Russell: No qualms about Crystal

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

DUNEDIN -- Pirates manager John Russell says he has no qualms about entertainer Billy Crystal playing for the Yankees in Thursday's game in Tampa.
"Baseball is a kid's game at heart, and he's loved it since he was a kid," Russell said before today's game against the Blue Jays at Knology Park. "He's been a big ambassador for baseball, and any time we can do something like that, it's a great plus.
"It's a light moment you don't always get in baseball, and it's a great opportunity for the players to see it and all of baseball to see that it is a kid's game at heart," Russell said.
Crystal signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees to appear in the game. He will wear No. 60 on the day before his 60th birthday.
Crystal, who directed and produced the movie "61*," batted .348 and was team captain at Long Beach High in New York during his senior year.