March 11 (Bloomberg) -- Comedian Billy Crystal will sign a one-day contract with the New York Yankees and play in a spring- training game against the
Pittsburgh Pirates on March 13, one day before his 60th birthday.
Crystal is a New York native and lifelong Yankees' fan who frequently attends games at Yankee Stadium. In 2001, he directed and produced the film
``*61,'' which chronicled Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle as they sought to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record in 1961.
Crystal's minor-league contract was approved by Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and he'll join the Yankees tomorrow for workouts at the
team's training facility in Tampa, Florida, according to a statement from the team.
``I've been waiting 50 years for this call,'' said Crystal, who will wear uniform No. 60. ``I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the Yankees and
Commissioner Selig. I know this (will) be tougher than the Broadway Softball League, but I'm looking forward to helping the younger players, which, by
the way, is all of them.''
Crystal was the captain of his high school baseball team in New York and batted .348 during his senior season.
``The Yankees are excited to welcome the newest member of our team, known for his humor and wit as well as his undying love for the Yankees,'' Yankees
Chief Operating Officer Lonn Trost said in a statement. ``The Yankees are very grateful to the commissioner's office for allowing us to extend this
special invitation to Mr. Crystal.''
Country music singer Garth Brooks played in spring training games for the San Diego Padres in 1999, the New York Mets in 2000 and the Kansas City
Royals in 2004 to raise money for his children's charity. He had 2 hits in 47 at-bats.WINTHESKIN - 3-12-2008 at 09:16 PM
I HOPE HE GETS BEANEDDAK - 3-12-2008 at 09:29 PM
and dies.MikeCore - 3-12-2008 at 11:45 PM
Six66Mike - 3-13-2008 at 12:28 AM
Remember when Michael Jordan dropped out of the NBA to play baseball? This is almost as funny Siczine.com - 3-13-2008 at 01:23 AM
If he's suuuuuch a Yankees fan, explain this!
MikeCore - 3-13-2008 at 02:55 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Siczine.com
If he's suuuuuch a Yankees fan, explain this!
LOLXHonusWagnerX - 3-13-2008 at 10:40 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Six66Mike
Remember when Michael Jordan dropped out of the NBA to play baseball? This is almost as funny
At least Jordan was really TRYING to play and managed to make the team (probably 95% based on his name only). I think what Crystal is doing is an
embarassment to baseball!
