Before the 3:30 bus departs across the bay to play the Athletics, I wanted to pay tribute to one of my favorite people in sports photography….A’s Team Photographer Michael Zagaris.

Until I saw Z’s work as the San Francisco 49ers team photographer, I had never seen coverage of any team behind the scenes like his chronicled.

I am only able to do what I do with the Dodgers and USC behind the scenes because of the standard that you set. I just won’t do it cleats..haha.

My favorite image of his is the black and white of then legendary 49ers coach Bill Walsh and Joe Montana drawing up a play on the grass at Candlestick.

Z and I photographed by Keith Birmingham during Spring Training 2012

This is one of my favorite Z moments as on Z’s lap is his first very laptop. He is sitting with photography/technology guru Brad Mangin getting advice. Photo was taken in April of 2004 at the PacBell Park. I love the dazed look on Z’s face as he steps into the new world of digital technology. Photo by Jon SooHoo

Thank you Z for paving the way of how team photography should be accomplished.

Jon