I developed a passion for photography dating back as long as I can remember. My early work consisted of taking photos of steam locomotives and other trains speeding through my hometown. But by the mid 1970’s my interest in photography turned to baseball, particularly White Sox baseball. I spent many nights at old Comiskey Park working with my Nikon F-1 and 300mm f4 lens from the seats, trying to emulate the photographers who I grew up admiring through publications like Sports Illustrated and Sport Magazine. I wanted to be able to create images that were on that level, that people would remember forever.
Then, in 1985, I decided to turn my hobby into my profession… and have never looked back. As luck would have it, while returning home from spring training I struck up a conversation while waiting for my luggage at O’Hare airport with a gentleman who turned out to be the Chicago White Sox Director of Public Relations. He expressed an interest in reviewing my work and the rest, they say, is history. That relationship continued for 37 years until I retired as Team Photographer prior to the 2022 season. Some say luck and chance don’t have much to do with the path we take. I obviously think otherwise.
Looking back over my career, I’ve had the opportunity to cover some of the greatest moments in sports history. Of course, my number one moment was covering the Chicago White Sox as they won the 2005 World Series. Growing up a White Sox fan, I can’t even begin to explain the feeling I had and still have from being a part of the team that wonderful season. When I think of myself as the team’s visual historian I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that my photographs evoke emotion and fond memories from that magical year then, now and forever.
Covering Mark Buehrle’s perfect game was an incredible moment. I still get chills thinking about that game.
How about capturing Joe Carter’s walk-off 1993 World Series winning home run (and capturing Mitch Williams walking off the mound as Carter celebrates)? One of the greatest moments in World Series history.
Then, in no particular order: Kirby Puckett’s walk-off Game 6 winner in the 1991 World Series, the 2001 World Series between the Diamondbacks and Yankees, Jim Thome’s walk-off 500th home run (something that had never been done before or since), Scott Podsednik’s 2005 Game 2 walk-off home run, and even covering Mark McGwire’s 62nd home run in St. Louis (which at the time was considered one of baseball’s top moments). Hopefully, the list will continue to grow.
Now for the nuts and bolts about me and my photography business…
Having specialized in the field of action sports photography for over 38 years and based out of Chicago, I am well versed in providing my clients with the cutting edge feature, stock and assignment sports photography they expect from an experienced professional photographer. While I am currently “semi-retired”, Ron Vesely Photography is currently accepting editorial, advertising and portrait sports photography related assignments of mutual benefit. Major clients include the Chicago White Sox, MLB Photos and Sports Illustrated. Publication credits include Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Time, Life, The Sporting News, Inside Sports, Sport Magazine, TV Guide and American Iron among many. In addition, I have been fortunate enough to have covered 25 World Series and 11 Super Bowls. Please contact me regarding editorial licensing of images from my archives, which features 38 years of sports coverage, primarily from Major League Baseball and the NFL.
