Mike McCann's Field of Fotos

Like Sandy Koufax, I am taking a pause on Yom  Kippur. See you again on Sunday.

From Thursday night at Yankee Stadium: To the delight of the fans in the special "Judge's Chambers" section in right field, Aaron Judge rounds the bases following his 51st home run of the season. Note the "All" and "Rise" signs held up by some of the fans. I think this is the first time I've captured Judge's home run trot with the "Chambers" in the background. One of those moments worth sharing from the best season any rookie slugger has ever enjoyed. Making it all the more impressive is that a soft spoken kid from a small town in California has withstood the media circus, thriving in the big city and now just days after from his first post-season game.

60 years ago this month. the Giants and Dodgers played their final home games in New York. Baseball traditions that began in the 1800s, ended as Big Apple fans felt the pain of abandonment, while the national pastime became truly national with California's two leading cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Dennis recently loaned me some vintage programs and yearbooks from his collection -- this one holding the most sentimental value. It's from 1955 -- the year after the Giants' stunning World Series sweep of the Indians. Look carefully at the cover, there are three autographs... One of them was manager Leo Durocher; the others are from outfielders Dusty Rhodes and Bill Taylor. The team was again built around the remarkable Willie Mays, who hit 51 home runs that season. Don Meuller remained an effective batter, and hit over. 300. Rhodes, the pinch hitting star of the '54 Series, was a valuable fourth outfieder and also on the good side of .300. Johnny Antonelli and...

Has Daniel Murphy ever had a bad game against the Mets since signing with the Nationals as a free agent? Sunday afternoon, in the top of the 1st inning, the sweet-swinging second baseman launched a deep fly off Mets starter (and ex-teammate) Jacob de Grom. Watch it land near the right field corner. By the time Mets outfielder Nori Aoki got to the ball, Murphy was on his was to 3rd base. Here's a number to ponder: in 37 games against the team chose to let him walk away as a free agent, Murphy is hitting .390 with nine home runs. He's also on his way back to the post-season, while the Mets -- who traded away Daniel's successor Neil Walker in mid-August -- look to enter a rebuilding phase as soon as October arrives. Before I wrap up this post, here's one more standout moment from Sunday's Mets/Nats game: Washington rightfielder Victor Robles robbing Jose Reyes of what looked to be an extra base hit. Fully outstretched at the right field fence, he makes a terr...

In the midst of an historic rookie season, Aaron Judge re-wrote the history books on Monday... with a flourish. The Yankees rightfielder hammered a pair of home runs, the first to tie, and the second to pass Mark McGwire's old record of 49. One to the right field seats, the other over the left field fence. Now, the player who won the Home Run Derby and was the top All Star Game vote getter is also the fifth Yankee to reach 50 home runs in a season. You recognize the others on that list on a first name basis: The Babe, Mickey, Roger, A-Rod and now... joined by Aaron Judge. Impressive company. Prodigious talent. Along with the productivity is the humility and the calm. Even during those seven weeks when he looked like he was on his way to becoming the next Kevin Maas, the 25-year old never lost his cool. Despite the strikeouts, he kept getting on base with walks. Mid-July and August seemed like a desert -- or maybe it was a test. Then, once September arrived, as if some oth...

Before there was Derek Jeter, there was no debate as to who was the greatest shortstop in Yankee history. Phil Rizzuto manned the position with a smooth combination of skill, speed and smarts for 11 years (and lost three more for service during World War II.) And no one was a more visible member of the organization for more years. 15 years a Yankee player, 40 more as a broadcaster, where he built a second legend as a one of baseball's greatest characters. He was every Yankee fan's beloved if eccentric uncle, afriad of thunderstorms, leaving games early to beat the traffic back to his home in New Jersey, having a little ADD before the term became popular -- who else dared use "WW" as a code on his scorecard for "wasn't watching." But he was also a gifted storyteller who drew from playing alongside fellow legends from DiMaggio and Berra to Ford and Mantle. Fittingly, his final season in the TV booth was the year Jeter took over his over position and...

Joe Mauer has been enjoying a bounceback season in 2017, his best since becoming the Twins full-time 1st baseman. Hitting over .300 and again excelling in on-base percenage, the three-time American League batting champ (and 2009 MVP) has helped lead Minnesota to the brink of a Wild Card. Concussion issues and several other injuries forced the former All Star catcher to change positions. And since moving from the homer-friendly Metrodome to the less cozy confines of Target Field, Mauer is no longer considered much of a power-hitter. But he provides leadership on a young club that's not only back in contention, but likely headed back to Yankee Stadium for an October 3rd play-in game. ( This image is from the Twins September 18th game against the Yankees .)

  From September 4th at Citi Field: I caught this dugout powwow of (top to bottom) Mets bench coach Dick Scott, manager Terry Collins and pitching coach Dan Warthen. As this terribly disappointing season heads into its final days, they're watching a rare laugher: the Mets took an early 10-0 lead and went onto an 11- 7 victory. When was the last time the key members of the staff were referred to as "the brain trust?"

As a media member, I guess I need to take some of the blame for this one: after the Indians' AL-record setting 22-game winning streak was snapped, they seem to have dropped back from being one of baseball's daily headlines. But that express train keeps on rolling. Did you realize that since the streak ended, they started another -- and have won six in a row? Thursday, they wrapped up a sweep of the Angels; Francisco Lindor 's home run gave them the lead for keeps. That 4-1 win was their 14th straight on the road, proving -- as Yankee fans saw when I snapped this photo on August 28th -- they do just fine on something other than home cooking. And keep in mind, they didn't stomp on an also-ran; the Angels stand just two games back of the Twins for the second AL wild card. So while the big headlines belong to Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Chris Sale and, the Cubs' battle to stay ahead of the Brewers, let's not overlook the defending American League champs.

You share it with Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez . Recognized this year as "the guy with the blue hair," the Dominican native has been a valuable member of the Cardinals rotation the past three seasons. During 2017, he's already thrown two shutouts. The Cardinals consider him a cornerstone of their future -- Martinez is already signed to a long-term contract that covers him through 2021. Also in today's birthday parade: Doug Davis , a lefthanded starter who posted double-digit wins five times during the 2000s. Scott Spezio , the infielder who played for four clubs, including the Cardinals -- where his father Ed spent the majority of his career. Cecil Fielder , who crushed 319 home runs over his 13 year career; amazingly, his son Prince reached exactly the same total in his 12 big league seasons.

In what's come to be known as the Year of the Home Run, with sluggers such as Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger grabbing headlines, someone else delivered the year's signature blast. That happened Tuesday night, when the Royals' Alex Gordon connected off Ryan Tepera of Toronto for the 5694th home run of 2017. That's the most ever in a season, erasing the old record set in 2000. In case you want to go deeper into the number-crunching, there were 5610 homers during 2016, an average of 2.31 per game. With a week and half of games (roughly a dozen per team) left in the season, if this year's average of 2.53/game remains steady or close it, we'll have our first 6000 home run year (the pace actually projects to a final total of 6139). ( These images of Gordon are from a May 2016 Royals/Yankees game in New York .) And to go off on a bit of a tangent, one could make a fair argument that Gordon is the Second Mr. 5694. The other would be "Ki...

Monday night at Yankee Stadium: we're in the bottom of the 1st inning, as Aaron Judge connects with an Ervin Santana pitch -- he immediately knows it's going to soar. He's watching it head for the right field fence. Now, take a look at the Yankee dugout, where Joe Girardi (leaning on the rail) knows and Didi Gregorius, at the bottom of the stairs. He also knows. That baby's gonna fly. Twins 2nd baseman Brian Dozier knows. And right fielder Eddie Rosario hopes he'll have a chance to catch it -- but he won't. Keep an eye on the fans in the seats just beyond the wall, they know it's heading their way. Below, Judge and Gary Sanchez celebrate as the Yankee right fielder and likely Rookie of the Year heads toward the dugout after putting his team on the board 1-0. Judge's 44th home run of the season, the most in the American League.

Ryan Zimmerman did that twice Sunday night as the Nationals beat up on the Dodgers 7 - 1. After three injury-plagued seasons, the Washington mainstay is back. Batting over .300 and now with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs on the season, he's a strong favorite to be named National League Comeback Player of the Year. Still just 32, his recent play is more a sign that the 13-year veteran is healthy than a swan song. Having a talented supporting cast certainly helps: teammate Stephen Strasburg ran his consecutive inning scoreless streak to 35 before L.A. broke through in the 2nd inning. Adam Lind set a franchise record with his fourth pinch hit homer of the season. Anthony Rendon, Daniel Murphy and Howie Kendrick are also .300 hitters. And Zimmerman's most talented teammate is closer to returning. Bryce Harper had an impressive batting practice before the game, his first time in the cage since his leg injury. That gives plenty of hope to DC fans that he'll be ready for the pos...

Opening their first homestand since Gene Michael's death on September, the Yankees painted the number he wore as a Yankee shortstop along the baselines. Additionally, the players are wearing black armbands on their left sleeves.

L orenzo Cain drove in the go-ahead run Friday night as the Royals beat the Indians 4-3 to snap Cleveland's AL-record 22 game winning streak. Facing reliever Joe Smith with two men on in the top of the 6th inning, Cain singled in Alex Gordon -- for what turned out to be the final run of the night. Having another strong season, with good defense, a batting average around .300 and 25 stolen bases, Cain is setting himself up for a big contract as he enters free agency this winter. All streaks are destined to end, so please shed no tears for Cleveland. After their historic streak, they now hold the top record in the American League, and are just three games behind the struggling Dodgers for the best mark in the majors -- a statistic that comes into play as home field advantage in the World Series goes to the team with the better record. ( These images of Lorenzo Cain are from the Royals/Yankees game on May 23rd. )

Aaron Judge was baseball's breakthrough star during the first half the season. Towering home runs, clutch hitting and a keen eye for the strike zone combined with a modest and calm demeanor made him the darling of fans, the media and the marketing experts. That three-month magic carpet ride wandered off the path after he won the Home Run Derby in July. Two months of strikeouts, a sub-.200 batting average, rumblings about a shoulder issue and a fear that instead of becoming the next Mantle, he was turning into the next Maas, Kevin Maas, the Yanks flash-in-the-pan slugger of the early '90s. While the jury remains out, the Judge is beginning to resemble the player who delighted the baseball world from April through early July. Last night, I witnessed the resurgence, including the rocket shot in the 4th inning that became Aaron Judge's 42nd home run of the season. Below, pay attention to the delighted fans in right field watching the ball land. The stadium was pumped, espe...

No one embodies that phrase more than Jay Bruce. The power-hitting outfielder spent the first four months of the season as the best everyday player on a hugely underachieving Mets team. Ravaged by injuries and tripped up by off-seasons, Bruce was the one bright spot in Flushing. But, as a pending free agent, he knew the Mets would try to move him if the team wasn't contending. That picture was turned on its head August 9th, when Jay was traded from under-.500 Mets to the first place Indians. Two weeks later, the defending AL champs began a winning streak that yesterday reached a league-record 21.  Instead of being the one big bat the Mets desperately depended on, he slips nicely into the middle of a strong lineup that already features Carlos Santana, Francisco Lindor and emerging star Jose Ramirez. A different situation, a different mindset. Happy fans -- though not enough show up at Progressive Field -- and an upbeat clubhouse under future Hall of Famer Terry Francona....

The Twins made baseball history Tuesday night when they became the first club ever to hit home runs in each of the first seven innings. At Target Field in Minneapolis, Brian Dozier   (above) started the power parade in the bottom of the 1st inning with his 30th home of the season. Jorge Polanco followed in the 2nd inning before Jason Castro, Eddie Rosario, Castro (a second time) Eduardo Escobar, and Kennys Vargas rounded out the rout. Holding the second AL Wild Card, the Twins put up a football score on the visiting Padres, shutting out San Diego16 - 0. I  took this image of Dozier circling the bases during a 2016 Yankees/Twins game in New York.

Monday night, the Giants and Dodgers played a game that will rank with the legendary battles of this 130-plus year long rivalry. With the Dodgers -- not long ago the hottest team in baseball -- deperate for a victory, the clubs battled each other and mother nature until 2 in the morning, Pacific Time. Hey, when do you see lightning in the sky at a game in California? And there was plenty of it on the field as well: the Giants jumped on top 4-0; after the evening's first rain delay, the Dodgers rallied and took the lead on a Yasiel Puig home run. Hunter Pence finally put San Fran on top to stay with a two-out RBI single in the 6th inning. Like a lot of his teammates, Pence is on the down side of his career and not producing as he once did. Perhaps it was the rivalry that ignited that old spark? Residing in the Western Division cellar with the second-worst record in baseball, the Giants pulled off their most satifying victory of the season. Why? It extended the Dodgers los...

The Rays/Yankees series has been moved from the Trop to Citi Field in Queens. The Yankees were just there in August for the second leg of this year's Subway Series. The Rays last visited the Mets home park back in 2009 -- only Evan Longoria remains from their roster from that season. So while Tampa Bay will nominally be the home team, the Yankees -- who play their every year -- will be the ones more familiar with the park's quirks and tendencies.

Look at Saturday's Yankees/Rangers box score and you might first notice a no-decision for Luis Severino . While technically correct, that notation offers zero insight into the performance by the Yankees young ace. On an afternoon in Texas where his teammates could not solve the mystery of Andrew Cashner, Sevy kept the Yankees in the game with a near-dominating performance -- striking out 10 and allowing just one hit, a Brett Nicholas 5th inning double that drove in the Rangers only run. He became the first Yankees pitcher to allow one hit or fewer over seven innings since Michael Pineda three years ago this month. The Yankee bats finally woke up against the Texas bullpen, as they pulled out a 3-1 victory. While it got Severino "off the hook," he left too early to be credited with the win. But that takes nothing away from how well he pitched -- and more importantly giving his club a huge lift after a demoralizing loss the night before when Masahiro Tanaka could not hol...

But Phillies rookie Rhys Hoskins blows some pretty good bubbles! This is from last Monday at Citi Field in New York. And last night, the budding slugger belted his 13th home run in 29 games!

When I learned of the passing Thursday of Yankees Senior Advisor and former General Manager Gene Michael, the word "architect" was the first that passed through my mind. While the Yankee legacy is symbolized by iconic stars such as Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter, there has also been a series of astute architects who designed and built the teams brimming with championship talent. Gene Michael was part of that remarkable line of executives. Much like Ed Barrow, George Weiss and Gabe Paul in earlier eras, the man known as Stick made the savvy personnel decisions. With George Steinbrenner about to be suspended in 1990, and the Yankees floundering as a losing and uninteresting club, he appointed Gene the Yankee general manager. Under his patient leadership, the Yankees drafted Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada. He promoted Bernie Williams and Mariano Rivera -- and traded for Paul O'Neill, the heart of four World Series champions. He also b...

  There's always a storyline in a September ballgame: even when both teams are far from contention, it's really not fair to say they're playing out the string. Winding down a disappointing year where they're likely to finish with the worst record in the majors, the Phillies are getting glimpses of their top prospects. Rhys Hoskins (top) and JP Crawford (bottom) were both in the lineup Wednesday night aginst the Mets. Hoskins has already made headlines as the fastest player to reach 12 home runs -- he did it in his first 24 games. On the other hand, Crawford is starting his journey -- Wednesday was just his second game in the majors. But coming off a strong second half at Triple A Lehigh Valley, fans are hoping to see the combination of speed, power and defense that marked him as someone special when the Phils made him their first round draft pick in 2013.

...you share it with players on both New York clubs: lefty reliever Jerry Blevins of the Mets and rookie Yankee outfielder Clint Frazier .

Even with all the buzz surrounding Sonny Gray, Jose Quintana and Justin Verlander, this hard-hitting outfielder might prove to be the best mid-season trade pickup around baseball. Monday, as Arizona beat the Dodgers for their 11th straight victory, he became the 18th player ever to hit four home runs in a game. And he did it the most difficult way possible: after striking out in his first at-bat, the Miami native homered his next four times up. His history making finale was a two-run shot off Wilmer Font. (The earlier ones came off Rich Hill, Pedro Baez and Josh Fields.) A promising prospect who struggled in parts of three seasons with the Astros, Martinez turned his career around only after being released by Houston. Since signing with the Tigers in 2014, he hit his stride as a consistent power-hitter, who batted .280 or better. A pending free agent, he was sent to Arizona earlier this season. Since then, he's teamed with Paul Goldschmidt and Jake Lamb to give the Diamondba...

Abe Stark was a Brooklyn, New York clothier who became famous from the signage he bought on the bottom edge of the Ebbets Field scoreboard. It read "Hit Sign, Win Suit." However, as it was located just above ground level, it was almost impossible to hit the sign on the fly. Still, it was widely recognized because TV, and newspaper cameras often captured it. It paid off for Stark, who, a few years after the Dodgers left Brooklyn, was elected its borough president.  So when I saw the new advertising sign just beyond the right field fence at Citi Field, Abe Stark's memory immediately flashed through my mind. Of course, the new sponsor isn't a humble clothing store, but the New York State Lottery. And the prize for hitting the sign has leaped in value, as well. Monday, Asdrubal Cabrera missed the "hit it here" sign by about 20 feet (his ball is the white dot just below the Dunkin Donuts cup) when he homered during the 3rd inning of the Mets/Phillies game. ...

Matt Holliday made an immediate impact Saturday when he returned from the disabled list. Out 39 games with a back problem, the Yankees DH blasted a three-run homer (above) to give his team the lead for keeps in a game they went onto win 5 - 1. The fans in the left field seats were delighted watching Holliday circle the bases and touch home plate. Didi Gregorius and Chase Headley, whom he drove in, are waiting to join the celebration.