OT Billy Crystal to don Yankees pinstripes

[FArting]

TAMPA, Fla. -- Billy Crystal will get to "look mahvelous" in pinstripes. The actor will sign a one-day, minor league contract with the New York Yankees and play in Thursday's exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Crystal, an avid Yankees fan, will work out with the team on Wednesday and will wear uniform No. 60 for the game - to be played one day before his 60th birthday. The Yankees said Monday they have the approval of baseball commissioner Bud Selig.

"I've been waiting 50 years for this call," Crystal said in a statement released by the team. "I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the Yankees and commissioner Selig. I know this'll 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. Oops, I have to go, Scott Boras is on the phone."

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Crystal, according to the Yankees hit .348 and was captain during his senior year at Long Beach High School in New York. He directed and produced "61 ," a move about Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle and the 1961 Yankees.

"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," chief operating officer Lonn Trost said.

Country singer Garth Brooks has played in spring training games, helping raise money for his Touch 'em All Foundation. He was 1-for-22 (.045) in 1999 with the San Diego Padres, 0-for-17 the following year with the New York Mets and 1-for-8 (.125) in 2004 with the Kansas City Royals.

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/celeb/articles/0310billycrystal0310.html

 

[82CardsGrad]

Billy did a terrific job with "61". And for any Yankee fan (heck, any baseball fan), listening to him do his schtick as he recounts Yankee lore is simply tear-jerking stuff... He's awesome and this must be such a thrill for him!

 

[Assface]

Billy Crystal rules.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Billy Crystal rules.

So you agree with me?

 

[MigratingOsprey]

i have to admit i'm a fan - i enjoyed going to see his show (700 Sundays) last year with my grandmother when she was in town visiting - was fun having that prompt my grandmother talking about going with my grandfather to yankee stadium

this will be the 2nd year in a row i'm going to a spring training game with her - was funny last year when she yelled at my wife for wanting to leave early

 

[PoolBoy]

that's really cool. i hope he gets a major league call-up. lol. i cant wait, im going to a game at Yankee Stadium this summer.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Is he still a minority owner of the D-backs?

 

[Gaddabout]

The kid from Soap is gonna play for the Yankees?

 

[Gee!]

And for any Yankee fan (heck, any baseball fan), listening to him do his schtick as he recounts Yankee lore is simply tear-jerking stuff...

No its not, its really not..

 

[Mulli]

No its not, its really not..

Agree. Has Crystal had new material since the late 80's or early 90's?

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Agree. Has Crystal had new material since the late 80's or early 90's?

 

[HooverDam]

Agree. Has Crystal had new material since the late 80's or early 90's?

Well if you count his plays and books, then yes. But if you mean stand up, no not really. Its very rare for comics to keep doing stand up with new material well into their older age (George Carlan and Bill Cosby being notable exceptions). Its incredibly difficult and the time on the road and stage that it takes to develop material is too much for someone who can just as easily sit at home and collect residual checks from "City Slickers."