\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**3\\. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. - Blue Jays**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/v1615326796/mlb/ifbin6a2dowx0twqx039","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Gurriel's anti-gravitational hair was already cool enough. Add in the shock of blue dye and this could be a shampoo advertisement. (Maybe it _should_ be a shampoo advertisement.)\n\n**4\\. Mookie Betts - Dodgers**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/yvi8vnxwhkq0wb5awdbx","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Gotta love one of the game's biggest superstars -- and a two-time World Series champ -- going with the classic Little League pose.\n\n**5\\. Bo Bichette - Blue Jays**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/n1xk3g5ii95pc8ako2yx","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Just look at this photo. Bichette knows what he's doing -- the smirk, the brilliantly white earrings, the come-hither eyes. Bichette just took a thirst trap Spring Training photo. That might be a first in big league history.\n\n**6-8. Jazz Chisholm, Monte Harrison, Starling Marte - Marlins**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/jkjrhvfyk2wkhyzdmjbn","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Yoán Moncada might have just dropped a hot new single, but based on this photo, Chisholm might have one on the way, too.\n\nIn fact, the entire Marlins photoshoot looked like a great time. Harrison reminded kids to brush their teeth:","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/v1615386926/mlb/kovs1j4cyziucaa2huap","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"And Marte is ready for the _next_ reboot of \"Tron.\"","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/jossc6850njznhaph4at","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**9\\. Shane Bieber - Cleveland**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/qmbhodwlxmi2evpn14cb","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"After winning the American League Cy Young Award last year, there is only one option: Do Michael Jordan's \"Wings.\"","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
From a guy in Wisconsin on Facebook Marketplace! Now at my house! 72”x23”....MICHAEL JORDAN ORIGINAL WINGS POSTER!!!!
This poster is something I’ve wanted as long as I can remember and I didn’t want to pay too much or settle on a remake. pic.twitter.com/C2I3qaxJtE
\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**10\\. Liam Hendriks - White Sox**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/pfzlylmvxnbomh1raq86","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"I like to think that Hendriks signed with the White Sox _specifically_ so he could take this photo. I mean, when you resemble Jack Parkman from \"Major League 2,\" it's pretty much a requirement.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**11-12. Brandon Marsh & Jo Adell - Angels**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/rnttrvojgkbxwsxduxuk","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Beyond Marsh looking like he's actually _not_ had a haircut or beard trim since the pandemic began, this duo is the first to actually pull off a photo that _does_ look like an album cover.\n\n**13\\. Fernando Tatis Jr. - Padres**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/g8jknffxuycjufakhy1l","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Here he is, arguably the most exciting player in the game; the one who stands the best chance of being this generation's Ken Griffey Jr. -- and he's smiling like he just wants you to like him. Tatis, man.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**14\\. Dusty Baker - Astros**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/b6jiklhvirluhk9tyzlk","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Look closely and you'll realize there are actually _three_ Dustys in this photo: There's the real one and then the dueling Dusty Baker wristbands.\n\n**15\\. Yadier Molina - Cardinals**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/fe4nxr3jd5qekvym8zrm","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Eighteen years into his career and Molina is still surprising us: This is the first year he's posed with an earring. Definitely _not_ a mid-life crisis.\n\n**16\\. Sonny Gray - Reds**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/v1615226456/mlb/junygyvpyuthw24oadil","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"When someone farts _just_ as the camera shutter clicks.\n\n**17\\. Andre Jackson - Dodgers**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/jalgk9bio9uvdszdectb","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Dustin May doesn't have the best hair on the team any more.\n\n**18\\. Randy Dobnak - Twins**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/zvpohxrlrn7ecmpsejnl","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Though there are a handful of players who rock the goggles -- the Brewers' Aaron Ashby and the Blue Jays' Danny Jansen among the wearers -- none have paired it with the 'stache like Dobnak. They should consider it.\n\n**19\\. J.D. Hammer - Phillies**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/v1615386956/mlb/ej7wsljoqysguuwhrtxg","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"But forget goggles! Let's talk about straight-up _glasses!_ Hammer's out here looking like Rivers Cuomo, and as a bespectacled American who cannot deal with contacts, I heartily approve.\n\n**20\\. Anthony Banda - Giants**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/nug0sasrvcnkkwwttspx","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Hammer, meet ... The Professor.\n\n**21\\. Taylor Widener - D-backs**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/a6ogvmvyooqpxpa3akoc","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"\"Guys, guys, hold on. Hold on, let me try this again. I swear I did it last time. It's a really great trick I just have to -- guys, just one more shot!\"\n\n**22\\. Jose Lobaton - Cubs**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/f6j3dneehkhbg81pruwi","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Lobaton's out here cheesing as hard as he possibly can. There's big kindergartner on photo day energy here and I like it. Let's reward earnest enthusiasm!\n\n**23\\. Grant Holmes - A's**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":"1:1","credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/gypuuqhgjd3j214hbpn3","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"He's got a future as a Sammy Hagar impersonator.\n\n**24\\. Salvador Perez - Royals**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/hjqiucku9tgkj180opzs","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Ever wonder how many All-Star Games Perez has been elected to? All you need to do is count the tattoos up his arms. The Royals' catcher has some seriously cool ink -- highlighting each appearance with a tattoo themed to that year's midsummer spectacle.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/b60aa1rdrz7dnpik6s5o","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**25\\. Enrique Hernández**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"These photos might not be as good as his engagement pictures -- but then again, nothing is.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":"Screengrab via Instagram","contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"png","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/lculpeedvd6wgiwfypad","type":"image"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/best-mlb-photo-day-photos-of-2021","contentType":"news","subHeadline":"All the \"cheese!\" you can take","summary":"Photo Day is one of the greatest time-honored baseball traditions. With fans wanting photographic proof that their favorite player does in fact exist and players needing updated photos to frame in their homes (I assume), it's that magical day when every pro hitter and pitcher becomes a child waiting for","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":"","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"michael-clair","title":"Michael Clair","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"offbeat","title":"offbeat","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/sfa6clapz2lkdtpjjfst","title":"Best MLB photo day photos of 2021"}}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcom08","linkInternalFilters":"mlb"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
Photo Day is one of the greatest time-honored baseball traditions. With fans wanting photographic proof that their favorite player does in fact exist and players needing updated photos to frame in their homes (I assume), it's that magical day when every pro hitter and pitcher becomes a child waiting for their yearbook photo.
Some revel in it, bringing a special outfit for their shot. Others avoid it, perhaps believing that the snap of the shutter will steal their soul and, even worse, their swing.
Here are the 24 photos (featuring 25 characters) that really stood out this year:
1. Francisco Lindor - Mets
Lindor was so excited for his first official photo with the Mets that he went out and got the jacket from "Coming to America." That's commitment. The kind of commitment you usually only see from a Queens resident toughing out an 11-2 loss during a blustery day in the upper deck.
2. Sean Doolittle - Reds
Everything's been hard in the last year, and Doolittle proved that even getting your photo taken is tough, too:
Gurriel's anti-gravitational hair was already cool enough. Add in the shock of blue dye and this could be a shampoo advertisement. (Maybe it should be a shampoo advertisement.)
4. Mookie Betts - Dodgers
Gotta love one of the game's biggest superstars -- and a two-time World Series champ -- going with the classic Little League pose.
5. Bo Bichette - Blue Jays
Just look at this photo. Bichette knows what he's doing -- the smirk, the brilliantly white earrings, the come-hither eyes. Bichette just took a thirst trap Spring Training photo. That might be a first in big league history.
6-8. Jazz Chisholm, Monte Harrison, Starling Marte - Marlins
Yoán Moncada might have just dropped a hot new single, but based on this photo, Chisholm might have one on the way, too.
In fact, the entire Marlins photoshoot looked like a great time. Harrison reminded kids to brush their teeth:
And Marte is ready for the next reboot of "Tron."
9. Shane Bieber - Cleveland
After winning the American League Cy Young Award last year, there is only one option: Do Michael Jordan's "Wings."
From a guy in Wisconsin on Facebook Marketplace! Now at my house! 72”x23”....MICHAEL JORDAN ORIGINAL WINGS POSTER!!!!
This poster is something I’ve wanted as long as I can remember and I didn’t want to pay too much or settle on a remake. pic.twitter.com/C2I3qaxJtE
I like to think that Hendriks signed with the White Sox specifically so he could take this photo. I mean, when you resemble Jack Parkman from "Major League 2," it's pretty much a requirement.
11-12. Brandon Marsh & Jo Adell - Angels
Beyond Marsh looking like he's actually not had a haircut or beard trim since the pandemic began, this duo is the first to actually pull off a photo that does look like an album cover.
13. Fernando Tatis Jr. - Padres
Here he is, arguably the most exciting player in the game; the one who stands the best chance of being this generation's Ken Griffey Jr. -- and he's smiling like he just wants you to like him. Tatis, man.
14. Dusty Baker - Astros
Look closely and you'll realize there are actually three Dustys in this photo: There's the real one and then the dueling Dusty Baker wristbands.
15. Yadier Molina - Cardinals
Eighteen years into his career and Molina is still surprising us: This is the first year he's posed with an earring. Definitely not a mid-life crisis.
16. Sonny Gray - Reds
When someone farts just as the camera shutter clicks.
Though there are a handful of players who rock the goggles -- the Brewers' Aaron Ashby and the Blue Jays' Danny Jansen among the wearers -- none have paired it with the 'stache like Dobnak. They should consider it.
19. J.D. Hammer - Phillies
But forget goggles! Let's talk about straight-up glasses! Hammer's out here looking like Rivers Cuomo, and as a bespectacled American who cannot deal with contacts, I heartily approve.
20. Anthony Banda - Giants
Hammer, meet ... The Professor.
21. Taylor Widener - D-backs
"Guys, guys, hold on. Hold on, let me try this again. I swear I did it last time. It's a really great trick I just have to -- guys, just one more shot!"
22. Jose Lobaton - Cubs
Lobaton's out here cheesing as hard as he possibly can. There's big kindergartner on photo day energy here and I like it. Let's reward earnest enthusiasm!
23. Grant Holmes - A's
He's got a future as a Sammy Hagar impersonator.
24. Salvador Perez - Royals
Ever wonder how many All-Star Games Perez has been elected to? All you need to do is count the tattoos up his arms. The Royals' catcher has some seriously cool ink -- highlighting each appearance with a tattoo themed to that year's midsummer spectacle.