Beyond balls and strikes

Most times, the action on the diamond commands our attention during a baseball game -- diving catches, double plays and one-hoppers off the left field wall.

But, have you taken the time to really look around at a game? There's more to one than hits, runs and errors. There's art and irony. Color and detail. Nuances beyond the mundane that a casual fan might overlook.

For the past few weeks -- using only a FujiFilm Finepix S1000 point-and-shoot digital camera, not some tricked-out, top-shelf model favored by professional photojournalists -- I've tried to capture some of these moments and scenes at three Florida State League parks in the Tampa Bay area.

It's these slices of life, captured in quick glances, that only add to the texture of America's pastime:

Yes, it does look like a few members of the Sarasota Reds might be taking part in some martial arts before a game against the Dunedin Blue Jays at Dunedin Stadium. Instead, it's just Sarasota's Jake Long, from left, Denis Phipps and Neftali Soto participating in pregame stretching.

The bargain of the summer: A replica Team Canada hat from this year's World Baseball Classic for just $10 from Diamond Outfitters at Bright House Field in Clearwater.

Even before the sun sets, tower lights come on at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Watering down the infield is part of pregame preparations at Bright House Field in Clearwater.

A foul ball sits high atop screening at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

With his feet atop the Threshers' dugout, Colin kicks back at Bright House Field in Clearwater.

Lines, shapes and surfaces blend at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Work on an infield practice field doesn't stop a game between the Sarasota Reds and Dunedin Blue Jays at Dunedin Stadium.

The infield gets a between-innings grooming at Dunedin Stadium.