Continuing its seventh season, the Game Changers series, presented by Modelo Especial® and Saint Xavier University, empowers underrepresented communities in sports by welcoming photographers to capture a White Sox game through their own perspective.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Night, presented by Modelo, the organization invited Mexican American photographer Lucy Melecio as the series’ ninth featured photographer.
Melecio, a proud Chicago native, is thrilled to have the opportunity to capture her hometown team in action while sharing glimpses of some of the Hispanic-inspired programming throughout the ballpark on September 15.
“My family is full of baseball fans,” said Melecio. “Growing up, I came to Sox games all the time with my family, and we still do. Every chance we get, we’re always at the ballpark.”
As a Mexican American, being the featured photographer on a night dedicated to Hispanic heritage means a lot to Melecio.
“I was very surprised when I was first approached with the opportunity,” said Melecio. “It’s something that I’ve never done before. It really makes me feel that my photography is growing. It’s amazing that the White Sox are doing this, giving people an opportunity to do something like this is amazing, and I’m so thrilled to be a part of it.”
Melecio began her photography career four years ago, developing a passion for capturing every special moment shared with daughters, Aria and Amaya. Her work has evolved into something that makes her extremely proud.
“I primarily work with kids,” said the mother of two. “I’ve shot games for the CPD Knights baseball team as one of their team photographers, so I’m familiar with action shots, and here, I’m looking forward to capturing a lot of the emotions and activities throughout the night. I want to capture people interacting with each other, enjoying the festivities, the players enjoying themselves. I’d also love to take photos of families enjoying time together because it reminds me so much of my family as I grew up.”
Sports hold significant meaning in the Melecio family, especially baseball.
“My family loves baseball, and honestly, I think they’re as excited as me,” said Melecio. “They even told me what I need to take pictures of! White Sox games have brought us closer, so that makes the evening that much more special to all of us.”
Come Friday night under the bright lights, Melecio looks forward to taking in her big-league debut.
“I’m so excited and grateful for this experience,” said the photographer. “Walking into the ballpark that I grew up coming to and being the featured photographer on a night that means a lot to me and my family is something I won’t forget.”
Check out some of Lucy’s favorite shots from the evening dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Night at Guaranteed Rate Field. Fans can learn more about Melecio and follow her work on Instagram @lucmeleciophotos or check out her portfolio here.
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Game Changers: Through the Lens of Lucy Melecio was originally published in Inside the White Sox on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.