Anthony Causi was a longtime photographer for the New York Post who’s personality shined bright and it was that light that attracted so many towards him He was a beloved and respected figure throughout all of the New York sports world. On Sunday Causi passed away due to complications of the coronavirus, he was 48-years old.
Causi joined the New York Post in 1994 as a photo messenger, graduated to photo editor and eventually became a full-time journalist photographer. It was his dream that had finally became a reality. He now had the chance to be right there along some of the worlds best talent and have the opportunity to capture some of the most special moments in New York sports history. He would go on to capture both the highs and lows of the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Jets, Giants, Rangers and more for the Post.
It was Causi’s knack for being in the right place at the right time that led to him capturing some of the most iconic photos in New York sports history. One of my favorite pictures ever, is the image above of Jeter tapping Joe DiMaggio’s quote while walking towards the Yankee dugout. As every Yankee player would walk through the tunnel to get ready to play they would be greeted above by DiMaggio’s quote, “I want to thank the Good Lord for making me a Yankee.” So as you entered, you knew just how special it was to be apart of that team and organization. There was no player that embodied that Yankee pride more than Jeter and I never knew that behind the famous photo was Anthony Causi, who embodied what it meant to be a sports photographer. I know many of us fans have had that picture hanging around their house at one point and it’s a great feeling knowing that Causi was the one who is forever enshrined behind that moment in Yankee history.
Yet another iconic Yankee photo, above is Mariano entering the 9th inning to a sold out Yankee Stadium crowd. If you watched the Yankees during this time you can almost hear and feel this picture happening in real life and that was one of Causi’s gifts, forever capturing these iconic moments to where we almost felt like we are there and living in the moment of the game. Just looking at it gives me chills because I can hear the roar of the crowd, the “Enter Sandman” playing in the background, Bob Sheppard announcing Mariano Rivera coming into the game , all while Mariano held his glove with his right hand and trotted out to take the mound. We never see the people behind such iconic photos but they go hand and hand with the moment.
“You can’t depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus.”
Mark Twain via A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court
Causi had formed many special relationships with not only the players but the organizations that he worked with. Players and organizations across the New York area poured to Twitter to speak their condolences and emphasize just how special a person Causi was to them. He made the players comfortable enough to bring out the best of them and along the way captured photos that we will cherish for a lifetime. Above is a quote that Causi had at the end of his Twitter bio. He was a man that lived through a lens, capturing moments and putting them into focus for us. It was the snapshots of these special, larger than life photos and that let our imaginations run wild as to what it would be like in that moment of time. Casui, like many of us, believed that getting the virus was beyond him, that he was “indestructible.” He was eager to beat it and get back to attacking each day with to the fullest all with that bright and inviting smile.
Casui gave us a glimpse into the intense and fun world that is New York sports, moments that will live on forever. Next time you see a picture of your favorite player, or moment, know that someone is behind that lense all trying to capture the best possible photo they can so that you live in that moment again and again. Thank you to all of the photographers out there that do the same. Please be safe everyone, while some of us are at lower risk than others, this virus does not discriminate. Do all that you can to protect you and your love ones during this time. Thank you and Rest In Peace Anthony Causi.
The Washed Up Athlete 