Celebrity Athlete Crossovers
Gary Coleman, former star of the television series 'Diff'rent Strokes,' signed a one-game contract with a minor league baseball team as part of a promotion. But Coleman certainly isn't the only celebrity to make a surprise appearance as an athlete in the sports world. Click through to see the others.
Richard Drew, AP
Billy Crystal took his cuts for the Yankees in an exhibition game against the Pirates in March. The life-long Yankees fan received his cameo just before his 60th birthday, and he was released on the day he blew out his candles.
Bill Kostroun, AP
Garth Brooks played in spring training games for the Padres and Mets between 1998 and 2004. Country music's biggest superstar managed to get just two hits in 47 at-bats, but his stints helped raise money for children's charities.
Mike Fiala, AFP / Getty Images
Writer George Plimpton attended training camp with the Detroit Lions in 1963 and ran a few plays at quarterback in a scrimmage. Nine years later, the 'Paper Lion' played against Detroit in a preseason game for the Colts.
Ron Galella, WireImage.com
Actor Mickey Rourke compiled a 20-6 record as an amateur boxer before he became known as a tough-guy on the silver screen. He returned to the ring in the early 1990s, but couldn't find the same success as a pro.
Steve Starr, Corbis
Paul Newman discovered a passion for auto racing while filming the 1968 film 'Winning'. He has been active in the sport ever since, competing as a driver in major sanctioned events and fielding teams as a Champ Car owner.
Everett Collection
Rap mogul Master P (Percy Miller) signed contracts with the NBA's Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors in the late '90s, but never made it into a regular-season game. The Grammy winner and No Limit Records founder did play, however, in the CBA.
Harry How, Allsport / Getty Images
Master P's son, Romeo (Percy Romeo Miller Jr.), released three studio albums before turning 18 and will be attending USC next fall on a basketball scholarship. The former Lil' Romeo started at point guard for four years at Beverly Hills High School.
Arnold Turner, WireImage.com
Actress Geena Davis hoped to make the US Olympic Archery team in 2000. The Academy Award winner's best shot wasn't good enough though as she placed 24th out of 28 semi-finalists.
Charles Rex Arbogast, AP
'Beverly Hills 90210' star Jason Priestley was air-lifted to a hospital after slamming his Indy Pro Series car into a Kentucky Speedway wall at a high speed in 2002. The open-wheel racing fan had a full recovery and is still involved in the sport today.
Ed Reinke, AP
You will see below as someone from the team explains -- with motions -- how to swing a baseball bat. Then you will see that Coleman hid superballs inside his bat ala Sammy Sosa. Then you will see him get ejected and start a fight with the umpire. Good times all around.
Per Home Run Derby, Coleman signed a one-game contract with the Madison Mallards. Which may or may not have involved four hot dogs per at-bat.
