Mt. Hope Auction Michael Hanson
At the Mt. Hope Auction in March 2012, members of the Amish community throughout the Midwest travel to see the largest horse sale of the year.
To find out more about photographer Michael Hanson's inspiration and work process, read his interview with Amy Silverman, Outside's photo director.
Keeping Calm Michael Hanson
A young man waves a towel over the head of his horse. They will soon enter the arena and a spooked horse brings less money to his family. He hopes this trick will keep the horse calm inside the auction house.
Mt. Hope Auction Michael Hanson
A group of Amish men at the Mt. Hope Auction in Ohio, 2012.
Rural Ohio Michael Hanson
A young boy rides his father's bicycle while his brother slides on his scooter at their barn in rural Ohio.
Corn Harvest Michael Hanson
An elderly Amish man tends to the horses during the corn harvest in Ohio.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
A portrait of a young pitcher in Santo Domingo.
Cabarate, Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
A dad teaches his young son the correct batting position in a lush green yard in front of their modest home.
San Pedro de Marcoris, Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
Two teenagers opt out of watching the cattle and instead practice their swings. The cows graze on the town trash while one young man swings a board at a flying bottle cap.
Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
A portrait of a top prospect, Raymel Flores, who at this time was anxiously awaiting his 16.5 birthday, when he is eligible to sign with an MLB team. His tiny home has a tin roof and leaks water throughout the year.
Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
Here, Raymel Flores washes dishes with his mother. A few weeks after this image was taken, Flores signed with the Boston Red Sox for $900,000.
Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
Players live in abandoned houses where they train all day with other prospects. Mosquito nets cover rotten mattresses in this training camp. Players hope to sign with a professional team after they turn 16.5.
Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
A young prospect practices with a sugar cane bat in his front yard.
San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
A bus-load of young professional players as they travel from their training facility to the Detroit Tigers' Dominican training camp.
Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
Kids playing baseball on an empty dirt street.
Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
A young prospect takes a break during practice.
San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic Michael Hanson
The Dominican Braves bow for a prayer after a game as dark clouds linger overhead. All these players have signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Braves but only the best will make the move to the U.S. to play in the minor leagues.
