Mike McCann's Field of Fotos

Philadelphia loves underdogs. The city's most beloved sports figure this side of the late Richie Ashburn is fictional fighter Rocky Balboa. All through Spring Training, unheralded minor leaguer Michael Martinez kept impressing. Taking advantage of injuries to Chase Utley and Placido Polanco, he saw more playing time than a typical Rule 5 selection. By doing a lot of little things right -- fielding, bunting, situational hitting, he beat the odds and earned a spot on the Phils' opening day roster. Not bad for a 27 year-old, 5'9 infielder-outfielder whose five minor league seasons included just 33 Triple-A games on his resume.

Just before last Friday night's Dodgers-Mariners exhibition in Peoria, Dodgers coach Davey Lopes and centerfielder Matt Kemp were signing for the fans. See the hat with the distinctive B? 53 years after the move west, there's always a reminder of the Dodgers' roots in Brooklyn.

Here's a long-distance shot of Chase Field in Phoenix, home of the Diamondbacks. Last week, during a visit mixing baseball and a family vacation, I visited one of Phoenix's most unique attractions, The Mystery Castle. Thanks to its location atop a hill overlooking downtown, it offers a great view of the city -- and its ballpark.

Entering his 11th season with the Mariners, Ichiro Suzuki remains a wizard with the bat. Yesterday against the Royals, he appeared more than ready for opening day. Above: that sweet stroke powers the ball toward left field, where it drops in for a double. ...as Ichiro pulls into 2nd base. Below: the former Yankee and Brave Melky Cabrera, now with KC, has been a much-improved hitter so far in Cactus League play. The Royals' young star Alex Gordon gets ready to mash this ball toward right field... long enough, high enough and gone!

Tigers 1st baseman Miguel Cabrera after striking out against the Phillies earlier this month. (Note the patch on his left sleeve -- celebrating the club's 75th spring training camp in Lakeland, Florida).

Consider the above image a soon-to-be rarity. With the Mets having released infielder Luis Castillo, Mookie Wilson (who'll coach first base this year) will reclaim his familiar uniform number-1.

The Phillies credit their wearing green on St. Patrick's Day to free-spirited relief pitcher Tug McGraw, who cooked up the idea back in the late-'70s. These images are from Clearwater in 2009. Since the late 1970s, the distinctive uniforms and caps -- which are auctioned off after the games for charity -- have become an annual tradition.

Even more than in Philadelphia, the Phillies crowds in Clearwater are a sea of red. The fans' color scheme blends right in with the batting practice jerseys the players wear during the exhibition games.

Final game of my Florida trip, Mets hosting the Marlins at Digital Domain Park (previously Tradition Field) in Port St. Lucie. Below: original Met Al Jackson is back as an instructor as the club prepares for its 50th season. Above: a pre-game glimpse of Mets catcher Josh Thole. Below: Florida's Hanley Ramirez signs a ball for a delighted fan. Above: Mets starting pitcher Jon Niese warming up along the sideline. Below: Ike Davis shows why having a tall 1st baseman is a good idea. Above: Florida's Gaby Sanchez bats against Niese and the Mets. Below: Angel Pagan, now the Mets regular center fielder. Above: Niese held the Marlins in check. Below: High-five time, as Ike Davis congratulates Josh Thole after his home run.

One of the unique things you're most likely to se at exhibition games -- recently retired umpire Jerry Crawford throwing the ceremonial first pitch. And while walking off the field, sharing a light moment with Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel. When is an exhibition game highly anticipated? Just offer a March matchup of pitching aces from teams that are among the picks to make the post-season. Roy Halladay (above) gave the Phillies six shutout innings and CC Sabathia (below) did the same in his five-inning stint for the Yankees. Love the symmetry -- Ben Francisco at the plate, Phillies teammate John Mayberry Jr. in the on-deck circle, which in these smaller parks, .is a lot closer to the plate than where they'll play from April on Above: Jorge Posada turned in several nice plays manning 1st base, Below: His replacement as the Yankees catcher, Russell Martin, is out trying to steal 2nd. Below: longtime Phillies president Bill Giles sat in the row in front of us.

Just 35 miles from the small-town charm of Lakeland, we're in Tampa for and the second-half of a Grapefruit League "day/nighter." You're now welcomed to Steinbrenner Field by a statue of the man for whom it's named. It towers over the plaza of plaques honoring the Yankees retired numbers. The last moments of late day sun give a bronze glow to the impressive roof. Nightfall just before the first pitch in Tampa. Above: The Pirates stretching before the game. Fashion tip: try something other than "crossing guard yellow" for a batting practice shirt color. Below: The Yankees always find ways to keep their past stars busy. Ron Guidry, Here, he presents medallions to a local girls soccer team that just won a title. Look at the sweatshirts -- they're from George M. Steinbrenner High School. Above: Derek Jeter still enjoys mingling with the fans before the game. Below: 1990s Yankee hero Bernie Williams, on hand to throw out the ceremonial first p...