Almost no hitter has been happier after a strikeout. Billy Crystal, who turned 60 today, had the opportunity to play for the Yankees in their Spring Training game against the Pirates yesterday. Leading off and serving as the DH -- he said it stood for Designated Hebrew -- Crystal got a piece of one pitch and chopped it foul down the first-base line. He also showed a good eye to work the count to 3-1,......

Even if it's only in a preseason game, and even if it's only against the Pirates, Billy Crystal will realize his lifelong dream of playing for the Yankees. The team announced Monday it had signed him to a one-day minor-league contract. Publicity stunt? Sure. But as far as the Yankees, who will send him to the field Thursday, see it, a harmless one. Crystal, who played baseball for Long Beach High School (Long Island) and......