Gene L

Mickey Rivers frequently bet so much on horses that, even making a major league salary, Mickey frequently would run out of money before the next paycheck. One day before a game, in his uniform pants, Rivers went into George Steinbrenner's office and said he wanted a bonus. They went back and forth and Steinbrenner finally decided Rivers deserved it, and said it would be in his next paycheck. "I want it now," Rivers said. "In cash." Steinbrenner went to the safe in his office and pulled out $10,000 in hundreds, which Rivers shoved into his back pocket. During the game, Rivers stole second and the throw went into center field. He got up to go to third, but then flopped down on the base again and wouldn't move. Did he not see the throw was wild? Was he wary of the center fielder's arm? Had Mickey hurt himself? No!!! Rivers still had the $10,000 in his back pocket, and when he slid, the money came out. He stayed on the base so he could grab it! Rivers told that story at a charity softball game and everybody laughed. His old Yankees teammate Willie Randolph, who also was at the softball game, said the story was absolutely true.