Rangers slugger big hit with fans
Baseball slugger Sammy Sosa took advantage of the All-Star Game break with a Las Vegas getaway.
The Texas Rangers designated hitter, who last month became only the fifth player to reach the 600 home run club, took a group of eight to Cirque du Soleil’s production of The Beatles’ "Love" show at The Mirage on Monday.
Fans quickly descended on Sosa at the end of the show, and he took the time to sign autographs and pose for photos.
Sosa and his group later partied at Jet nightclub at The Mirage, not far from boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr.
In previous trips to Las Vegas, Sosa has gone by the alias of "Maximo Ali."
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR
Roy Hammock‘s dead-on impersonation of Willie Nelson has been fooling folks for years, including, it turns out, one of my eye spies.
That was Hammock who was drawing a crowd Saturday at the Fremont Street Experience.
His uncanny resemblance has created some ticklish situations, said Hammock, 70, who has been filling in with the "Country Superstars Tribute" at Fitzgerald’s.
A few years ago, he stopped in a biker bar in Couer d’ Alene, Idaho, with some friends and got cornered by a big-as-a-house biker who insisted on going outside, saying, "I got some good stuff."
Hammock stalled and tried sneaking off, he said, but got caught and had to fake his way out of imbibing in the wacky weed.
He met the real deal about eight years ago, shortly after giving up his convention meeting planner career to become a Willie look-alike.
During their chat, Hammock promised Nelson he would never do anything to embarrass him.
Nelson’s response: "I hope you have as much fun being me as I do."
Nelson performed in Wendover on Tuesday night.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Gustav Mauler‘s Sazio Italian restaurant at The Orleans closed out a six-year run Tuesday night with a farewell wine dinner and fundraiser. More than a dozen local celebrity caricatures that covered the walls were sold for $100 each, with the proceeds going to Catholic Charities. The Orleans is taking over the space and will operate the restaurant. Still available are the portraits of: Mayor Oscar Goodman, Siegfried & Roy, Sen. John Ensign, former Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, Susan Anton, Paula Francis, Clint Holmes, Robin Leach, former Gov. Kenny Guinn, Casey Smith and Ron Futrell. They can be purchased by the close of business on Saturday or by contacting Sazio at 948-9500. …
Fox Sports Network’s "Best Damn Sports Show Period" is taping poolside Friday and Saturday at Hooters Casino Hotel. Co-hosts Chris Rose, John Salley and Rob Dibble will interview Mayweather, Pam Anderson, Jennifer Tilly and Kevin Durant, among others.
SIGHTINGS
University of Texas basketball star Durant, the NBA’s No. 2 overall draft pick of 2007, dining Tuesday at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars). … Nelly and Ashanti, riding all three thrill rides, Big Shot, X Scream and Insanity, at the Stratosphere on Monday. He was in town to play in the World Series of Poker’s main event. … Kendra Todd, winner of the third season of "The Apprentice," filming segments for an upcoming Montel Williams episode at The Tank at the Golden Nugget on Tuesday. … At separate tables at Morton’s: NBA head coaches Marc Iavaroni (Memphis Grizzlies) and Larry Krystowiak (Milwaukee Bucks)in large parties on Monday. … Dallas Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson, with his son, Avery Jr., at In-N-Out on Tropicana and I-15 on Monday. … Fred Savage of "The Wonder Years" at "Love" on Monday.
THE PUNCH LINE
"So hot Scooter Libby wishes he was in the cooler." — David Letterman, on the East’s heat wave.
Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
NORM CLARKEMORE COLUMNS
