Another Look at MVPs: Most Valuable... Punctums
Figuring Out What Makes a Sports Photograph Stand Out
Intro
A while back I shared an article on “punctums” in sports photographs. Take a look at that article for a more in-depth definition and explanation of the term but long story short, punctums are the intangible things in a photograph that make it stand out to the viewer. I’m constantly looking for the intangibles in photos, looking for those small details that are the reason why the image appeals to me. I had so much fun with the first post, I thought it would be fun to go through some more photos from my archives and discern my punctum for each one.
Willie Mays & Fan at Spring Training
The fans on the left, soaking in the sun and cigarette smoke. Peak 1950s. ❤️
Cool Papa Bell Sliding Into Third
The glove sitting in the grass. Vintage baseball tradition. ❤️
Sam Crawford Tending His Bats, 1910
The photos on the wall. This is a man just waiting to play baseball again. ❤️
Cold Minnesota Vikings
I’m pretty sure that’s blood on the pants of #73. 😳
Mark Fidrych & Big Bird
That lone feather on the ground. Not sure which bird it came from. 🤔
Mike Schmidt, 1976
No, not Mike’s perm. That glorious ‘76 Liberty Bell logo patch. ❤️
Lou Brock, Julian Javier & Bob Gibson, 1967 World Series
Smile, smile,….. Even celebrating a championship, Bob looks like he’d kick your ass. 😳
Babe & Joe Talk Bats
Who’s the lone guy in the bleachers? Dan Wallach of My Baseball History believes it’s racketeer, and 1919 World Series fixer, Arnold Rothstein. 🤔
Talkin’ Baseball
This last one is a bit of a reverse punctum. What stands out to me isn’t something that’s in it, but rather something that’s missing. To create the cover art for Terry Cashman’s “Willie, Mickey & the Duke” the record label airbrushed “The Yankee Clipper Joe DiMaggio” out of an Old Timer’s Day photo. 🔍
Closing
I hope you’ve enjoyed this piece and I hope it’s inspired you to take another look at your favorite sports (or even non-sport) photos and try and determine for yourself what intangibles are drawing you in. I’ve found it to be an entertaining and informative way to spend a little time looking at cool pictures. If you find any punctums that really speak to you, leave a comment below, send me a message in the Substack app or tag me on social media. And, as always, thanks for reading!
