The Beat

Baseball awards come and go, but cite a ballplayer for his bachelor lifestyle and it really goes to his head. Chicago magazine recently named White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko one of the city's 25 most eligible singles, whereupon Konerko, who goes by the nickname the King, promptly asked the Comiskey PA. people to play Jay-Z's strutting rap Big Pimpin' as a prelude to his plate appearances. (Sample lyric: "You know I thug 'em, f—'em, love 'em, leave 'em.") Last month two local sports talk radio hosts recruited him to play the Dating Game at a charity benefit. After asking three "bachelorettes" a series of questions, Konerko chose a winner—who turned out to be teammate Jim Parquc in a wig. The King was not amused....

Pete Sampras and actress Bridgette Wilson (Fox's The Street) quietly tied the knot last Saturday in a private ceremony at Sampras's house in Beverly Hills. About 60 guests were invited to the festivities, which included dinner on the tennis court in the backyard. Among the attendees: Elton John, who sang....

The recent American Cinematheque Moving Picture Ball honoring Bruce Willis was a black-tie soiree attended by Hollywood's elite, including Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston, which is why Shaquille O'Neal, decked out in cowboy hat and lavender shirt, was such an odd presence. Turns out Shaq was invited by Willis; O'Neal is an investor in the All-Star Cafes, whose parent company, Planet Hollywood, counts Willis as one of its partners....

Haven't booked entertainment for your company Christmas party yet? Need to find an attraction for your son's bar mitzvah? Might we suggest Dennis Rodman? The Worm's new agent, Darren Prince, says Rodman will now make personal appearances for a mere $75,000 an hour. Grab him while you can.