Relaxed Beckham upstages Yankees

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-08-07 09:00

TORONTO - A relaxed David Beckham managed to upstage even the New York Yankees and their glittering lineup including Alex Rodriguez and Roger Clemens on Monday.


Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham (L) handles a bat in the dugout before the Toronto Blue Jays play the New York Yankees in their American League MLB baseball game in Toronto August 6, 2007. [Reuters]

Beckham and his Los Angeles Galaxy team mates had extended their stay in Toronto a day after a 0-0 draw against Toronto FC on Sunday.

They used part of their spare time to take in a Blue Jays-Yankees matinee where the former England soccer captain, wearing jeans and a T-shirt, set the Roger Centre abuzz when he appeared out of the Toronto dugout to take in some of the Yankees batting practice.

Several members of the Blue Jays and Yankees took the opportunity to get autographs and have their picture taken with the world's most famous soccer player. They included New York manager Joe Torre, who had a brief conversation with Beckham before escorting him into the New York club house.

Yankees officials said Beckham chatted with several players, including team captain Derek Jeter but did not have a chance to talk with Clemens or Rodriguez, who like Beckham has signed a contract that will earn him $250 million.

Beckham later returned to the field, wearing a Blue Jays Jersey with his name stitched across the back, for the ceremonial first pitch thrown by Canadian team mates Ante Jazic and Kevin Harmse.

The Galaxy are scheduled to fly to Washington on Tuesday for a match on Thursday against D.C. United.

Beckham, who continues to struggle with a nagging left ankle injury, leaves Toronto with no set date for a return to action saying he needed another week to 10 days to reach game fitness.



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