How a SONY 400mm Lens Saved a Life from a 160km/h Fastball | Release #38

The Hanshin Tigers’ first Japan Series championship in 38 years sent the entire Kansai region into a frenzy—a moment still fresh in our memories. The instant the players lifted the trophy was an unforgettable, moving scene for Tigers fans. Sports and photography are deeply intertwined, each playing a vital role in immortalizing these moments. Meanwhile, in the United States, a chilling yet somewhat reassuring incident involving ‘sports × photography’ recently took place.

During a Major League Baseball (MLB) game, sports photographer Jim Rassol’s Sony 400mm G Master lens was shattered by a foul ball traveling at 104 MPH (about 168 km/h). It was a harrowing incident. The following link shows footage capturing both the terrifying moment and the miraculous fact that he was unharmed.

Unfortunately, Jim Rassol did not have insurance for his damaged Sony lens.
This lens, valued at around $12,000 (approximately 1.8 million yen), represents a significant loss. Rassol’s expression reflects a mix of irony—whether to consider himself lucky or unlucky in this situation.

The accident Jim Rassol faced was truly no one’s fault. In response, his friends set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of the lens, raising $7,363 in donations. But the story didn’t end there. Upon learning of his situation, the Sony Pro Support team loaned him another 400mm lens and suggested using the GoFundMe funds to repair the damaged one. They also generously extended his Pro Support membership for an additional year at no cost.

Deeply moved by the support from Sony and the community, Rassol commented, “I am sincerely grateful to everyone who donated to help repair my lens. Sony is proceeding with the repairs using the GoFundMe funds. I was amazed by Sony’s response—usually, this level of support only appears when someone is lost.”

It’s inspiring to see both the GoFundMe donors and Sony rally around a fellow member of the creative community in a time of misfortune!