Big Dog

The operator of our high home camera (camera 2) is Big Dog.
I write about camera 2 and Big Dog in my book Cutting The Game, Inside Television Baseball From The Director's Chair. (www.cuttingthegame.com)
The main responsibility of the camera is to "follow the ball".
It is "how" this operator "follows the ball" that determines the quality of his or her work.
The most important determining factor of "how" this operator runs camera 2 is the framing of the ball in relation to the play on the field. The perspective of the ball to the field and the fielders is very, very important in determining the quality of the viewing experience for the fans watching at home.
The most common mistake that high home camera operators make is to go too tight. This mistake is no more noticeable than on homeruns. On the homerun shag, the operator must keep the ball and the ballpark in perspective. Too many times the ball follow is too tight because the operator is sure that a homerun has been hit. Then, the ball is caught by the outfielder and the too tight ball follow is a lousy shot. Ball follows on ground balls to the right side of the infield should include the ball, the infielder, and the batter. This is the best look for the television viewer.
Being too tight is not nearly as bad as those high home camera operators that pull back, find the ball, and then shag. Thankfully, these operators are few and far between.
I will put Big Dog up against any other high home camera operator in the country.
His framing is top notch.
He is baseball knowledgeable. (He knows the game)
It was a pleasure to watch his work tonight. I noticed his framing early and continued watching his work throughout the game/telecast.
His work was flawless.
Thank you Big Dog.
I learn from you each and every telecast.