If you know anything about the Gorilla, you know that he loves the game of baseball with a passion. Anytime the Gorilla can take in a game, he does. His favorite team? Well growing up in the Detroit area, he is a pretty die-hard Tiger fan, but just about any baseball game gets the Gorilla’s blood pumping. Man, what the Gorilla wouldn’t do to have a chance to play in the Majors- even for just a day! It would be the ultimate baseball fan’s dream come true, and yesterday, for one very ecstatic Billy Crystal (yes, THE Billy Crystal) the dream became reality- even if it was for just a day!
Just like the Gorilla and many other people, it was Mr. Crystal’s lifelong dream to play with the New York Yankees. The actor, comedian, and host of the Oscars, wanted his chance and today, after suiting up with the number 60 on his Jersey (after signing a one-day minor league contract), he went out there to lead off for the Yanks during a spring training game at the appropriately named Legend’s Field in Tampa, Florida. Billy Crystal, known for his lighthearted humor, seemed relaxed and calm as he took the field and chomped non-stop on bubblegum. “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- one who’s never been to a Seder.”
Fans went crazy when the actor came to the plate. But although it didn’t go all that well, it was still a decent attempt, and he even made contact with the ball! He hit a ball down the first base line, just foul. He then got the count to 3-1, before finally striking out. He showed great awreness of the strike zone. For a 60-year-old man, who hasn’t played baseball since high school, to have that kind of attempt, is pretty darn good if you ask the Gorilla. It shows his athletic ability and tenacity. “I just want to touch it,” he said. And that is exactly what he did. Congrats Mr. Crystal! The Gorilla’s hat certainly goes off to you.