Reflecting on the Past More Literally

A reflection of baseball legend Ted Toles, Jr.

I’ve just noticed that quite a few of my photos involve reflections of some sort or another.  The last post involved an older gentleman, perhaps reflecting on his past.  This photo shows a young vintage baseball player listening to legendary Negro League baseball player Ted Toles, Jr. who was addressing the modern day Cleveland Blues Base Ball Club prior to a game at historic League Park in Cleveland.  Ted Toles, Jr. played for the Negro League Cleveland Buckeyes prior to Jackie Robinson’s breaking into the major leagues.  Mr. Toles is reflected in the young player’s sunglasses as he listens, spellbound, to Toles’ address.

I’ve looked for and taken a number of sunglass reflection photos over the years.  I look for them.  I think it started with my experience as Sports Editor of my high school yearbook, and my choosing a photo for the yearbook of the football team reflected in the coach’s sunglasses as he yelled at them.  I thought it was one of the coolest photos I’d ever seen and I still think it’s a great concept, though not uncommon today.

Back to the vintage baseball game for a moment.  I’ve captured a number of these games at League Park, a place of tremendous baseball history, as well as down at the Mansfield Reformatory.  It’s a fun game to watch, steeped in history, with different rules than we are accustomed to and with great access for photographers.  There are many teams in the area with full summer schedules.  I’d encourage you to seek out a vintage game, take your camera, a picnic basket, and go and enjoy.