Almost no hitter has been happier after a strikeout. Billy Crystal, who turned 60 today, had the opportunity to play for the Yankees in their Spring Training game against the Pirates yesterday. Leading off and serving as the DH -- he said it stood for Designated Hebrew -- Crystal got a piece of one pitch and chopped it foul down the first-base line. He also showed a good eye to work the count to 3-1, but then Pirates lefty Paul Maholm threw the comedian two cut-fastballs, and Crystal proved why 59-year-olds don't play Major League Baseball. To make matters worse, home-plate umpire Mark Carlson said Crystal swung at ball four.
“I can always say I led off for the New York Yankees. That’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “I don’t even know how to describe it. It was so intensely good.” He could have felt better if the Yankees had worn their full pinstripe uniform as opposed to that hideous batting-practice jersey. As it is, Crystal did get to play team for which he has rooted for his entire life. The Yankees signed him Monday to a minor-league deal approved by Bud Selig, baseball's commissioner.
As for Maholm, he seemed glad to avoid the highlight reels and ribbing that would have come had Crystal reached base. “It was definitely a little nerve-racking,” he said. “I’m glad I didn’t have to watch it every day, him getting a hit off me.”
Photo of Billy Crystal watching a foul ball he hit by AP/Kathy Willens
