It pays to have been on Seinfeld. Just ask Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell.

McDowell, who worked as a relief man for 12 MLB seasons, made a quick cameo in one of the more memorable episodes of the popular comedy. Even though he was on-screen for fewer than 10 seconds, McDowell still gets some money every time his episode airs.


McDowell and former teammate Keith Hernandez play themselves in an episode called "The Boyfriend," in which the characters Kramer and Newman recall how someone spat on them after a game at Shea Stadium. At first the guys accuse Hernandez, but the first baseman says it was actually McDowell who did the spitting.

With the help of some Zapruder film, Hernandez explains how McDowell was actually the "second spitter." Here's the clip:

As you can see, McDowell doesn't have any lines and is hardly on camera. So making any money from this gig is a win. And if McDowell still gets money for that small role, you may wonder how much the main actors receive. The answer? A lot.

Perhaps more significant than the royalties is the fact that McDowell has become somewhat of a cult hero for fans of the show.


McDowell, now 54, is still asked about his involvement in the plot and has yet to reveal the truth.

Derek Jeter's Retirement Gifts

 

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

True to the Southern California culture, the Halos presented Jeter with a pinstripe paddleboard.

 

Houston Astros

Keeping with the local culture theme, the Astros gave the Captain a pair of personalized cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and some golf clubs.

 

Cleveland Indians

The Indians, who play in the city that is considered by some the birthplace of Rock n' Roll, gave Jeter a personalized guitar.

 

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners presented Jeter with a chair from the old Kingdome, a base from Safeco field and a $5,000 check for his Turn 2 Foundation. Not pictured here is the $34,000 Jay-Z Hublot that Jeter's former teammate, Robinson Cano, gave him.

 

Cincinnati Reds

During a rare trip to Yankee Stadium, the Reds gave Jeter framed autographed jerseys of Davey Concepcion and Barry Larkin. The frame also included photos from June 3, 2003, the day Jeter was named the 14th Yankees captain before a game against the Reds in Cincinnati.

 

Chicago White Sox

On behalf of the White Sox, Paul Konerko presented Jeter with a miniature bench made of out bats, balls and bases, U.S. Cellular Field shortstop dirt in a glass container adorned with legendary shortstops' names and a $5,000 check for the Turn 2 Foundation.

 

Texas Rangers

Jeter got another pair of cowboy boots from Texas' other team along with a framed photo of Jeter and then-president George W. Bush from Game 3 of the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium. The former owner of the Rangers was on hand to present the gift to Jeter.

 

Minnesota Twins

The Twins gave Jeter the last second base from the Metrodome. That bag was used during Game 3 of the 2009 ALDS, when Jeter and the Yankees beat the Twins, 4-1.

 

Chicago Cubs

Jeter received the No. 2 from Wrigley Field's famed hand-operated scoreboard.

 

New York Mets

The crosstown Mets presented Jeter with a No. 2 subway mosaic as well as a $22,222 check for the Turn 2 Foundation.

 

Detroit Tigers

Detroit's tribute was extra emotional for Jeter, who grew up in Kalamazoo, Mich. With Jeter's family on the field, the Tigers presented him with a $5,000 check for the Turn 2 Foundation, a pair of seats from Tiger Stadium and a trio of paintings of Jeter dating back to his high school days.

 

Oakland A's

In addition to a $10,000 check to his foundation, the A's presented Jeter with a personalized bottle of Napa Valley wine.

 

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers presented Jeter with a bronze replica of his bat, a stay at the prestigious American Club and a round of golf at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis.

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