Mike McCann's Field of Fotos

Dialing up June 25th, 2005 in the wayback machine for Subway Series action between the Yankees and Mets. Nice to see the "old" Stadium again, isn't it. And making his major league debut in this at-bat, lefty hitting outfielder Kevin Reese . The 27 year old University of San Diego product was never really a top prospect. 27th round picks rarely are. But he donned the pinstripes and had his name and face on the video board. This would the first of a dozen games in his big league career. But Brian Cashman had a hunch about Reese's future. After retiring at the end of the 2007 season, Reese became a Yankee scout. And a decade later, after impressing the front office, he was named the club's Senior Director of Player Development. Still a Yankee, now more important than ever.

...you share it with Scott Kingery . A sizzling 2018 spring training led to his jumping to the Phillies from Double A. Instead of just handing him a regular job at 2nd or 3rd base or the outfield, Gabe Kapler decided to turn him into Philadelphia's version of Ben Zobrist.  If anything, that held back his progress. For 2020, with Cesar Hernandez and Mikael Franco released, he appeared ready to be Joe Girardi's everyday 2nd baseman -- until everything went on hold. Also on today's cake and candles list: Rookie Davis , the onetime Yankee prospect who pitched briefly for the Reds and Pirates. His given name, BTW, is William. Chad Huffman , an outfielder-1st baseman whose 21 major league games came with an almost seven-year gap: nine with the 2010 Yankees, and a dozen with the '17 Cardinals. Kelly Shoppach , a catcher who spent parts of nine seasons in the majors, but only one (2008 with Cleveland) as a regular. John Vander Wal , played 14 seasons, split among eight...

It's May 4th, 2019: making his Yankee debut as the mop-up reliever is... Jake Barrett . Don't remember him in pinstripes? You're not alone, since he lasted just two games with the Yanks. He gave up a home run in this 7 - 3 loss to the Twins. Four days later, he was shelled, allowing five runs in two innings of a 10 - 1 pounding by Seattle. And that was it for the former Diamondback. Some notable Yankees have worn 36 over the years. Hall of Famer Johnny Mize, perfect game author David Cone, 1977 World Champ Mike Torrez and the ever-durable Jim Kaat. In this era of constant roster shuffling, Barrett was one of four Yankees to wear 36 last season. The final one: power hitting New Jersey product Mike Ford -- who should be back in "Gehrig times Maris" (do the math) when play finally resumes.

One of my favorite photos of 2019 was taken at last July's All Star Game between the Can-Am League and the Frontier League. Held at the Boulders home park in Rockland County, New York, it captures a universal baseball moment. Sunset approaching, first pitch just minutes away, and the players ready to take the field. A click or two converts this to black and white -- and can transport us, as fans, back to the 1930s or '50s or anytime we want. That compact ballpark could be in any small or medium sized town. It looks rustic, not modern. No luxury boxes or mascots. It could be a scene from The Stratton Story (one of my favorite baseball movies), The Dizzy Dean Story  or any of those William Frawley classics like Rhubarb that were weekend TV staples "back in the day." Special thanks to the Boulders executive Seth Cantor for the invitation and arranging the terrific access I had.

April 24th, 2013: Jordany Valdespin 's walk off grand slam -- the first by a Met since Kevin McReynolds in 1991 -- lifts the team to 7 - 3, 10 inning victory over the Dodgers. April 24th, 2003: In his third at-bat, Chase Utley gets his first major league hit, blasting a third-inning grand slam off Rockies starter Dennis Cook. It's a highlight of the Phillies' 9-1 Veterans Stadium victory.
 April 24th, 1960: The Yankees score 8 runs BEFORE THE FIRST OUT IS MADE in the bottom of the 1st inning, to tie an American League record (set by  the Indians in 1954). Elston Howard and Tony Kubek capped the outburst with home runs. But things didn't calm down for long. The Orioles pulled close with the help of 8th and 9th innings grand slams (by Albie Pearson and Billy Klaus) before Johnny James strikes out Jackie Brandt for the final out in a wild 15 - 9 Yankee victory.  April 24th, 1923: Avid baseball fan President Warren Harding is on hand for the first shutout e...

Yankees hosting the Mariners on July 1st, 2010, a warm, sunny early summer afternoon. Milton Bradley takes a lead off 1st base. CC Sabathia tries to keep him as close as possible. (That's Mark Teixeira manning the bag for New York.) Sabathia pitched the first eight, leaving after Seattle tied the score. Alex Rodriguez' two-run homer in the bottom of the inning put the Yankees back on top. Mariano Rivera worked a 1-2-3 9th for the save and a 4 - 2 New York victory . Over the decades, I've often gone out of my way to attend day games. Chances are it's how baby boomers first saw the game -- both playing in schoolyards and attending with parents or friends. And there's still an extra thrill watching baseball under the sun. If you agree or disagree, leave your thoughts below. Just click the comment button.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, here's a gallery from this year's spring training trip. Instead of focusing on the action, let's focus on the scenery, the sky, the field, the ballparks. Perfection we too often take for granted. The lesson of this day is to appreciate and honor the gifts of nature. The Mets spring training home, now renamed Clover Park, was the first I remember featuring a berm. A grassy hill, to spread out a blanket and enjoy a view of the action you'll never find during the regular season. The long view from the left field corner in Port St. Lucie. Sun, shade, perfectly manicured grass. pitchers and catchers in the Mets bullpen. Now head down 95 around 45 minutes to Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. The walkway from the main parking lot to the ballpark, greeting you with tropical charm.  There is something marvelously different about a Florida blue sky. Below, not a ballpark view, but one worth sharing: a couple of palm tre...

...you share it with the pitcher who appeared in more major league games than anyone in history. Jesse Orosco worked in 1252 games over 24 seasons in four decades. Best known as a Met, where he claimed his place in history for nailing down the last out in game seven of the 1986 World Series, Jesse is also in that select circle who've played for both New York teams -- though his 15-game Yankee stint in 2003 produced forgettable results (including an ERA over 10). Zack Godley won 15 games for the 2018 Diamondbacks -- while leading the NL in hit batters and wild pitches. After struggling for Arizona and Toronto last season, he was in camp with the Tigers in March when baseball hit the "pause" button. Edwin Rios  graduated from the prolific Dodgers farm system in 2019, after belting 31 home runs for Triple A Oklahoma City. Joc Pederson , the northern California native who's provided plenty of power to the Dodgers the past six seasons. Turning 28, he's...

Under normal circumstances, this was a rather ordinary photo. Aaron Boone sharing a fist bump with Tyler Wade. The Yankees just closed out a Grapefruit League win over the Nationals. But these were not normal circumstances. It was March 12th, 2020 -- the last game before baseball suspended play. Wade and the other Yankees were leaving the field for who knows how long? Not to mention that if and when play resumes, social distancing rules will likely prohibit such physical contact between on field personnel. The Korean Baseball Organization, about to start their pre-season, have already banned handshakes, high fives and spitting on the field as health measures. I suspect fist bumps are also no-nos. Give the players a little time and they'll find some non-contact ways to celebrate. But the image above, representing so many games we've seen, might prove to mark the end of a baseball tradition.

April 17th, 2014 : Yankee rookie 3rd baseman Yangeris Solarte hits a home run, adds two other hits and starts a triple play in the Yankees 10 - 2 win over the Rays at Tropicana Field. Solarte is the first player to homer and start a triple play since the Indians Neal Ball, who did it back in 1909 -- 115 years earlier. April 17th, 2007 : At Yankee Stadium: Jorge Posada's two-run homer in the second inning (off Jake Westbrook) is the 200th of his career. He becomes the 12th member of the Yankees' 200-homer club. April 17th, 1976 : Mike Schmidt belts four consecutive home runs as the Phils, down early 13 -2 rally for an 18-16 win at Wrigley Field. He makes it a family affair: his first homer comes off Rick Reuschel in the 5th inning; his 10th inning shot, the game winner came off the older of the pitching siblings, Paul Reuschel. April 17th, 1975 : Ted Simmons homers from both sides of the plate. Hitting righthanded, he connects off Jerry Koosman; later, hitting lefty ...

. ..you share it with baseball's best all around 3rd baseman.  Nolan Arenado is a five-time All Star with five Top 10 finishes for the National MVP. Add to that three home run titles and twice leading his league in RBIs. Plus superior defense at the hot corner. But the picture isn't entirely rosey. Just a year after signing a lengthy and lucrative contract extension, he's voiced his displeasure with the way the club is run, and how the front office didn't, in his eyes, do enough to upgrade the roster over the winter. Making top dollar in a medium sized market, he was the basis of a ton of trade rumors last winter. And once the games begin, expect that buzz to arise once more -- especially since his contract contains an opt-out. Cubs outfielder Albert Almora Junior shares the date with Arenado. A singles hitter whose average plummeted by 50 points in 2019, he's not guaranteed a regular job as the Cubs look to get back to the playoffs, after missing them a...

April 15th, 2015: Jon Niese on the mound and Chase Utley at bat as the Mets host the Phillies at Citi Field on Jackie Robinson Day. New York won it 6-1, as every player donned the number 42 worn with such grace and greatness by the man who made baseball truly America's game. Retiring 42 across baseball is a marvelous symbol. Let's not overlook his excellence as a scholar-athlete in high school and college. Maybe there are other effective ways to honor the legacy of this sportsman and patriot.  Do you have a Jackie Robinson connection? Were you lucky enough to see him play in person or on TV? Do you recall his season as ABC's analyst on Saturday Afternoon Baseball? Ever attend an event where he spoke? Click the comment button below to share what Jackie means to you, as a sports figure, as an activist, as an American hero.

In 2-1/2 seasons with the A's, 3rd baseball Matt Chapman has firmed his place among the American League's most feared power hitters. Coming off years with 24 and 36 homers -- as well as finishing 7th and 6th for the AL MVP -- he still flies under the radar with a lot of fans. Billy Beane's organization, forever tagged with the Moneyball handle, operates like a West Coast version of the Rays (or are they an east coast version of the Athletics?) -- a lot of talented, low cost home grown players who produce big numbers despite low home attendance and a small payroll.

Who stands to lose the most if baseball plays half a season this year -- or has to cancel things outright? Albert Pujols quickly comes to mind. Now 40, he's 44 home runs short of 700 and 25 RBI short of 2100. On the other hand, he starts the year with a .300 lifetime batting average -- but hasn't reached that level in any of the last nine seasons. A complete 2020 -- injury free, of course -- would leave the future Hall of Famer 25 or fewer homers from becoming just the fourth player to reach 700 homers (third if you overlook Barry Bonds). As things stand, he's four behind Willie Mays. Who else might lose out on a chance to reach milestones? Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers is 185 hits shy of 3000 and 23 homes from 500. Jon Lester of the Cubs is 10 victories shy 200. While their place in history is assured, there's got to be a level of frustration being ready and hopeful -- and having the game placed on hold by a situation well beyond any one man's control.

April 12, 1960 : More than 42,000 fans -- including vice president Richard Nixon, who throws out the first ball -- are on hand for the first game at San Francisco's Candlestick Park . Leon Wagner hits the first home run as the Giants beat the Cardinals 3 - 1. April 11th, 1961 : Carl Yastrzemski makes his major league debut. At Fenway Park, he singles in his first at bat (in the 2nd inning), but is soon caught stealing 2nd base. The day went Kansas City's way, the A's won it 5 - 2. April 10th, 1962 : Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Bill Skowron , the three Yankees who combined for 143 homers a year earlier, all hit Opening Day homers in a come-from-behond 7 - 6 win over the Orioles. Moose's is a 2-run shot to dead center that he legs out for an inside-the -park homer, while Mantle hits his in the 8th inning to tie the game, Maris belted his 3-run shot in the 5th. April 12th, 1965 : The Phillies win the Astrodome's first regular season game. Chris Short fi...

Clint Frazier -- seen here March 12th in West Palm Beach -- has spent the last couple of years bouncing back and forth between the Bronx and Scranton. A combination of impressive hitting skills, iffy defense and an unfortunate injury has slowed what once appeared to be the fast track to stardom. 2020 was supposed to be different. Healthy coming into camp, he did well enough through the three weeks of exhibition games to stoke optimism with fans and management. Plus, with Aaron Hicks already sidelined, and the Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton hurt, Frazier wasn't just in line to make the 26-man roster, but start on opening day. Then, everything went on hold. Should the still-forming plans to start the season in Arizona take shape in May, Judge and Stanton could be ready, with Hicks not far behind. Where will that leave the player who dislikes the nickname Red Thunder? Is he destined to be a fourth outfielder, trade bait, or the star outfielder for the Rail Riders? As with ...

A pair of notable ballparks saw their first regular season action on April 9th. 1962 : President John F. Kennedy throws out the first ball at the new District of Columbia Stadium . Despite rain, a record Washington crowd of 42,143 shows up to see Bennie Daniels stop Detroit with a 5-hit, 4-1 win in the new park. This is a switch for Daniels, who had lost the last games played at both Ebbets Field, in 1957, and DC's old ballpark, Griffith Stadium, last year. Over its history, Washington's multi-purpose stadium staged 13 seasons of baseball -- neither the Senators nor Nats ever made the post-season and only the '69 Senators (managed by Ted Williams) ever finished above .500. I twice visited the park that was later renamed for RFK: back in the '80s for an Orioles exhibition game on the Sunday before the regular season opened. I returned in 2007 for a Nationals/Mets game. 1913 : The Phillies and pitcher Tom Seaton spoiled the opening game fun for Dodgers fa...

A signature moment of Washington Nationals home games is the President's Race, where characters depicting four legendary American leaders George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson race around the warning track to the fans' amusement -- the running joke was Teddy's inability to win for 6-1/2 seasons. Other presidential images were occasionally used in the race, including William Howard Taft (famous as the first president to throw out the first pitch at Washington's opening day) and Calvin Coolidge (seen here) as well as Herbert Hoover. Since the Taft, Coolidge and Hoover mascots didn't become permanent parts of the Nationals Park tradition, they were jokingly referred to as having "retired to Florida." So, where did they show up on March 12th? At the Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, during the Yankees - Nationals game.

The Yankees have never really had as "New Jersey" a player as Mike Ford . Sure, they've had stars with Garden State roots, none more prominent than Derek Jeter. But in the born and raised and educated all in Jersey category, it'll be hard to top Ford. A Somerset County native, who attended high school in Montgomery and Princeton and then went to Princeton University, Ford checks all the boxes. His path to the majors even included spending time with the Yanks' double-A farm club in Trenton. Ford had a nice 50 game major league debut last summer, with a dozen homers in 50 games -- the highlight, a September 1st walk off blast against the A's -- and an OPS over .900. Having pitched in his college days, he did a two-inning sting as a mop up reliever, finishing off an August 15th loss to Cleveland, quickly adding himself to the small group of Yankees who've both hit and given up home runs (the Indians tagged him twice). That's nothing to be ashamed o...

April 3rd, 1966 : Tom Seaver signs with the New York Mets. The former USC pitcher, who previous contract with the Braves was voided because he signed with them after the start of the college baseball season (a rules violation), landed with New York after they drew his name from a hat in a special lottery where the Phillies and Indians also took part). April 5th, 1972 : The Expos trade their most popular player Rusty Staub to the Mets for three top prospects: Ken Singleton, Tim Foli and Mike Jorgensen. April 4th, 1974 : Hank Aaron homers off Jack Billingham of the Reds to tie Babe Ruth at 714 home runs. Surprisingly, it's the only time Aaron ever homered on Opening Day! April 5th, 1977 : The Yankees send Oscar Gamble, Dewey Hoyt and Bob Polonsky to the White Sox for shortstop Bucky Dent, who'd carve his place in history 18 months later. April 3rd, 1985 : Owners and players agree to expand the League Championship Series from five to seven games. April 4th, 1988 : Th...

From April 23rd, 2015: Giancarlo Stanton heads back to the dugout in a game at Citizens Bank Park. Here he is crushing one of his 27 homers that season in 74 games, before a hamate bone fracture in his left hand ended his year in late June. At that point, he was beginning to get the reputation as injury-prone -- which only amplified again in 2019, when he missed nearly all of the season with the Yankees.

While there's no action today, we have plenty of April 1st baseball highlights to savor: April 1st, 2008 : The last opening day at the old Yankee Stadium was a night game. Pushed back a day after a rainout. Melky Cabrera makes two terrific catches and adds a solo home run, while Chien-Ming Wang outpitches Roy Halladay, and gets late inning relief from Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera in a 3 -2 Yankees victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. April 1st, 1996 : In one of the wildest home openers ever at Shea Stadium, the Mets rally from 6 - nothing down to beat the Cardinals 7 - 6. They closed the gap on home runs by Todd Hundley and Bernard Gilkey, while Rico Brogna's 7th inning sacrifice fly gives them the lead for keeps. John Franco works a one-two-three 9th inning, retiring all three St. Louis batters on ground outs. April 1st, 1972 : Baseball players strike for the first time, with the walkout wiping out the the last week of exhibitions and the first 10 days of re...