Halladay jersey still a perfect fit
A Las Vegas gaming executive said he's not backing away from his $10,000 commitment to a Philadelphia charity after learning the jersey he purchased was not worn by Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay during his perfect game May 29.
It's all good, said Felix Rappaport, the new president and CEO of The Mirage.
"I'm happy with everything," he said, adding that the gesture was "all about helping the kids."
The Philadelphia native had the winning bid during a live auction at an August fundraiser for the Shane Victorino Foundation, which was created by the Phillies outfielder, who lives in Las Vegas.
Rappaport, who grew up in Philadelphia, is on the board of directors for the foundation, which promotes opportunities for underprivileged children.
Confusion about the jersey arose after a photo appeared here Oct. 7 of Rappaport with the framed collectible. A number of readers noted it was a home jersey , while Halladay's gem against the Florida Marlins took place on the road.
Rappaport received an acknowledgement in an e-mail on Wednesday that it was not the jersey Halladay wore during the perfect game.
"We're so sorry if there was any confusion," wrote Kari Uyehara, executive director of the Las Vegas-based not-for-profit foundation.
Halladay's jersey was donated to the Baseball Hall of Fame, she said.
Adding to the confusion was the description of the live auction package.
"This authentic Roy Halladay framed collection commemorates a great moment in Phillies and MLB history. Your package includes a Halladay signed jersey, baseball and actual game ticket from the Phillies vs. Marlins game where the Phillies ace made history by pitching a perfect game!"
Halladay added a no-hitter Oct. 6 against the Cincinnati Reds, his post-season debut after 12 seasons in the majors.
He faces the San Francisco Giants in the opening of the National League Championship Series, his first start today since the no-hitter.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Local Elvis impersonator Jesse Garon has invited one of the rescued Chilean miners -- an Elvis fan -- to a Las Vegas getaway. Garon said his offer to Edison Pena includes a renewal of vows that Garon would officiate at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Pena told reporters he spent much of 69 days underground listening to Elvis music."I'll foot the bill myself but I know Las Vegas and Las Vegas gives," said Garon, who has been the official Elvis of Las Vegas for several years...
Andy DiMino and his girlfriend, Susan Griffiths, appear as their stage act, "The Crooner & The Bombshell" in the Oct. 27 episode of "The Defenders," the CBS show starring Jim Belushi and Jerry O'Connell. ..
Top Rank boxing has signed international TV sports reporter Ines Sainz for the Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito world superwelterweight championship fight in Arlington, Texas, Nov. 13. She was in the news recently for being harassed by members of the New York Jets...
Like Cher's farewell tours, former Nevada Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren indicated his open house celebrations of Nevada Day would be his last. But this time he means it. A pack rat of all things Las Vegas, Hammargren is closing it down after his Oct. 31 celebration. For more information: http://www.nevadadays.org
SIGHTINGS
Child star actor Emmanuel Lewis, making a guest star appearance in Nathan Burton's show Friday at the Flamingo...Country star Martina McBride and her entourage were in the Mizuya Lounge at Mandalay Bay Thursday, checking out the local band "Phoenix" for two sets. Shari Belafonte, in town for the Marie Claire fundraiser, was spotted playing Pai Gow Thursday night at South Point... World vertical skateboarding champion Sandro Dias of Brazil, backstage at "Love" (Mirage) on Thursday chatting with friend and cast member Marco de Santi, a former in-line world champion.
THE PUNCH LINE
"The rescued Chilean miners were sent to the hospital for observation, except for the one with the wife and the mistress. He went straight to the witness protection program." -- Jay Leno
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
