Team Photo

Having just got done re-reading Darryl Brock's 'If I Never Get Back', featuring the Cincinnati Red Stockings, I was immediately drawn to the picture. Great feel of age about it, and a sense of how it might have been. One complaint however; how about some information about the 'ballists' you photographed.

George

The Ballists in the photo are "The Rochester Grangers B.B.C." from Rochester Hills, Mi. They were one of ten vintage baseball teams that played in "The Akron Cup". Hosted by," The Akron Black Stockings B.B.C." They play by the old rules of the game and I must say they take sportsmanship and etiquette to a whole other level. For instance; The "striker" ( proper term) hits a double. The second baseman and shortstop go over and shake his hand and congratulate him on a good play. I was impressed. Its refreshing to see how the game was before money was introduced into the mix. It brings to mind how Bobby Jones and others felt about golf before the PGA was formed.

It is hard to believe that this photograph was taken in the 21st. century . It works great. I was not aware of vintage baseball. How did you get to photograph the team? Also, I really admire your location collodion skills!

First of all this is a beautiful group portrait, pose and collodion technique is terrific.
But the pose, the uniforms, the straps and caps, the gothic letters, all of that flashes me as some pictures from the 30's in germany. And I feel akward looking at this picture.
Just saw August Sanders exhibit at the Getty and it relates a lot. Very strong picture because you get a strong reaction. That what is important. Don't take it wrong. You just touched my intimate memory.
Guillaume

Absolutely beautifully done. Excuse my ignorance, but why is it reversed?

Thanks everyone, Kevin, a tintype and ambrotype are direct positives.

Thanks for the explanation, Robert. This is a really beautiful series of photos.