Comedian Crystal bats in Yankees' exhibition game

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

TAMPA, Florida (AFP) — Comedian Billy Crystal struck out in his only appearance for the New York Yankees during a Major League Baseball spring training game against the Pittsbrugh Pirates on Thursday.

Crystal, who turns 60 on Friday, had signed a one-day contract with the Yankees on Tuesday - a move that was approved by commissioner Bud Selig - and worked out with the team on Wednesday.

He was penciled into Thursday's lineup as the designated hitter and led off the bottom of the first where he struck out on six pitches.

Crystal did manage to make contact on the second pitch he faced from Pirates' starter Paul Maholm.

When he was introduced, Crystal received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd at Legends Field. Among those in attendance was...