Gamechanger

When the Yankees came to Stage 9

When George did “The Opposite” and landed the job of his dreams it was a gamechanger for the Seinfeld cast and crew.

We were used to new actors joining us every week but these weren’t actors…and they weren’t just any athletes either. There was an electricity on the set, fueled in part by Jerry and Larry’s love for the game.

Players at completely different stages of their careers. Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, still emerging, and Paul O’Neill and Danny Tartabull were already established names. Buck Showalter and George Steinbrenner were icing on the Yankee cake. These weren’t just guest stars. That mix of young talent, rising stars, and established veterans, management and ownership: We had all sides of the organization represented.

Between scenes, Derek Jeter and I were chatting. He must have been 19, maybe 20, and wasn’t a superstar yet. The players were staying at a hotel in Marina del Rey, (not the Ramada Inn lol). I lived near that area (still do) and he asked me if I knew any good restaurants near there, he didn’t know the area. It was one of those moments I didn’t think too much of at the time, but years later I was able to tell my sons: “Derek Jeter asked your mom for restaurant recommendations.”

What surprised me then- and still does when I watch it now- was how natural they all were in front of the camera. I expected it to be awkward but these Bronx Bombers with very little rehearsal, knocked it out of the park.