Why?

Red Sox Nation is corny but it could never be cornier than this.

TAMPA, Fla.—Billy Crystal will get to "look mahvelous" in pinstripes. The actor will sign a one-day, minor league contract with the New York Yankees and play in Thursday's exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Crystal, an avid Yankees fan, will work out with the team on Wednesday and will wear uniform No. 60 for the game -- to be played one day before his 60th birthday. The Yankees said Monday they have the approval of baseball commissioner Bud Selig.

"I've been waiting 50 years for this call," Crystal said in a statement released by the team. "I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the Yankees and commissioner Selig. I know this'll be tougher than the Broadway Softball League, but I'm looking forward to helping the younger players, which by the way is all of them. Oops, I have to go, Scott Boras is on the phone."

The day Affleck signs a one-day contract is the day I become a Cincinnati Reds fan. Why the Reds? Ted Kluszewski, mostly. No sleeves! Obviously Lou Brown was too busy ordering white walls at the time to give him the business. But seriously, I think the only celebrity fan who I could accept the Sox giving a one day contract to is Peter Gammons. Or Benzino. Oh, also Kevin Millar.