The newest Supreme Court Justice is, for sure, a team player. Literally. During breaks in court sessions, she's warming up for her latest gig, pitching for the New York Yankees in the World Series.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi was not eager to give her the spot when she first asked him about it. But he finally agreed, when she impressed him and many others with the strike she threw as the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium this past September 26. "I have to admit -- she doesn't pitch like a girl," a Yanks fan was quoted as saying.
If truth be told, Girardi agreed to Sotomayor's demand for another reason. He wants to butter her up when the umpire shouts "Batter Up" and any disputes arise that ultimately end up in the Supreme Court. One fan looked at Girardi's decision this way: "He's keeping the little lady happy, so she'll never rule against him or his team. Let's just say he's making an investment."
The Yankees did draw the line, however, when Sotomayor demanded permission to lead fans in the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch. "Buy her some peanuts and cracker jack," one of the front-office guys said, "but that's it. Enough's enough." A disgruntled player was heard to mumble under his breath, "Watch your step, lady, or YER OUT."
