I'm not sure, that's why I was asking you

By BEN WALKER, AP Baseball Writer 52 minutes ago
TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Billy Crystal better stick to his night job.

The comedian, actor and Oscar presenter struck out in his new career as a baseball player Thursday—and promptly struck out as the New York Yankees’ new leadoff man.

Wearing No. 60 a day before his 60th birthday, and cheered on by fellow funnyman Robin Williams, Crystal gave himself a chance in the first inning in his only at-bat.

Swinging late against Pittsburgh’s Paul Maholm, Crystal bounced a chopper past first baseman Adam LaRoche that landed several feet foul. Crystal got ahead in the count 3-1, but then swung over a pair of 88 mph fastballs.

The crowd gave Crystal a standing ovation, and he raised his hand to salute the fans. Teammate-for-a-day Alex Rodriguez signaled Maholm, who tossed the ball toward the Yankees dugout for a souvenir.

Crystal’s debut—and finale—followed the likes of Garth Brooks and Tom Selleck, other celebrities who played in spring training games.

Johnny Damon took over the DH job from Crystal later in the game. Damon was in the spirit, saying it was fine that he sat at the start in place of Crystal.

“He’s been around longer,” Damon said. “He’s got credibility.”

Before the game, Crystal worked out on the main diamond at Legends Fields.

“I’m really relaxed, I really am,” Crystal said after taking pregame infield practice. “That’s until I see the 6-foot-2, 230-pound guy who’s going to throw who’s never been to a Seder.”

His only sign of nervousness: He chomped nonstop on bubblegum.

While fans rooted for a hit, Crystal’s actual goal was much more modest.

“I just want to touch it,” he said.

And that he did.

Crystal, when asked what position he would playing, replied, "DH. Designated Hebrew."

Mar 27, 6:13 pm EDT

TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Hideki Matsui chuckled Thursday while recounting his big week. Yes, the Yankees slugger really did get married and win a bet with teammates Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu at the same time.

Matsui made the wager at the start of spring training about who would wed first, then flew to New York on his off day Wednesday to get married.

Matsui said Jeter, who claimed not to have a girlfriend, has one year to get married to win the bet. Yankees outfielder Bobby Abreu, who said he has a girlfriend, has six months to win the bet.

Since Matsui said he knew six months ago he was going to get married, he was able to pull a fast one on his teammates, who both said Thursday they would play off their losses immediately.

“He won,” Jeter said. “I’m going to give him the money today.”

The amount of wager was not disclosed.

“I’m happy for him,” Abreu said. “I’ll have to send him a check.”

Jeter didn’t believe reporters at first when told about the marriage. He went to Matsui’s locker to confirm it.

“Yeah, I’m surprised,” Jeter said. “Good for him.”

Even Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who was informed about Matsui’s wedding this week, got a good laugh out of it.

“Sometimes you should get all the information before you make a bet,” Girardi said.

When asked if he got married just to win the bet, Matsui laughed and said “Maybe.”

Freakin' rain delay on Opening Day

I feel bad for the people who took off work to go to this "historical" opening day. Actually, I'm pretty sick of hearing it referred to as "historical". From the way that the media is carrying on about it being "the last opening day for the original Yankee Stadium", you would have thought that Babe Ruth himself had come back from the great beyond to throw the first pitch.

I tried to get tickets to the Red Sox game a few years ago because they were playing in the Bronx on Mr. Babe's birthday. The game was sold out, so I went to Stub Hub. The halfway decent seats were going for $750 each.

I tried to get tickets to the Red Sox game a few years ago because they were playing in the Bronx on Mr. Babe's birthday. The game was sold out, so I went to Stub Hub. The halfway decent seats were going for $750 each.