George Steinbrenner, the Pinstripes owner known for his no-nonsense attitude, found himself in a unique position sprawling two American cultural icons – New York Yankees and Larry David’s Seinfeld. In a turn of events that could be straight out of a Seinfeld script, the man at the helm of one of the most famous sports teams in history encountered an unusual challenge. Imagine Steinbrenner, with his commanding presence and well-known discipline, auditioning to play himself on Seinfeld—a show famous for turning the ordinary into the absurd, and failing.
The usually indomitable ‘Boss’ found himself in an unfamiliar position – not getting what he wanted. On the Rich Eisen Show, Larry David shed light on the situation. George Steinbrenner was a great New York Yankees owner, but Larry David would fight me if I went close to calling him a half-decent actor.
George Steinbrenner’s surprisingly amiable response to Seinfeld audition letdown
Larry David, while talking about George Steinbrenner’s Seinfeld audition, said, “He flew out on his private jet to do the show. And flew back that day and, okay, he did it. I go into editing and I’m watching the show, and oh my god, he was so awful. He was so bad. You couldn’t use it. It was much better from behind with my voice than actually seeing the real guy doing it.”
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The Boss was so awful, that Larry David had to make the difficult call. But the Yankees owner was rather graceful. Larry David dialed, “Mr. Steinbrenner it’s Larry David calling from The Seinfeld Show. I’m sorry to tell you this.”
Without any hesitation, George replied, “Come on you can tell me. I’m a big boy I can take it.” Finally, the iconic director broke the news, and said, “You’ve been cut from the show. It’s not your fault but the scene wasn’t working and that was it.”
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Notably, actor Lee Bear physically acted the part in the show. However, it was a rather unique portrayal. The character’s face was never revealed to the audience. Moreover, the character’s dialogues were voiced by Larry David, the co-creator of the series. Interestingly, the Boss was not the only Bronx member to travel to the Upper West Side.
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Which Yankees players made appearances in the popular 90s sitcom?
Several Yankees players made memorable appearances in Seinfeld. Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams were featured in “The Abstinence,” receiving batting tips from George Costanza. Paul O’Neill appeared in “The Wink,” tasked by Kramer with hitting two home runs for a sick child.
Danny Tartabull showed up in “The Pledge Drive” and “The Chaperone,” joining Kramer on a PBS pledge drive and appearing on a team flight. Finally, then Yankees manager Buck Showalter made an appearance in “The Chaperone,” where Kramer suggests a uniform change to cotton.
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Have you seen Larry David’s Seinfeld? Who is your favorite character? PS – It can be Derek Jeter too.
