Piniella invited to Yankees Old-Timers' Day

Lou Piniella has an invitation to take part in next year's Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium.

Piniella was at a New York Yankees' fantasy camp on Thursday and spent about 30 minutes talking with team co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner.

Steinbrenner says he's sure Piniella will take part in the festivities.

Piniella retired in August as manager of the Chicago Cubs, ending a half-century career in baseball. The decision allowed him to spend more time with ailing mother.

Steinbrenner says he hopes Piniella will someday consider rejoining the Yankees in an advisory role. As an outfielder, Piniella helped the Yankees win World Series championships in 1977 and 1978. Piniella later was a manager and executive for the Yankees.

Steinbrenner says Piniella will ''always be a consultant for me.''