Baseball, photography, and unforgettable moments — when all three collide, it makes for a story worth sharing. The other night, I had the privilege of attending the highly anticipated Tokyo Series between the LA Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Tokyo Dome. What made the night even more special was the company I kept. I was invited by my good friends, Rodney Peete and his wife, Holly Robinson Peete, along with two of their three sons. For anyone who loves baseball, especially fans of the Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani, it was a night to remember.
The Photographer’s Dilemma: Which Camera and Lens?
Like most photographers, I rarely leave home without my camera. You never know when something magical will unfold, and that night was no exception. But before heading out, I had to ask myself: What’s my purpose for bringing my camera tonight?
I wasn’t planning to shoot the game itself — I wanted to capture the experience of the night with my friends. With that in mind, I decided to bring my Nikon Z8 paired with my trusted Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens. This combo never lets me down. The lens is incredibly sharp, has a wide aperture that excels in low light, and is perfect for capturing candid moments. Whether I’m shooting portraits or documenting a fun night out, this setup always delivers.
Shohei Ohtani Electrifies the Tokyo Dome
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Fans had traveled from all over the world to witness this historic series in Tokyo, and the excitement was palpable. But nothing compared to the anticipation when Shohei Ohtani stepped up to bat.
Each time Ohtani approached the plate, the entire stadium fell silent, as if the crowd collectively held its breath. He didn’t disappoint. During the game, Ohtani crushed a home run, sending the crowd into a frenzy. What’s even crazier? He almost sent one out of the park on the very first pitch of the game. Watching one of baseball’s biggest stars perform on such a grand stage, in front of an international audience, was a sight to behold.
Rodney Peete cheers on Shohei Ohtani as he rounds the bases for a home run during Tokyo Series.
The Viral Moment: Rodney Peete, Max Muncy, and the Foul Ball
Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, something incredible happened. Rodney and Holly were seated in the second row, while I was a few rows back with their sons. Given how close they were to the action, the chances of a foul ball landing in their section were pretty high. In fact, fans sitting that close were all provided with helmets and gloves — just in case.
Sure enough, late in the game, a foul ball came screaming in our direction. As the ball approached, Dodgers’ star Max Muncy made a move to grab it, reaching over the netting at the exact moment the ball was within reach. But who caught it? None other than Rodney Peete, the former NFL quarterback! With his quick reflexes, Rodney snagged the ball cleanly and put his hand behind his back.
Foul ball caught by Rodney Peete
Capturing the Aftermath: A Photographer’s Perspective
Here’s the thing — I didn’t capture the exact moment when Rodney caught the ball. But sometimes, as a photographer, it’s not about capturing the moment — it’s about capturing what happens next. I photographed Rodney leaving the stands, celebrating with his wife and sons, and sharing the joy of that moment. These are the images that truly matter. As time goes on, it’s not just about the catch itself — it’s about the bond between a father and his sons, the pure excitement, and the pride in that shared experience.
Those moments, the ones that happen after the excitement of the catch, are often the ones that will be cherished forever. And this time, the moment was so big that the video of Rodney’s catch went viral before we even left the stands! As we made our way out of the Tokyo Dome, we watched the clip on our phones, reliving the excitement over and over again.
If you missed the moment, you can watch it here:
👉 Rodney Peete Makes a Catch in the Stands
Rodney Peete leaving Tokyo Dome after the Tokyo Series
Holly Robinson Peete leaving Tokyo Dome
Rodney Peete with two of his three sons after the Tokyo Series
A Night to Remember
As we left the Tokyo Dome that night, I couldn’t help but reflect on how everything aligned perfectly. Watching Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance, witnessing Rodney Peete’s viral moment with a foul ball, and being there to document it all with my camera — it was an unforgettable experience.
For baseball fans who appreciate the art of photography, this night was a reminder of why we do what we do. Whether it's capturing the action on the field or the heartfelt moments with friends, every click of the shutter tells a story.
And sometimes, those stories go viral.
The Peete Family at the Tokyo Dome
Pro Tip for Photographers:
When attending live sporting events, think beyond the action on the field. Focus on the emotion, the camaraderie, and the unexpected moments that unfold in the stands. You never know — you might just capture a moment that becomes legendary.
About the Author:
Matthew Jordan Smith is an award-winning celebrity photographer, Nikon Ambassador, and author of Aretha Cool, Sepia Dreams, and Future American President. He is available for speaking engagements and workshops worldwide.
📧 Contact: mjs@matthewjordansmith.com
🌐 Learn more: www.matthewjordansmith.com
