The Yankees and Mets don’t face off again until July, but you can catch a subway series — or subway-ferry series — when the big clubs’ Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees farm teams kick off their seasons this weekend (6:30 tonight and 5 tomorrow night in Coney Island). And while you’re there to watch the stars of tomorrow, there’s lots to do in and around the ballparks for a perfect summer day.
Staten Island Yankees
* Richmond County Bank Ballpark (75 Richmond Terrace, next to Staten Island Ferry terminal; 718-720-9265, siyanks.com)
Relish the waterfront breeze and views of the lower Manhattan skyline at this 7,171-seat ballpark overlooking New York Harbor, where the “Baby Bombers” — the Class-A Yankees affiliate — regularly knocks them out of the park. (The team has won five New York-Penn League championships.)
* Inside pitch: Practice your curveball during Family Catch Day on June 26, when you and the kids can channel your inner C.C. Sabathia with a post-game game of catch on the Baby Bombers’ field.
* Winning eats: Across the street from the ballpark, try a steak at Ruddy & Dean (44 Richmond Terrace; 718-816-4400). Relax on the eatery’s roof deck and see freighters ferrying goods across the harbor.
* On deck this weekend: Miss New York pageant contestants will ride in a classic-car motorcade today as part of the Back to the Beach Celebration. The parade, which begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Dolphin Fountain (Sand Lane and Father Capodanno Boulevard), includes Kirsten Haglund — 2008’s Miss America — who hosts tonight’s Miss New York State Pageant at the St. George Theatre, the first time ever it’s been held in NYC. Stick around afterward for carnival rides, face painting, strolling banjo players, a miniature golf course and a 9 p.m. fireworks display at the Midland Beach Sea Turtle Circle, which also has a fountain with sprinklers (Father Capodanno Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue).
* Extra innings: Meander along the 1.7-mile boardwalk, then soak in the sun at South Beach (Father Capodanno Boulevard and Sand Lane; 718-816-6804). There, spread out a picnic blanket and rest up for a hearty game of bocce ball or shuffleboard in the nearby park. Or learn some local history at the Staten Island Museum (75 Stuyvesant Place; 718-727-1135), where the engaging “Staten Island Ferry: The First 100 Years” exhibit features photographs, artwork and ship models.
Brooklyn Cyclones
* MCU Park (1904 Surf Ave., at West 17th Street; 718-449-8497. Take the D, F, N or Q train to Coney Island/Stillwell Avenue; brooklyncyclones.com)
Gaze out over the Atlantic at this 12,000-seat ballpark that the five-time division-title Cyclones — the Mets’ Class-A affiliate — call home, and stick around for post-game fireworks, held weekly. There’s a good chance you’ll catch some swag here, too — the team is known for its winning promotions, such as “Jersday Thursday” (team jersey giveaways at Thursday games start July 7) and Dugout Dance Battles. Pre-game, take a leisurely stroll along the Coney Island beach or boardwalk, and check out the old-timey views of the Cyclone, Wonder Wheel and Parachute Jump.
* Inside pitch: Take some friends to the ballpark on Wednesday — $99 buys four tickets on the party deck, plus a round of hot dogs/hamburgers, beverages and post-game drinks (make it a Coney Island Lager) at Peggy O’Neill’s, a sports bar next to the ballpark.
* Winning eats: Cool off with a cone from Denny’s Delights (1214 Surf Ave., near Stillwell Avenue; 718-266-9371), which hits a home run with its old-fashioned Coney Island custard. Try the banana pistachio ($3.50), a best-seller. Funnel cakes ($6) and jelly or caramel apples ($3) are tasty, too.
* On deck this weekend: It’s not truly summer until mermaids descend on the Boardwalk for the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Get a look today — or wear your own starfish-studded costume. The attractive amphibians start up at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue at 2 p.m.
* Extra innings: Marvel at memorabilia from old rides at the Coney Island Museum (1208 Surf Ave.; 718-372-5159), which is hosting a Saturday night “Rock ’n’ Roll Summer” film series, featuring musicals movies such as “Hairspray” (July 2) and “The Blues Brothers” (Aug. 6). Classic drive-in trailers and old commercials unreel 15 minutes before the 8:30 p.m. screenings. Tickets are $6.