Welcome to NC

Today my new co-worker (radio broadcaster) has moved into my apartment. He is from New York and is a huge Yankees fan which is really refreshing. Living in NC, I feel like I have to make excuses for being a Yankees fan. My co-worker actually has a Yankee tattoo! I thought I was a hardcore fan. That is just incredible.  I guess we won’t be fighting over the conch.

Dream Come True?

Today famous actor/comedian Billy Crystal made his long awaited (60 years) major league debut.  So what if it is spring training.   He was in the starting lineup as a DH and he led off the game.  Paul Maholm started the game for the Pirates.  In his only at bat, Crystal struck out swinging in a tough battle with the pitcher.  He saw a total of 6 pitches and 5 were fastballs.  The last pitch thrown was an inside slider that really had some bite.  Crystal actually fouled a ball down the first base line during his at bat.   Maholm was clocked at around 89 MPH.  During a game interview, Crystal said that the quality/velocity of the pitcher was about the same in high school.  I would have to disagree with him and that isn’t saying much for Maholm.

If I was Maholm, why would you throw the guy a slider?  He could barely hit the fastball to begin with; give him a chance at least.  This is an exhibition game for crying out loud. Crystal was locked in a zone and was all business during his at bat, but clearly was disappointed with the end result.

I have never been a fan of such celebrity spectacles, but Crystal is a very nice guy and he absolutely is a huge Yankees fan.  The question now is: do you have to be famous to perform such a stunt?  Yeah you probably do, which is a shame.  Looks like I have a long way to go.  I know if I had such an opportunity presented to me, I would be ecstatic.  If I had anything less than a hit in my only plate appearance I would consider it a complete failure.   Call me greedy if you will.