Mike McCann's Field of Fotos

Yankee Stadium's impressive entrances remain one of its trademarks. When I was a kid, Red Barber (perhaps because of his years broadcasting from tiny Crosley and Ebbets Fields) often referred to it as "The Big Ballpark." And that soaring granite exterior topped by golden lettering is certainly distinctive. Now, enter the number 4 subway (the elevated line that runs alongside the Stadium) and notice how differently that same Gate Six area captures your eye.

Raul Ibanez was one of several Yankees who signed autographs for early arrivers during Saturday's batting practice. You have to hope this young fan kept whatever Raul signed for him. The veteran power hitter, who recently turned 40, has found Yankee Stadium's cozy dimensions to his liking. Last night, he smacked the game-changing grand slam in a 6-3 win over Toronto. Of Ibanez' 12 homers this season, it was his 8th from the sixth inning or later -- and five of them gave the Yankees a lead.

Like many visiting teams, the Angels chose not to take batting practice outside before Saturday's game at Yankee Stadium. And I've got to admit being a bit disappointed I wasn't going to get an up-close look at their sluggers. Fortunately, LA's biggest off-season acquisition  came out to playfully say hi to his pals in pinstripes. Say hello to Albert Pujols.

I don't have a lot of pictures of Melky Cabrera as a Yankee. Frankly, his overall play never shouted "watch me!" Cabrera's years in the Bronx (2005-'09) were marked by promising moments balanced with inconsistency. A strong throwing arm seemed to be his best asset. Quick conclusion: this wasn't someone you'd expect him to eventually blossom into one of the game's best outfielders. Yet that's exactly what he's done the last couple of seasons, in Kansas City and now San Francisco. Last night, Cabrera had the first hit in Baseball's Mid-Summer Classic. He scored on Ryan Braun's double and later added a two-run homer to earn game MVP honors as the National League blanked the AL 8 - 0.

On this night in 1969, the Mets ace threw what's become known as "The Imperfect Game." After retiring the first 25 Cubs batters, obscure backup outfielder Jimmy Qualls lined a clean single to break up what could have become the first perfect game in Mets history. Still, it was a seminal night en route to the Mets first winning season and World Series title. For the full story on that game, check Baseball-Reference.com  .

Rafael Soriano continues to excel in filling the biggest shoes imaginable. The Yankees substitute closer earned his first four-out save since August 2007 tonight as the Yanks won the opener of a four-game weekend series at Fenway Park. Signing a big free agent deal with New York before the 2011 season, he had an up-and-down first year in pinstripes.  But when Mariano Rivera wrecked his knee, he capably picked up the slack. Tonight's cliff-hanger was Soriano's 20th save in 21 attempts -- including all 13 on the road -- but his first as a Yankee in which he worked multiple innings. (Below) Let's not overlook Mark Teixeira's night. His two-RBI single in the first inning was big. His two-RBI triple in the 7th was even bigger, as it gave the Yanks the lead for keeps en route to a 10 - 8 Fenway victory.

One of the great joys of baseball is discovering something different every time you attend a game. Yesterday, I decided to focus on the activity before the action begins. Two hours before gametime, while the Phillies held batting practice in the indoor hitting cages, the pitchers began their daily routine. First, a little toss while a member of the grounds crew waters the field (Above) A solitary moment as pitcher Jake Diekman walks past Citi Field's upraised home run apple. (Below) Brian Sanches and Vance Worley talk shop. I noticed this last season as well: the Phillies pitching staff as it goes through an organized stretching session. (Above) The Phillies line up outside the dugout as the national anthem is performed by a pair of singers at home plate. (Below) An unusual autograph, as Phils coach Pete Mackanin signs the shirt worn by an unusually devoted fan. (Above) Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee heads from the bullpen toward the dugout and passes...