And now at bat: Billy Crystal

Arts and Culture

And now at bat: Billy Crystal

One day before his 60th birthday, comedian Billy Crystal got a chance to play with the Yankees in a spring training game.

Comedian Billy Crystal had a lifelong dream realized when he got a chance to play in an exhibition game with the New York Yankees.

Carrying his own bat, Crystal is escorted into the clubhouse before a workout with the Yankees at Legends Field in Tampa, Fla.

The lifelong Yankees fan signed a contract with New York in the presence of assistant GM Jean Afterman. The Yankees invited Crystal to work out and play with the team Wednesday and Thursday as a 60th birthday gift to him.

Yankees chief operating officer Lonn Trost congratulates Crystal after he signed his contract.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi temporarily assigns No. 60 to Crystal.

What position? "DH," he replied, "designated Hebrew."

Yankees special adviser Reggie Jackson, left, and shortstop Derek Jeter stand by the batting cage with Crystal before Wednesday's workout.

Crystal gets some advice from Jackson, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

Crystal stretches with Jeter, a three-time Gold Glove winner.

Crystal attended Marshall University on a baseball scholarship, but he never played because the program was suspended midyear.

He also directed the movie "61*" -- a retelling of the home-run race between Yankees Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.

During Wednesday's practice, the right-hander made contact on all 52 swings.

Pitcher Brian Bruney offers Crystal a few words of encouragement before Thursday's game against the Pirates.

Because Crystal needed a little moral support, so he invited friend and fellow comedian Robin Williams to attend the game.

In his first at-bat, Crystal makes contact, bouncing a chopper past Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche (a former Braves player) that landed several feet foul.

Crystal got ahead in the count 3-1, but swung over a pair of Paul Maholm's 88 mph fastballs.

Strikeout!

Crystal takes a curtain call after striking out in his only plate appearance as the Yankees designated hitter. Fans gave him a standing ovation.

Derek Jeter pats Crystal on the head as he returns to the dugout.

His at-bat might not have turned out as well as he had hoped, but Crystal still had his sense of humor, making third baseman Alex Rodriguez crack up. Center fielder Jason Lane was a tougher audience.

1/20

Comedian Billy Crystal had a lifelong dream realized when he got a chance to play in an exhibition game with the New York Yankees.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

Ice storm warning

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

01202026 day of protests

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta ICE protest join national effort