Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

We are gradually getting our All-Star week photos edited and ready to go. So, we figured as we get done with each take, we’ll share our photos and talk about the individual events. First up is the Futures Game, and we covered it extensively, as you’ll be able to see in this post. This was one of my favorite events to shoot during the weekend. The environment was a little more laid back and it was great seeing some of the game’s top prospects.

Hours before the game even began, we covered as much of what was going on as possible. We we’re lucky to have access to pretty much everything, a privilege that was not bestowed upon very many photographers. With that in mind, Jon was able to get some really nice images from inside the clubhouse.

Photo by Jon Willey

Photo by Jon Willey

During batting practice, the players mingled with each other and signed autographs for fans. Every one of them was happy to have the chance to participate in the game and it showed. I have never seen so many smiling and laughing ballplayers. And, with the access that we had, it was really easy to capture some great candid images.

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

And it wasn’t just prospects at the game, there we’re plenty of baseball legends around.

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

During the Team USA batting practice, the D-backs’ Paul Goldschmidt was grouped with Bryce Harper and ASU alum Jason Kipnis. I don’t know if it was a coincidence or if they planned it that way, but it was an amazing chance to see these three top prospects together. I made it a point to cover these guys as much as possible, and when it was their turn to hit in the cage, I was right there with them. And now, only a couple weeks later, both Goldschmidt and Kipnis are contributing for their Big League club.

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

The Futures Game provides a great opportunity for fans to get to know the All-Stars of tomorrow, and every year the game’s participants make it a priority to sign autographs for as many fans as they can.

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jon Willey

Once the game started, we covered it pretty much like it was a normal game. Here are some images from the game:

Photo by Jon Willey

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jordan Megenhardt

Photo by Jon Willey

Photo by Jon Willey