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

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. (More Billy Crystal stories.)

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