We have our first feature film in post-production. It’s called “Dirty Deeds.” I had a small role in it where I play a homeless bum affectionately called “Mullet.” “Mullet” is the sympathetic character with a secret to bear.
I got some other players and friends of mine involved. We have a group from the Mets that consists of Al Leiter, Mike Piazza, Tom Glavine, Cliff Floyd and Robin Ventura, the one former Met.
My initial baseball partner in this was Jason Giambi. We were already in the process, and I’m in Vegas with Jason playing blackjack and said, “How you’d like to get in the movie business?” He said, “Sounds good.”
The movies that really stick with me are the ones that have a lot more significant impact. “Shawshank Redemption” is one of my favorites. “Braveheart” was great. And I loved “Silence of the Lambs.”
But at the same time, I’ll go and laugh like crazy at “American Pie.”
I thought the Cubs was going to be the great fit. Unfortunately I hurt my thumb. It was the first and only time in my career I’ve ever been hurt. It was disappointing because I went to Ed Lynch and Andy MacPhail and said, “I’d really like to come back. I know it’s been subpar. I’d take a cut. I’d really like to spend some time with this team.” I think they figured my thumb wasn’t going to heal properly.
St. Louis and Chicago are very loyal, suportive, home-team fans. That’s not necessarily different than Philly or New York. But they express themselves differently.
The Yankees was a little more difficult than other places I’ve played–difficult in the sense that I think it’s hard to be a role player on that team. It’s just so immensely talented and such high expectations.
I had no idea until Rick Cerrone, the PR director with the Yankees, told me that I was soon to pass Gus Zernial as the all-time home-run hitter with the last name with a Z. I guess it’s interesting.
Probably the most fun I had as a player was playing on the 2000 team.(1) I really thought the clubhouse was great. I loved the guys. I loved the camaraderie we had and the underdog spirit that we had.
The great part about it was having success on the big stage in the playoffs and the World Series, even though our team didn’t win. I think that’s what every athlete really wants, whether they admit it or not.
I’ve had some Forrest Gump-like experiences along the way.
I was the hitter when Robbie Alomar spit on John Hirschbeck.
When I was in Baltimore, Eddie(2) hit his 500th home run.
I was made aware of that in college.(3) At UCLA, my catching coach was Chris Krug. He’s the one who threw the ball away and that scored the only run of the game.
When I was growing up, Fernando(4) was the guy. I was the batter on deck the night he threw his no-hitter.
The day we got traded(5) was the last episode of “Seinfeld” and the day Frank Sinatra died.
Everytime I got to the playoffs, every elimination was against the Yankees. Every one. Baltimore, Texas, the Mets. I always finished my season watching the Yankees celebrate.
You know what? They always celebrated on my home field.
1: The Mets
2: Eddie Murray
3: He was born in Los Angeles the day Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game against the Cubs in 1965.
4. Fernando Valenzuela
5: When the Dodgers sent Zeile and Piazza to Florida
