Mike McCann's Field of Fotos

Good timing on my part for being in Philadelphia last Wednesday where I watched the National League's Pitcher of the Month for May.  Cristopher Sanchez baffled the Padres hitters early on, taking a no-hitter into the 4th inning while stretching his consecutive shutout streak past 50 innings -- the longest ever by a lefty -- until, on this swing, Jackson Merrill singled in the 7th for San Diego's first run of the night. While Sanchez never matched Orel Hershiser's record of 59 scoreless, it places him in some great company (Don Drysdale, Walter Johnson and Jack Coombs stand 2-3-4 on the list, with the Phillies ace, fifth).  And it highlights a remarkable month where he not only gave up zero runs, but struck out 45 batters while walking only three !  The Citizens Bank Park video board offered this salute while the crowd of more than 40,000 gave Sanchez a minute-long standing ovation.  

...you share it with Steward Berroa .  The Phillies recently promoted the former Blue Jay from their Lehigh Valley farm club for his combination of speed, defense and (seen in an April 30th game) butting ability. Andrew Heaney pitched for six clubs over his 12 big league seasons (2014-'25).  Bookended by the Marlins and Dodgers, I caught him in a Yankee uniform following a 2021 mid-season trade.

After missing six weeks with wrist and achilles injuries, Jorge Polanco began his rehab assignment last Wednesday.  The Mets infielder was the DH for AA Binghamton against the Red Sox affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs.  And while Polanco got off on the right foot, with a hard hit single to right field his first time up, he wasn't the only reason to be on hand at Mirabito Stadium. The Sea Dogs, which graduated top Boston prospects such as Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell and Roman Anthony, in recent seasons, have another heavily touted youngster in 2026.  Shortstop Franklin Arias  looked worthy of being recently named as the #3 overall prospect in the minors by The Athletic.  Making strong contact and fielding slickly, the 20 year old Dominican was clearly the best player on the Portland roster.  Wednesday, he delivered two hits, including his 12th homer of the season.  As of this morning, he's batting an impressive .331, getting on-base more than 40% o...

...you share it with Steven Matz .  The Long Island native broke in with the Mets during their last pennant winning season (2015).  Joining Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom in a talented young rotation, he never achieved the consistency the Mets hoped for and has since moved on through the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Red Sox and this year, the Rays -- where he's become a steady back of the rotation starter. There's also a player from New York's other team:   Charlie Hayes ' image will forever be etched into Yankees history for catching the foul pop that ended the 1996 World Series -- the Bronx Bombers' first title since 1978, and first of the Jeter/Rivera dynasty.  I snapped this image of the longtime MLB 3rd baseman at the 2011 Old Timers Day. Who else is in today's birthday circle?  Pirates ace Paul Skenes .  2024's NL Rookie of the Year and 2025's Cy Young winner is already ranked with Ohtani, Sanchez and Skubal as the best pitcher in baseba...

Sunday, while browsing through Vintage Emporium in Newburgh, New York , this 1960s Mister Met bobblehead caught my eye. The expression and design clearly shouted " original ," as opposed to the muppet-like character that currently rivals the Phanatic among MLB's most recognized mascots.  This one is likely from 1965, the first year that Mister Met was sold as a bobblehead. I never found its pricetag (the item was inside a crowded display cabinet), but Mr. Met bobbles from the mid-'60s in good shape can go for $750 or more! It's fun finding one like this -- just for a visit -- and seeing the "respect" it commands in a store also selling pricey furniture, lamps and collectibles.  

... Tommy John .  The first and most famous recipient of Dr. Frank Jobe's then-radical ligament transplant surgery that's saved countless careers over the past surgery was also one of the best pitchers in the game over a remarkable 26-year career. 288 victories (including three 20-win seasons), 2245 strikeouts and an ERA under 3.50.  That's more than impressive -- that's Cooperstown-worthy.  Add that to being part of Sports Medicine history and its makes one wonder what the Hall of Famers voters were thinking when they passed him over on numerous occasions. And frankly, with Marvin Miller already inducted, why not go "out of the box" again and consider Dr. Jobe for his massive contribution to the game? ( My image is from the 2014 BAT Dinner in New York .)