As had been widely reported this week Billy Crystal started for the New York Yankees in an exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Crystal batted first and DH'd in place of Johnny Damon who was the scheduled DH for the day. In Crystal's first and only at bat he struck out swinging after being ahead 3-1 in the count. Crystal did manage to make contact and foul off the first strike down the first base line. He also evidently had a good eye to let three balls go by before swinging over the next two pitches.
Crystal wore number 60 in honor of his upcoming 60th birthday in a few days. Some critics have said the Yankees were "making a mockery" of the game by allowing Crystal to suit up. While I rarely support anything the Yankees do I happen to not have a problem with this. I mean if anyone is "making a mockery" out of the game it's the guys like Clemens and Bonds that cheated or teams like Baltimore and Tampa who seem unable to compete. It's not like Billy Crystal is the first celebrity to do this either. Tom Selleck and Garth Brooks (and you might as well include Michael Jordan) are others that have participated in Spring Training with big league teams. It's not like the Yanks let Crystal lead off game 1 of the ALCS or anything, now that would be stupid. Soto these critics I deem you my stiff of the week. Happy Birthday Billy, maybe next time Robin Williams can catch for you if you know what I mean....we all know that when you hit 60 you get a pizza.
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