Tagged: canada

April 12, 2010

TP05: 2010 Home Opener – A Digital Narrative

Ladies and Gentlemen, today is the day. It’s what baseball in this city
lives for: it’s that moment; a new season with new hope. It’s the hustle
and heart that the Toronto Blue Jays bring to a national stage. They’re
not only the team of Toronto but the team of the entire country. Home
Opener isn’t about one day though, it’s about the process which it takes
to arrive at that day. For months and weeks leading up to tonight’s
first pitch, the Toronto Blue Jays staff work off the field to make sure
everything it set to start the season off in the best way possible.

In
order for you to be begin to comprehend the daunting task of creating a
Home Opener, I’ll be taking photos throughout rehearsal and during the day. I’ll be updating as
frequently as possible with photos as they happen, so stay tuned. [EDITORS NOTE: Click on photos to enlarge]

EDIT 1: Rehearsal: April 11th, 2010 6:00pm

View from Rogers Centre Pressbox
Tom Farrell’s Grounds Crew making last minute changes to the mound
Imagine looking up at 50,000 Fans from Centre Field? Vernon Wells will tonight.

JForce rehearsing their entrance with the St. Michael’s Drum Line

JForce needed a substitute member, so guess who filled in?

View from the 500 Level, otherwise known as Party Central

Even after a long day, I’m just so happy to be there.

9:56pm – 24 hours from now, it won’t be nearly as calm…

Edit 2: Morning of the Home Opener: April 12th, 2010 11:10am

It’s a beautiful day for baseball in Toronto

Edit 3: Home Opener Midday Photo Op: April 12th, 2010 12:20pm

Can you tell we’re excited around here? These aren’t vegan, for the record.
Marking the most exciting week in baseball in Toronto behind the plate

Fresh paint for a fresh season; lines and bases go on the field

Jays training staff take a test run around the bases

Taking things in before the madness begins

Visitors Dugout

Last minute maintenance and a view from behind home plate

The home of Lyle Overbay: 1st base

EDIT 4: Home Opener Batting Practice: April 12th, 2010 3:50pm

The White Sox are in the building
Batting Practice set up on the field
Baseball Media starting to arrive in the press box

Blue Jays Intern Army suited up for Home Opener

…and again, looking like like a Happy [Jays] Family

EDIT 5: Post Home-Opener and Final Update: April 12th, 2010 10:55pm

Blue Jays testing out the new turf before BP
Chatting with Mr. Jamie Campbell in the Jays Dugout

Fans taking in Jays Batting Practice

Thirteen Olympians made their way to the field for media
Line-ups beginning outside at 5:30 for hot dogs

Fans getting into the spirit of the pre-game festivities

Alex Bilodeau and his Olympic Gold Medal with Jamie Campbell

Alex Bilodeau posing for photos with young fans.

Alex Bilodeau, right before we tossed a ball around

Centre Field: 6:35pm

Recognizing thirteen Olympic Medalists – the fans were on their feet

Daughter of Olympian Lyndon Rush, singing the Canadian Anthem from the Sox dugout

Teams line up for the ceremonial first pitch

ACE of course, loves gold.

5th Inning

Caught the 8th and 9th in the stands. There’s nothing like a full house

And so, 13 Olympians, T-Shirts, Interviews, and 11 Innings later: Happy Home Opener.