Legends in Focus

Abstract

Legends in Focus Jean Fruth (bio) I've spent much of my photography career documenting the game and its connection to culture around the globe, from grassroots to the major leagues, with all stops in between. Growing up in New York City with two great hometown teams, how could I not connect with the sport? My grandfather was a diehard Mets fan who listened to games on the radio, so I became a Mets fan. As a young teenager, I worked at an Italian family restaurant whose owner, Tony, had Mets season tickets. He would take his sons, Sal and Michael, to Shea Stadium. Sometimes this Irish kid who worked for him would get to tag along and sit in the fourth seat. Fast forward to northern California, where I was the second female coach in our town's Little League program. It was there where I developed a deeper feeling for the game. I was coaching my son's team, while also documenting and learning more about baseball. I started to understand some of the life lessons that baseball teaches—the patience, the teamwork, the acceptance of failure—all traits that were of interest to me. Seeing the joy baseball brought to kids and parents, and how it connects generations—fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, mothers and sons—was eye-opening. I began to think of baseball as an art form. I fell in love with the grassroots game. Today there are many talented female photographers and more women working in and around baseball than ever before. Women writers, broadcasters, and social media content providers are bringing the ballpark experience to fans around the globe. Others have a direct relationship to the game as executives, trainers, and members of grounds crews. As I write this, another door has opened, with Kim Ng becoming the first female general manager in history in her role with the Miami Marlins. Baseball is slowly becoming more inclusive of women. As it does, it gets stronger and grows. As Hall of Fame executive Pat Gillick once said, "Building a baseball team is like building a house. You look for the best architects, the best builders, and then you let them do their jobs."1 With a more inclusive and holistic approach, baseball is learning that women have long had a lot to offer. [End Page 78] Along my journey, there have been many caring individuals who have helped me develop a deeper appreciation and stronger understanding of baseball and its place in global culture. Because of the impact they have had on my career, I have pledged, in turn, to help other women in baseball. Whether it's encouraging young photographers with minor and major league teams, or assisting shooters in other industries, I am committed to mentoring to help grow the next generation of women photographers. Among the mentors and role models who inspire me are six women who stand tall: Vera Clemente, Suzyn Waldman, Claire Smith, Jane Forbes Clark, Janet Marie Smith, and Alyssa Nakken. They are each pioneers and share the common traits of perseverance, excellence, and a strong constitution. The enlightening examples they have set have changed how I think, influenced how I shoot, and developed the ways in which I tell stories. I'll always be thankful that my life intersected with these six pillars of baseball. vera clemente Roberto Clemente's humanitarianism has helped make the world a better place. After his tragic death in 1972, the task of carrying on his enduring philanthropic legacy fell on the shoulders of the love of his life, Vera. She dedicated herself to keeping his memory and mission alive with grace, dignity, and strength. "The Great One" had a cannon for an arm and amassed three thousand hits, four batting titles, and twelve Gold Gloves during eighteen years in a Pirates uniform. He was rewarded for his career excellence by becoming, in 1973, the first Latino elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame after the mandatory five-year waiting period was waived. He was a superstar, but it was his humility that became a beacon for Puerto Rican players, including the ones who followed in his footsteps to Cooperstown: Roberto...