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Keith Hernandez receives annual residuals from 'Seinfeld' appearances

Keith Hernandez, a former New York Mets first baseman and current team broadcaster, continues to earn residuals from his guest spots on the sitcom Seinfeld. On the SI Media Podcast in 2023, Hernandez said he receives between $3,000 and $5,000 annually.^[1]

Hernandez played for the Mets from 1983 to 1989, earning 11 consecutive National League Gold Glove Awards at first base from 1978 to 1988 and helping the team win the 1986 World Series.^[2] He joined the Mets radio booth in 1997 and shifted primarily to television in 2000, working alongside Gary Cohen and Ron Darling; he is a four-time New York Emmy Award winner.^[3]

Hernandez appeared as himself in the season 3 two-part episode "The Boyfriend," aired February 20 and 26, 1992. The storyline referenced a real incident on June 14, 1987, when Hernandez was fined $1,000 for spitting toward fans and a photographer after a Mets-Cardinals game at Busch Memorial Stadium.^[4]^[5]

The episode featured Hernandez's memorable line, "I'm Keith Hernandez," later used as the title for a 2007 documentary about him.^[6]

Former New York Yankees outfielder Paul O'Neill appeared as himself in season 7 episode "The Wink," aired May 16, 1996. While calling a Yankees game in April 2024, O'Neill said his residuals amount to about $57 per check.^[7]

Other Yankees players who appeared on Seinfeld include Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and Danny Tartabull; manager Buck Showalter also featured in an episode. Team owner George Steinbrenner was portrayed by a stunt double voiced by Larry David.^[8]