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 Police and Fire Night, the organization invited Chicago-based artist and Chicago Police Officer Eduardo Echevarria Jr. to be the series’ eighth featured photographer.
Echevarria Jr. was born and raised in Chicago and grew up attending White Sox games as a kid with his father. Watching the likes of Frank Thomas, Magglio Ordóñez, Mark Buehrle and others helped cultivate the passion and fandom Echevarria Jr. holds for the team today.
“I think it’s extremely special,” said Officer Echevarria Jr. “For me, being an officer, it’s humbling. I’m so grateful that the organization is allowing individuals the opportunity to have a platform. I’m really looking forward to being a part of the night’s festivities and being in that environment.”
Echevarria Jr. began dabbling with photography when he was a teenager and never looked back.
“I got into photography towards the end of high school after my buddy lent me his Canon camera,” he explained. “I started making videos, and doing things like wedding shoots, headshots, and other little things just to get started.”
Now, Echevarria Jr. works for the Chicago Police Department in the communications department.
“I worked in a beat car for a few years, working in the 24th and 25th Districts,” the 36-year-old officer continued. “I made a video for a fellow officer’s family, and she loved them. About a year later, I finally got the call from that same officer offering me a role in the office of communications/graphic arts. I was able to combine the two things I love to do.”
Growing up going to White Sox games with his family, Echevarria Jr. feels this is a full circle moment for him.
“My family is so proud and have always pushed me to continue striving for my goals,” Echevarria Jr. reflected. “To have my dad there especially, who is so passionate about the team, it means a lot to them.”
As Echevarria Jr. takes the field to capture the game, he looks to let things happen naturally.
“Honestly, I just want to go out there and have fun,” said Echevarria Jr. “Being myself, capturing the content I like, allowing it to flow naturally, embracing the opportunity is when I feel the best.”
Check out some of Eduardo’s favorite shots from the evening dedicated to honoring police and fire personnel at Guaranteed Rate Field. Fans can learn more about Echevarria Jr. and follow his work on Instagram @chicagopolicedepartment and @thatboyonefive.
Visit whitesox.com to learn more and follow the Chicago White Sox on Facebook and Twitter.
Game Changers: Through the Lens of Officer Eduardo Echevarria Jr. was originally published in Inside the White Sox on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.