Yankees Sign Crystal—for a Day

Comic actor will don pinstripes, fulfilling lifelong dream

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 11, 2008 2:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – He’s roped cattle and counseled gangsters onscreen, and now Billy Crystal will sign a real-life pro baseball contract and suit up in Yankee pinstripes. The pint-sized comedian is celebrating his 60th birthday with a 1-day stint with his favorite team, the AP reports. He’ll wear No. 60 for Thursday’s exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of the Yankees,” said Crystal, who captained his high school team and hit .348. The Bombers haven’t yet decided what position their newest hire will play, but Crystal’s real competition might be the legacy of Garth Brooks; the country singer has gone 2 for 47 in his three-season spring training career.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (2)]

Actor Billy Crystal, center, reacts after getting a kiss from New York Yankees legendary slugger Reggie Jackson, right, as manager Joe Torre looks on during batting practice at Edison Field in Anaheim,... (Associated Press)

In this May 29, 2005, file photo, Billy Crystal throws out the first pitch before the Boston Red Sox beat the New York Yankees, 7-2, at Yankee Stadium in New York. The actor will sign a minor league contract... (Associated Press)

Billy Crystal attends the premiere of "License to Wed" Monday, June 25, 2007, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Phil McCarten) (Associated Press)

Actors Billy Crystal, left, and Robin Williams watch as the New York Yankees play the San Francisco Giants' Matt Cain in a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, June 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Associated Press)

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Billy Crystal in Sydney, Feb 5, 2007 (billyb67 (YouTube))

Billy Crystal / Robert DeNiro Thanksgiving commerical (2001) (mhirtes12 (YouTube))

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Yankees Sign Crystal—for a Day