He's hosted the Oscars, starred in movies, and sold out stand-up comedy shows, but over the last couple of days Billy Crystal has lived his lifelong dream. Since his first trip to Yankee Stadium as a kid (as he relates in his movie City Slickers), he's wanted to be a New York Yankee. Yesterday afternoon, he finally got his chance.

Granted, he just turned 60 today and was never a great athlete. Still, he worked out with the club, did his stretching and running and fielding and batting practice just like the other rookies. (I think probably Yogi was the only Yankee in camp who could actually call him "kid"...) When his turn finally came as leadoff hitter in the game, the crowd gave him a rousing ovation through every pitch, as if encouraged just by his temerity to stand there. Sure, he struck out swinging, but not before he knocked a good shot foul down the first base line. Lost in the reporting, though, was this accomplishment: in true recent Yankee fashion, he worked the pitcher and made him throw six pitches to get him out.

Billy didn't smack a homer, or even get on base. Still, the effort and preparation was enough to cement the day in his mind for years to come. He reminded us of the value of dreams, and to never give up on them. It was an honor to sit in the stands and watch him strike out.

I'd pay alot of money to get the same chance, and I have enough confidence in my own abilities to be sure that I, too, could get up there in the batters box and strike out...

Hell, I'd pay alot of money just to listen to Billy and Yogi talk...