TAMPA, Fla. — Billy Crystal got to live out his lifelong dream of playing for the Yankees today.

Even though Crystal didn't reach base in his lone at-bat — after getting ahead 3-and-1, Crystal struck out swinging against Pirates lefthander Paul Maholm — he said: "It was unbelievable. It's the strangest, greatest moment of my life. I don't even know how to describe it, it was so intensely good."

Crystal, who turns 60 on Friday and wore No. 60, handled himself well while leading off the bottom of the first inning as the designated hitter. Crystal watched ball one, then fouled a grounder sharply down the first-base line past first baseman Adam LaRoche to even the count at 1-and-1. He then watched a ball inside and a ball outside before swinging and missing at two cut fastballs inside. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he was "impressed."

The 6-2, 230-pound Maholm, who tossed the ball toward the Yankees' dugout to give Crystal a souvenir and later got Crystal's autograph, said he didn't just lob it in there but added: "I wasn't taking him as seriously as I was (Derek) Jeter, the next hitter."

Yankees starter Mike Mussina said of the matchup: "You give up a hit to the pitcher in the National League, that's not that good. If you give up a hit to a 60-year-old actor, you're going to be hearing about it for a while."

The Yankees signed Crystal to a one-day minor-league contract with an invitation to major league spring training, with the approval of commissioner Bud Selig. It drew lots of attention, including TV crews from all the major networks.

Crystal received the loudest applause during player introductions. He also got a standing ovation from the Legends Field crowd when he went to the plate and as he walked back to the dugout after striking out.

Jeter gave Crystal a good-luck pat on the helmet before his at-bat, and the actor/comedian received a fist-bump from Jeter and hugs and handshakes from teammates as he returned to the dugout.

Johnny Damon, who replaced him, had no problem with Crystal starting in his place, saying, "He's been around longer than me. He's got some credibility."

Crystal, a lifelong Yankees fan, remained in the dugout for much of the game, with close friend Robin Williams in one of the first rows. Crystal also watched an inning of the game with owner George Steinbrenner. Said Crystal: "I was afraid I was going to get traded for Seinfeld."

(c) 2008, Newsday.

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