Visceral Response

A Splash of History

This photo has history and meaning in the baseball world. Clayton Kershaw, arguably the best pitcher in baseball in the current era, just completed a no-hitter and nearly perfect game this 2014 season. 


The contrast in this picture is packed full of meaning aside from the physical aspect. The defined hierarchy in this picture shows Kershaw being splashed by Gatorade and ice. To the non-sports fan, they may think of this as a prank or a joke to pick on someone. Completely the opposite, in this moment Kershaw is the king. A Gatorade splash in sports is one of the highest forms of celebration there is. It's an element of sport that everyone hope to achieve such high success that someone with splash them with Gatorade. 

Physically, the color of the Gatorade's is almost perfectly split in half as it pours over Kershaw's head. It is near symmetry but the way it appears balances the picture very well. We can tell from the size of the spray of ice and Gatorade that the impact of the splash was fast and had a strong impact, invoking the idea that Kershaw didn't see it coming. I can look at this picture and feel the texture of the ice crunching in my mouth, how it feels sliding in my hands, and the purest form of cold of it like when I ice my arm after a game. There is texture in the background on the baseball field; I can feel myself laying on the grass, and sliding in the dirt. The stadium light behind Kershaw's head in this picture is symbolic. In this moment he is the king with the Gatorade splash, but also ironically the light it directly shining above his head. The spotlight couldn't be more focused on Clayton Kershaw in this moment.

I have a very personal connection to this photograph. Most would feel uncomfortable and "cold" in this situation. I would feel honored and proud. I am a pitcher myself. I know the pressing baseball situations there are in games, and I can only imagine what it's like on the stage he is on. I feel for him in this photo. It is an outstanding feat to retire 27 hitters without allowing a single one a base hit. I feel empowered and motivated in this picture that someday I'd want to find a way to get myself in a picture like this. I feel the beauty inside from what Kershaw has entertained the world with on the biggest baseball stage in existence.