Billy Crystal gave a parting shot to LaTroy Hawkins, who found his brand new running shoes screwed into the top of his locker. When he walked into the clubhouse this morning, Hawkins laughed at the sight. "That's good.'' Players also alerted Hawkins to Mike Mussina's eraser board, where Crystal had signed his name below a message: "Don't (mess) with me!!!''
Hawkins, the camp's biggest prankster, had orchestrated a two-day assault on Crystal, whose shoelaces were constantly snapped and his socks had holes cut in the toes. Crystal had told clubhouse aides that he'd get Hawkins back before he left. Crystal left his own baseball card on Hawkins' nameplate.
Hawkins immediately pinned the blame on rookie Andrew Brackman. "It's Brackman's fault,'' Hawkins said, smiling. He's had an ongoing prank battle with the 6-foot-10 pitcher, which included having Brackman's car removed from the players' lot.
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