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Griffey knocks his ESPN Images assignment out of the park

Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 inductee Ken Griffey Jr. has traded his Louisville Slugger for a still camera.

On Jan. 6,  Ken Griffey Jr. - seen here playing with the  Cincinnati Reds in 2000 -  was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame  with the highest voting percentage ever. (Scott Clarke/ESPN Images)
The photographer for this circa 2000 shot of Griffey playing for the Reds – none other than his mentor for the St. Petersburg race, Scott Clarke.
(Scott Clarke/ESPN Images)

Sunday in St. Petersburg, Fla., the former Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds star joined Scott Clarke of ESPN Images to photograph the Verizon IndyCar Series Firestone Grand Prix. Juan Pablo Montoya defended his crown in the season-opening race, which aired on ABC.

“The Kid” tells Front Row why he cherishes working with Clarke, who has shot for ESPN for 25 years. He also discusses his favorite photography subjects and the sporting event he would most like to shoot.

What advice has Clarke given you about photographing sports?
As in baseball, you don’t know everything. There are so many different ways to shoot things. [He told me to] Keep shooting and read up on things and don’t be afraid of asking questions.

The one thing about Scott is, he tells the truth. If you had a good day or had a bad day shooting, he’s gonna tell you, and for me that works. I want to be around the best and learn from the best.

What has been your favorite event to cover?
Being able to shoot my kids’ games is my favorite. The looks on their faces are priceless. People have to remember that there are no shoe, glove, or eyewear deals, it’s just the love of the game for them.

What is on your bucket list to photograph?
The one thing that I would want to do is the Olympics’ track and field.

What type of equipment were you using to photograph the IndyCar race?
I shot this weekend with a Nikon D3s, D4s Lenses 400mm, 70-200mm, 85mm, 24-70mm.

Had a great time in St Petersburg shooting the Indy car race. @scotteeclarke how you like dem Apples!!!!! #indycar

A photo posted by Ken Griffey Jr (@therealkengriffeyjr) on

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