of the jersey options for the Marlins is this blaze orange jersey that makes it look like they are going hunting after the game. I was worried it was going to blow the color gamut on my camera’s sensor, but it was interesting for something a little out of the ordinary for MLB jerseys.

Placido Polanco #30 of the Miami Marlins waits on-deck against the Minnesota Twins in Game 2 of a split doubleheader on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Marlins defeated the Twins 8 to 5. Photo: Ben Krause
Placido Polanco #30 of the Miami Marlins waits on-deck against the Minnesota Twins in Game 2 of a split doubleheader on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Marlins defeated the Twins 8 to 5. Photo: Ben Krause
Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins jumps over Greg Dobbs #29 of the Miami Marlins attempting to turn a double play in Game 2 of a split doubleheader on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Marlins defeated the Twins 8 to 5. Photo: Ben Krause
Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins jumps over Greg Dobbs #29 of the Miami Marlins attempting to turn a double play in Game 2 of a split doubleheader on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Marlins defeated the Twins 8 to 5. Photo: Ben Krause
Justin Morneau #33 of the Minnesota Twins gets ready to take the field before a game against the Miami Marlins in Game 2 of a split doubleheader on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Marlins defeated the Twins 8 to 5. Photo: Ben Krause
Justin Morneau #33 of the Minnesota Twins gets ready to take the field before a game against the Miami Marlins in Game 2 of a split doubleheader on April 23, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Marlins defeated the Twins 8 to 5. Photo: Ben Krause

Former Minnesota Twins Alexi Casilla and J.J. Hardy visited Target Field over Mother’s Day weekend playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Former Minnesota Twins players Alexi Casilla #12 and J.J. Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles warm up before a game against the Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
Former Minnesota Twins players Alexi Casilla #12 and J.J. Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles warm up before a game against the Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause

There was lots of pink on display for the game on Mother’s Day to show support for breast cancer awareness.

A close up view of some of the pink bats used by the Baltimore Orioles during a game on Mother's Day against the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of some of the pink bats used by the Baltimore Orioles during a game on Mother’s Day against the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of one of the bases used on Mother's Day as one of the Minnesota Twins players steps on it during a game against the Baltimore Orioles on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of one of the bases used on Mother’s Day as one of the Minnesota Twins players steps on it during a game against the Baltimore Orioles on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause

This might be my favorite photo I’ve shot so far this season.

A close up view of the pink bat and batting glove used by J.J. Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles on Mother's Day against the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of the pink bat and batting glove used by J.J. Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles on Mother’s Day against the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of the pink cleat used by Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles on Mother's Day against the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of the pink cleat used by Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles on Mother’s Day against the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause

Manny Machado is going to be fun to watch over the coming years.

Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles waits on-deck during a game against the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles waits on-deck during a game against the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause

Plays at the plate are also a lot of fun (assuming the umpires don’t block too much of the view).

Chris Snyder #48 of the Baltimore Orioles is tagged out at home plate by Ryan Doumit #9 of the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
Chris Snyder #48 of the Baltimore Orioles is tagged out at home plate by Ryan Doumit #9 of the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
Chris Snyder #48 of the Baltimore Orioles is called out by home plate umpire Marvin Hudson after being tagged by Ryan Doumit #9 of the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
Chris Snyder #48 of the Baltimore Orioles is called out by home plate umpire Marvin Hudson after being tagged by Ryan Doumit #9 of the Minnesota Twins on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
Trevor Plouffe #24 of the Minnesota Twins stands with a young fan during the national anthem before a game against the Baltimore Orioles on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause
Trevor Plouffe #24 of the Minnesota Twins stands with a young fan during the national anthem before a game against the Baltimore Orioles on May 12, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 6 to 0. Photo: Ben Krause

I like the American Flag stitched onto Trevor Plouffe’s glove.

A close up view of the glove and hat of Trevor Plouffe #24 of the Minnesota Twins during a game against the Boston Red Sox on May 17, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
A close up view of the glove and hat of Trevor Plouffe #24 of the Minnesota Twins during a game against the Boston Red Sox on May 17, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

Still experimenting with multi-exposure…

[Note: This photo was created by combining multiple exposures in-camera.] Hector Santiago #53 of the Chicago White Sox warms up in the bullpen before a game against the Minnesota Twins on May 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 10 to 3. Photo: Ben Krause
[Note: This photo was created by combining multiple exposures in-camera.] Hector Santiago #53 of the Chicago White Sox warms up in the bullpen before a game against the Minnesota Twins on May 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 10 to 3. Photo: Ben Krause
[Note: This photo was created by combining multiple exposures in-camera.] Clay Buchholz #11 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Minnesota Twins on May 17, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
[Note: This photo was created by combining multiple exposures in-camera.] Clay Buchholz #11 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Minnesota Twins on May 17, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins attempts to make a diving play during a game against the Chicago White Sox on May 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 10 to 3. Photo: Ben Krause
Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins attempts to make a diving play during a game against the Chicago White Sox on May 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 10 to 3. Photo: Ben Krause

Remind me never to run into Jonny Gomes in a dark alley.

Jonny Gomes #5 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during a game against the Minnesota Twins on May 17, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause
Jonny Gomes #5 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during a game against the Minnesota Twins on May 17, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 3 to 2. Photo: Ben Krause

Aaron Hicks got the Gatorade treatment on May 13th after he not only hit two home runs against the White Sox, but he also made a spectacular catch robbing Adam Dunn of a home run!

Aaron Hicks #32 of the Minnesota Twins gets Gatorade dumped on him by teammates Trevor Plouffe #24 and Eduardo Escobar #5 as Fox Sports North reporter Jamie Hersch avoids the splash after the Twins defeated the Chicago White Sox on May 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hicks hit 2 home runs in the game and also robbed a home run. The Twins defeated the White Sox 10 to 3. Photo: Ben Krause
Aaron Hicks #32 of the Minnesota Twins gets Gatorade dumped on him by teammates Trevor Plouffe #24 and Eduardo Escobar #5 as Fox Sports North reporter Jamie Hersch avoids the splash after the Twins defeated the Chicago White Sox on May 13, 2013 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hicks hit 2 home runs in the game and also robbed a home run. The Twins defeated the White Sox 10 to 3. Photo: Ben Krause

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for looking! I can’t wait to see what happens the rest of the season and hopefully I can make some more photos that make me happy.

One Reply to “The 2013 MLB Season Has Begun”

  1. Pingback: 2013 Baseball Season Summary | Ben Krause Photos

Comments are closed.