Former New York Yankees star Paul O'Neill continues to receive residual income from his brief appearance on the hit sitcom "Seinfeld," highlighting the enduring popularity of the show.
Paul O'Neill's brief but memorable cameo in the hit sitcom "Seinfeld" continues to pay off for the former New York Yankees star. During a recent broadcast of a Yankees game on the YES Network, fellow commentator David Cone asked O'Neill if he still received residuals from the show.
O'Neill responded, "Yeah, they're like 57 bucks. It's not big time. It's a good reminder, though, that you were on the show. It's kinda cool."
The modest sum of $57 may not seem like much, but it serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of "Seinfeld," which continues to air in syndication and on streaming platforms. The show's iconic characters and hilarious storylines have resonated with audiences for decades, ensuring its relevance and continued cultural impact.
O'Neill appeared in the episode "The Wink" in season 7, where he played himself in a scene with Michael Richards, who portrayed the eccentric Kramer. In the episode, Kramer promises a young boy in the hospital that he would get the right fielder to hit two home runs in a game to retrieve a birthday card signed by the Yankees for owner George Steinbrenner, which Kramer had sold.
Along with O'Neill, several other Yankees players also made appearances on "Seinfeld," including Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Danny Tartabull, and manager Buck Showalter. A stunt double was used for Steinbrenner, with co-creator Larry David providing the voice.
In addition to his "Seinfeld" cameo, O'Neill enjoyed a successful baseball career with both the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees. He was known for his powerful bat and his ability to hit home runs.
O'Neill had 15 multi-home run games in his career, including hitting three dingers on August 31, 1995. While the game featured in the "Seinfeld" episode was not one of them, O'Neill's reputation as a home run hitter was well established.
The Yankees retired O'Neill's No. 21 in 2022, honoring his contributions to the team and his place in Yankees lore. The number was unofficially retired for many years before the official ceremony in Monument Park, a testament to the respect and admiration O'Neill had earned during his playing days.
Today, O'Neill continues to be involved in baseball as a color commentator for the YES Network. He brings his knowledge and wit to the broadcast booth, providing insights and entertaining anecdotes for viewers. His "Seinfeld" cameo may have been brief, but it remains a reminder of his iconic status both on and off the field.
