Paul O’Neill’s brief cameo on the hit TV show “Seinfeld” is still proving to be profitable for the former New York Yankees star. He appeared in the episode “The Wink” in season 7, where his character is tasked with hitting two home runs in a game in order to retrieve a birthday card for owner George Steinbrenner. O’Neill’s appearance on the show is one of several by Yankees players during the 1990s, including Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Danny Tartabull, and manager Buck Showalter.
While working as a color commentator for a Yankees game, O’Neill’s former teammate David Cone asked him if he still receives residuals from his appearance on “Seinfeld.” O’Neill jokingly responded that the payments were only around $57, but acknowledged that it was a cool reminder of his time on the show. O’Neill had a successful baseball career with 15 multi-homer games, including hitting three home runs in a single game in 1995. The Yankees retired his No. 21 jersey in 2022 as a tribute to his contributions to the team.
In addition to O’Neill, other Yankees players and personnel made appearances on “Seinfeld.” A stunt double was used for owner George Steinbrenner, with the character’s voice provided by co-creator Larry David. Despite filming a scene for the show, the real Steinbrenner was not as open to poking fun at his mistakes, such as the infamous trade of Jay Buhner for Ken Phelps. The show often featured comedic storylines involving the Yankees and had a lasting impact on pop culture.
O’Neill’s time on “Seinfeld” was a fun and unique experience for the former baseball player. While the residuals he receives from the show are not substantial, they serve as a pleasant reminder of his role on the hit series. His appearance on the show, along with those of other Yankees players, added to the cultural relevance of the team during their dominant run in the 1990s. The episode “The Wink” remains a fan favorite among viewers and a memorable moment in O’Neill’s career.
After retiring from baseball, O’Neill continued to be involved in the sport, working as a color commentator for Yankees games. His interactions with former teammates like David Cone during broadcasts provide fans with insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the team. O’Neill’s successful career with the Yankees and his memorable appearance on “Seinfeld” have solidified his place in both the sports and entertainment worlds. His contributions to the team and his enduring popularity among fans are a testament to his impact on the sport of baseball.
