2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame – Induction Day

Charles Haley at the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH on August 8. Mark Palczewski Photo.

Saturday and induction day arrived. After the rush of Thursday & Friday I was looking forward to taking my time Saturday morning. I did not have to be at the HOF until later that afternoon so I wanted to relax and get a good breakfast. The induction is always a major highlight for the weekend and the reason I am working for PFRA (Pro Football Researchers Association).

I had to be at the Hall of Fame around 1:00PM. I bought an autograph ticket for Bill Polian and Andre Reed. As many know, I am also a collector and my main focus is Buffalo sports. I wanted to get Bill Polian on a Goal Line Art Card. I figured he is someone who will not normally attend card shows and I thought this would be my best chance to get his autograph. I had been with Mr. Polian numerous times throughout the week but when “working” as media…you do not ask for autographs. So I purchased a ticket like anyone else who wanted his autograph. I also needed Andre Reed on a Goal Line Art Card so I did get his autograph as well.

Hours before the induction, I walked around the grounds with a camera and mingled with fans and ran into a few friends. I always enjoy seeing all the fans rooting for various teams. Since the weekend is a celebration,  the competitive edge is off the fans and everyone is friendly with one another. I love seeing the respect and camaraderie among everyone. I saw Pittsburgh fans congratulate Charger fans for Jr. Seau and vice versa. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved sports jerseys. I loved seeing the different jerseys and especially the unique ones. I saw a Packers blue & gold throwback with “Hudson” on the back. I thought that was awesome. After walking the grounds it was time to get back to the Media Center.

I was only shooting photos for PFRA at the induction. PennLive, whom I created a photo gallery from the prior two days, did not need any photos the rest of the weekend. This meant I did not have a deadline! Downloading, editing, creating captions, uploading, etc. is certainly more work for me than taking the photos themselves. Speed is of the essence when working for the media on a tight deadline. Since the Coffin Corner is bi-monthly, I could relax and just take photos.

I cleaned my two cameras and looked over some notes in the Media Center. I decided to use my 24-70mm lens for the posed photos of the inductee with their bust and take my 300mm lens with a 1.7 extender to get shots while they were speaking. This works really well for me. I also learned from the prior two years to bring a little folding step to stand on to take the posed photos. This allows me to get higher but more importantly, I can use it to save my spot!

Roger Craig former 49ers RB. 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH on August 8. Mark Palczewski Photo.

I love walking around the right before the induction. I always look for former players, coaches, etc. who are in attendance and naturally I’ll take their photo. I especially like to see obscure players who no one else recognizes. First up, I spotted Reggie McKenzie from the Buffalo Bills famed “Electric Company”. I saw his big Reggie grin and he was wearing a Detroit Tigers baseball cap. The cap gave it away for me, I know he is from Detroit. I went up to Reggie and said hello and took his photo. A few minutes later I saw ex-Chargers coach Bobby Ross. He was sitting behind the Seau family. On the other side of the field, I noticed Roger Craig from the 49ers. I spoke to him for a minute and told him I hope his day in the hall comes. Shortly after Jerry Rice spotted Roger Craig and they exchanged waves. The ceremony was getting near and I went up to the front of the stage so I could get some photos of the returning HOFers. While there,  I turned to the audience and saw Tony Dungy & Peyton Manning take their seats. Needless to say, all eyes looked towards Peyton. After getting some shots of the returning HOFers, I turned my attention to the new inductees. My spot was almost directly in front of Ron Wolf. After getting photos after they walked up to the stage, it was time to settle in to the routine.

Andre Reed, Jerry Rice, and Aeneas Williams relax before the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH on August 8. Mark Palczewski Photo.

Ron Wolf was first up and I was ready to take some photos. My basic routine, take a few photos from the sideline, walk to the back and get a few more photos straight ahead, walk back to the front and listen to more of the speech. Near the end of the speech, I will walk into the designated area for photographers for the formal bust photos. This area is on the left-hand side of the stage along the back side. There is a HOF background, stage, and lights. After three years, I have learned the routine well. When Buffalo Bills have gone into the hall, they will organize a group shot of the teams HOFers. The Bills did this once again but to my enjoyment, a photo of Vikings and the Bill Polian era Colts also posed. Peyton Manning and Jim Kelly crossed paths and we got them to also pose together. Most of the photographers work very well together in this area and the HOF does a great job organizing the players as well.

During Junior Seau’s presentation, I noticed a big man taking photos. It was Takeo Spikes. I struck a conversation with him. Being a Bills fan, I was a great admirer of his LB skills and since my daughter now goes to his alma mater…Auburn,  we had several things in common. He told me his is taking up photography and that he is working on a great LBs project.  He mentioned to me that he was tight with Junior Seau and we settled in to listen to Junior’s daughter.

The hall of fame inductions never grow old for me. I am a student of pro football history as well as a sports photographer and this is a perfect marriage for me. Next year, I look forward to seeing Brett Favre and hopefully Johnny Robinson. Johnny Robinson, I feel, has been overlooked far too long.

Taking photos of HOFers on the far right at the 2015 Hall of Fame Inductions in Canton, OH on August 8.

After a long day, it was back to the hotel to download photos, post a few to social media and then to bed. I can’t wait until game time Sunday night. Yes its only preseason…but working as a photographer at any kind of NFL game is a treat for me.

Pro Football Hall of Fame – Media Day

Members of the Buffalo Bills who are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame pose for a special group photo at the Hall of Fame in Canton, OH on August 7, 2015. Left to Right, first row: Joe Delamielleure, Billy Shaw, Bill Polian, Marv Levy. Second Row, James Lofton, Bruce Smith, Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed. Mark Palczewski photo.

Friday was another beautiful day in Canton…low 80s and low humidity.  Usually this time of year, it is extremely hot and humid.

First up, was the group photo of the returning hall of famers in front of the hall itself. This year, the process moved pretty quickly. I always try to get some candid photos of the hall of famers as they are walking to their area and greeting each other. Many times I get some unique photos of them hugging or sharing a laugh and this year was no different. I shot several photos of the group and then moved in to the hall of famers. I wanted to see if I could get a special group shot of the Buffalo Bills players like I did a couple of years ago. Unbeknownst to me, this was planned and myself and a couple others photogs got this unique photo. As many know, I am from Buffalo, NY and I still have my season tickets.

After the group shot, I received an email from PennLive asking if I could create a small photo gallery from my first two days. I do a lot of work for PennLive and they cover the Steelers. So a little of my focus changed in the fact I had to ensure I had some extra photos of Jerome Bettis. I literally take 1000s of photos when I’m here so its not a problem sharing a few with PennLive, I’ll have plenty for the Pro Football Researchers Association which is my main focus.

I decided to tour the hall and snap a few photos of the artifact area for the new inductees. While walking around the hall I ran into a couple of members of the PFRA (Pro Football Researchers Association), Tony Dick of the Cleveland Browns and Denis Crawford. They were volunteers for the week and it was good to run into some familiar faces.

PFRA members Tony Dick (left) and Denis Crawford (right) volunteering at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mark Palczewski Photo.

Next up was the ground breaking for the major hall of fame expansion which will start soon after this weekend. Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints donated $11 million dollars to the project and he was on-hand for the groundbreaking. Some other dignitaries included Commissioner Roger Goodell as well as Bernie Kosar. I wasn’t sure why Bernie was there but he was in the audience I made sure to get a photo of him for my many Cleveland friends.

The main part of my day was the media session with the new inductees. My first point of business is to ensure I get photos of all of them. Then once my work is done, it starts to thin out and I can settle in and listen to some of the interviews. Many are very interesting and I loved James Lofton’s interview with Bill Polian. Ron Wolf also had some interesting tidbits on building teams and finding low round draft picks. When Ron Wolf was done, I asked him if it was true that he was from the York ,PA area. He said yes, New Freedom, PA.  He said he never gets back there.

Jerome Bettis interview. Mark Palczewski photo.

My day wasn’t done, I had to edit and upload about 20 photos to PennLive and I also like to post some photos to social media. Once that was complete, it was time to grab some dinner and a beer. I’m looking forward to induction day, always a highlight for me.

 

Patriots owner Robert Craft and HOFer Aeneas Williams. Mark Palczewski photo.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Day 1 – Gold Jacket Ceremony

Tim Brown reacts to putting on his brand new HOF Gold Jacket for the first time at the Canton Civic Center on Thursday night in Canton, OH. Mark Palczewski photo.

Thursday in Canton is the Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket Ceremony. This is where the new inductees receive this “iconic” gold jacket. My day started with a 5 1/2 hour drive from Lancaster, PA to Canton, OH. While on the drive I remembered that I forgot to pack my monopod. I use this to help me hold and balance my camera when I am using my 300mm lens. Fortunately I was able to stop at a camera store in Canton and buy one. I stopped by the hall and picked up my week long credentials and rushed to my hotel to get ready for the event.

Upon arriving at the Canton Civic Center, I located the media center and our assigned seats. With the layout for the event and where the photographers were assigned, we really had to work to get good shots. The problem is, when the Hall of Famers walk onstage, many will not turn for photographers…they are not sure what to do. Add the camera that the NFL Network has onstage and our work is really cutout for us.

I always like when athletes show emotion and some of them didn’t disappoint. Tim Brown and Charles Haley showed genuine excitement.  Jerome Bettis could also be on that list. Ron Wolf and Mick Tinglehoff and appeared to want to get their jacket and get right off the stage. Tinglehoff looked a little lost with all the bright lights on him and I think he was happiest when he got off the stage.  I was excited to see Bill Polian. As a life-long Bills fan and ex-Buffaloian it was exciting to see Marv Levy help him put his jacket on.

After the ceremony I went back to the hotel to checkout my photos. Then tweeted and Instagramed a couple of shots. Friday I will be at the group photo of all the HOFers in town and then attend the media conference. Friday night I hope to grab a good meal and visit some friends from the media that I have me through the years working at the event.

All new 2015 HOFers onstage after receiving their gold jackets at the Canton Civic Center on Thursday night in Canton, OH. Mark Palczewski Photo.

2015 U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship

During the week of July 6 -12 I worked several days for PennLive at the U.S. Women’s Open at the Lancaster Country Club.  When I learned I would be shooting for PennLive at the event I was very excited. I have lived in Lancaster for over 25 years and this is the biggest sporting event during that time here. On Monday July 6th I was still vacationing at Bethany Beach, DE with my family when I received a text message from PennLive asking if I could shoot at the Open.  Such is the life of a freelancer or what’s called a “stringer” in newspaper terms. While I had my credentials for the event, PennLive did not give any schedule up until that point.  I drove up from the beach in three hours and got to the course around 3PM.  My assignment was to get whatever I could, players, fans, the course, etc.

The first day was relaxed at Lancaster Country Club.  Players mingled more freely with fans, signed autographs, and some even bantered back and forth with fans. The weather was extremely hot and humid! I don’t sweat that much but I was soaked after carrying around all of my equipment. Many of the big name golfers were already off the course by the time I arrived but I did manage to catch fan favorite Paula Creamer.  After I got a few shots of her on the green, I walked down the course and caught up with Brittany Lincicome and Anna Nordqvist. My first day was a whirlwind, getting a last minute text and driving 3 hours and then working another 3 hours taking photos in the extreme heat and humidity.

You can see my photo gallery on PennLive here:  http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/07/all_systems_go_on_first_day_of.html#incart_river

Michelle Wie hits her drive on the first hole in first round of the 2015 U. S. Open Thursday at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster on July 9, 2015

My next scheduled day was Thursday, the 1st round of the Open. I was given another credential, an “inside the rope” credential. This allowed me to go on the inside of the ropes, an area about an arms length from the rope that separates the playing area from the fans. My assignment was to photograph the morning session and to try to anticipate who may be the leaders after the first round. It was raining when I first got there. This got the course wet and my feet got soaked. I was never able to get them dry until I got home at around 6PM later that day. I did get some good photos on Michelle Wie who had an early tee off. She was my main focus in the early part of the day. I followed her for a couple of holes and then I picked up Lydia Ko. Most of my day was spent checking the leaderboard to see who was having a good day so I could snap a few photos of that player. One of the players I chose to follow was In Gee Chun. Little did I know that a few days later she would win the championship.  By far the most interesting instance for me was almost getting hit by a golf ball!  I was standing against the grandstands on the 18th and someone was hitting on the fairway…I forget who. Anyway, I lost the ball inflight and the next thing I know, I hear a thud about 1 to 2′ in front of me! After shooting photos for about 5 hours, I went to the media center to download, edit, and then upload my photos to PennLive. One little wrinkle, PennLive wanted me to edit and upload on-site.  On Wednesday night, I went and purchased my first Mac.  Needless to say, I had a learning curve on Thursday but I did manage to get my photos uploaded.

You can see some of my photos in the PennLive gallery from the first round here: http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/07/2015_us_womens_open_complete_l.html#incart_river

Birdie Kim hits out of a sand trap in the first round of the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open Thursday at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster on July 9, 2015

I had two days off and then a very busy Sunday was at hand. In the early morning at 7AM I had an assignment from USA Field Hockey to shoot some U16 games for the National Club Championship. I worked about 3 hours and then came home, edited and uploaded photos.  A quick change of clothes…it was another hot & humid day…and I was off to the U.S. Open final round.

My assignment from PennLive was a little different. I could shoot whatever I wanted early on but I had to perch myself in the grandstand on the 18th to get some photos of the finish and celebration from higher up for a different perspective. So I walked a bit and took some photos before I set out for the grandstands. I figured I better get there early so I could find a seat. Lo and behold, I ran across some friends sitting there so I sat with them for awhile. When the last several groups were headed to 18, I moved to the grandstand railing on the corner to get some photos. I was able to get some great shots of the leaders and the winner In Gee Chun. After getting some photos, I walked on the green and got my favorite photo of the day, In Gee Shun kissing the trophy. I followed her around a bit and got more photos of her celebrating and mingling with the fans.  The media center was packed so I went home to edit and upload photos.

You can see some of my photos on PennLive’s gallery here: http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/07/in_gee_chun_vaults_onto_nation.html#incart_river

In Gee Chun smiles for the cameras after winning the U.S. Women’s Open Championship Final Round at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster on July 12, 2015. Mark Palczewski, Special to PennLive.

The week was a great experience. This was my first big time golf tournament that I worked. I have shot celebrity tournaments and the District 3 tournament but this was levels about that. I gained experience, enjoyed myself immensely, met many great volunteers, and was a part of history for Lancaster. The course was beautiful and the Lancaster fans were great. I’m sure another major tournament will be headed our way.

2015 U.S. Women’s Open winner In Gee Chun. Mark Palczewski photo.

Ron Jaworski Celebrity Golf Challenge

Warren Sapp watches his putt in the $25,000 putting contest at the 2015 Ron Jaworski Celebrity Golf Challenge at the Blue Heron Golf Club in Egg Harbor City, NJ on June 15.  Photo by Mark Palczewski.

On June 14 & 15 I worked the Ron Jaworski Celebrity Golf Challenge.  I have been friends with Ron and his family since we all lived in Lackawanna, NY (a Buffalo suburb).  The last several years I have donated my photographic services at the event which is for his charity.  My first assignment was the pairings party on Sunday evening. Several sports celebs were in attendance such as Ron Jaworski, Warren Sapp, Terry Hanratty, Donte Hall, Ickey Woods, etc. This was held at Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.  The party itself was by the indoor pool. I basically walked around and took photos of guests, celebrities, contests, a live auction, and the setting itself. While I was very busy and hot, I was able to interact with some of my family who were in attendance. Afterwards, there was a cigar party on the roof.  I grabbed a cigar and walked around with my camera snapping photos of people having a cigar and a beer or scotch.  The cigars were provided by Rocky Patel and I took several photos of him with guests enjoying a cigar.

The golfing event was held on Monday at one of Ron’s golf courses, Blue Heron Pines in Egg Harbor City, NJ. The day was extremely hot and humid and it was very hard lugging my two cameras and equipment.  When Warren Sapp was inducted into the Pro Football HOF in 2013, I took a photo of him, Barry Sanders, and Joe Greene. The funny part was, he was giving Barry Sanders bunny ears. I donated several other photos of Warren from his induction to be signed and used at other Jaworski charity events. But I had a couple of copies of the bunny ear photo. Sapp loved the photo, and I gave him a copy and he signed one for me. Another highlight, was the putting challenge for $25K. Jaws, Donovan McNabb, and Warren Sapp each got one putt and if they put the shot in…they win $25K.  Sapp came the closest and just missed. I was able to capture some great images of Sapp as he watched his ball just miss. Another photo I was able to snap, a photo of former Eagle QBs Jaworski, McNabb, and Mike Vick. A very good day especially working for a good cause. I can’t think of anyone who has more fun at their job!

Warren Sapp signed this photo for me that I took at the Pro Football HOF of him giving Barry Sanders bunny ears. I also gave him a copy.

Click here for my photo gallery from the event. http://www.mark22.com/Events/2015-Ron-Jaworski-Celebrity