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“How Is Old Nails” – Lenny Dykstra Once Gushed Over a Three-Time Oscar Winner While Recalling Celebrity Encounters

Published 01/01/2023, 5:26 AM EST

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Retired MLB star Lenny Dykstra made his name in the world of baseball playing for the New York Mets. His notable performances during his playing days earned him a considerable fan following. But more importantly, he also built acquaintances with many celebrities. That included high-profile figures like a renowned three-time Oscar-winning movie star. 

Dykstra gained prominence after winning the lone World Series championship of his career with the Mets in 1986. He also played for the Philadelphia Phillies until his retirement in 1996. Making three All-Star appearances throughout his career, he also won a Silver Slugger Award. So Dykstra’s on-field heroics eventually made him a friend of the Hollywood icon, Jack Nicholson. 

Lenny Dykstra on his friendly ties with Jack Nicholson 

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It wouldn’t be wrong to sum up Dykstra’s life so far as eventful. From MLB stardom, entrepreneurial success, and bankruptcy to serving prison time, he has gone through enormous highs and lows. So on June 28th, 2016, he released his autobiography titled, House of Nails: A Memoir of Life on the Edge. The book made it to the 11th spot on the New York Times Nonfiction Best-Seller List that year. 

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In one section of the book, Dykstra mentioned his celebrity encounters. While recalling his experiences, he had the highest praise for the legendary Nicholson. The Academy Award recipient actor lived his younger days like a rockstar. Out of a remarkable 12 nominations, Nicholson won the Oscar for his work on movies such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, As Good as it Gets, and Terms of Endearment.  

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Dykstra described how Nicholson attended many of the MLB star’s parties. According to Dykstra, Nicholson would go and ask, “Where is old Nails?” Moreover, Nicholson even gifted a jacket of his to Dykstra. It was the same jacket that Nicholson wore to the sets of the film, A Few Good Men. 

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Dykstra repaid such kindness by taking Nicholson to his batting practice sessions at the Dodger Stadium. According to Dykstra, Nicholson would often take his eight-year-old son along with him. The stellar actor would then reportedly point to the second base and tell his son, “Son, you see out there? That’s the position your old man used to play.”

In fact, Dykstra even termed Nicholson as the best wingman ever, since the iconic actor helped him in impressing women. Dykstra would intentionally call Jack to impress women, and according to him, Jack would ask, “How is old Nails?”. The retired MLB star mentioned how a call from the iconic actor was enough to make any women fall for him.

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While talking about his other celebrity friends, Dykstra mentioned actors Charlie Sheen and Mickey Rourke. But it might be safe to assume that Dykstra’s friendly ties with Nicholson ran deeper than the others. So, what are your thoughts on the close bond shared by Lenny Dykstra and Jack Nicholson? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Madhurjya Bhuyan

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Madhurjya Bhuyan is an MLB author at EssentiallySports. He has a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in English Literature from Gauhati University and IGNOU, respectively, and also possesses prior professional experience as a content developer. Being a performance artist since childhood, Madhurjya has always aimed to contribute towards creativity in any possible manner, and writing only boosts that desire.
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Edited by:

Tony Thomas