Billy Baseball

It is every kids dream to play in a Major League Baseball game. Stand in the on-deck circle and take your cuts while watching the opposing pitcher warm up. The catcher throws down to second and the inning is ready to begin. He gives Derek Jeter a fist pound, walks up to the plate and steps in the box. He looks up at the pitcher, takes a deep breath and tries to calm his nerves. This is his dream coming true right before his eyes. Calm down. His good friend is watching from the stands. The first pitch comes in a bit outside. 1-0. He fouls off the second pitch down the first base line. People applaud the fact that he made contact. 1-1. Next pitch is a bit inside. 2-1. Then a bit high. Good eye. 3-1. He knows he is going to get a good pitch now. A cut fastball running in on the hands. He was a little late on his swing. 3-2. Full count. Protect the plate. Anything close. The same pitch whizzes by his bat. Strike 3! Like a true professional he asks the umpire if he at least swung at a strike. He waves to the crowd as he walks back to the dugout to a standing ovation. His dream just come true.



This child playing out his dream was 59 year old, actor/comedian Billy Crystal. Crystal ran into Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter while he was vacationaing in Costa Rica. As the two stars began to talk, Billy was telling Derek that he was dreading the fact that he was turning 60 (Crystal wore #60 in the game). Derek asked what he could do to help. Billy, probably sarcastically, said that signing a contract with the Yankees would help. Jeter made it happen. Billy Crystal signed a one day contract with the Yankees. He worked out with the team and took batting practice before the game like every other player. After his at-bat he went back in the dugout where he stayed and was later pitch-hit for by Johny Damon. By the way, Crystal's friend in the stands was Robin Williams.



"Granted, it's an extreme situation, but it's coming true for me, so it can come true for anybody else who wants it and just works hard at making their dreams come true."