I Bet You Could Dunk on Me!

In 2006, I was hired by the Minnesota Twins as their photography intern. One day, I casually mentioned to my boss and the Team Photographer at the time how intimidating it was to see my fellow interns introducing themselves to the players and coaches. To my surprise, they suggested that I introduce myself too, as I would be around these athletes all year with a camera in hand.

So, there I was a few games into the season, faced with the daunting task of introducing myself to these athletes I had been watching for years. Up to that point, the most famous person I had met was Lisa Loeb during a post-show meet and greet, and I couldn't even speak when she signed my album. Now, I was instructed to tell Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, and Joe Nathan that my name was Hannah and I worked for the team. I was only 22 years old and terrified of talking to them simply because they were on TV.

We discussed how I should approach this seemingly impossible task, and they decided that Torii Hunter should be the first player I introduced myself to. Not Torii Hunter! He was a legend, and I had watched him play for almost a decade. I hesitated and wondered if there was someone else I could start with, but they insisted that I should go and introduce myself to Torii Hunter that day.

As batting practice was ending, Torii came over to sign autographs for a group of young fans on the field during batting practice, and I saw my chance.

"Ummmmm... Hi, Mr. Hunter... Torii... I'm Hannah, and I'm the photography intern this season..."

"Hannah. Hannah. Hannah. I bet you can dunk on me!"

That was it. A simple conversation that I had built up in my head, one that I could have had with anyone, anywhere.

In those few seconds of conversation, I realized something significant – athletes are just people. Our society tends to put athletes, celebrities, and others on a pedestal, for better or worse. While we should appreciate the hard work and talent it takes to reach any level in sports, we mustn't forget that, first and foremost, they are human beings. Although I'm more at ease with a camera in front of my eye, I now know that if I have to talk to anyone in my day-to-day life, they are just people.

Thanks, Torii, for just being you.

Torii Hunter of the Minnesota Twins celebrates winning the central division title at the Metrodome on October 1, 2006 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins had to wait until after the Kansas City Royals defeated the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Michigan to clinch the title.
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Minnesota Twins)