Stanley Kirk Burrell, the Oakland A's bat boy turned "rap" sensation, turned 50 today, meaning that he's outlived his fortune by about 20 years. Good for him. 

Burrell/Hammer/M.C. Hammer made a name for himself in 1990 with Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em, which is a pretty funny album title for a guy who had the lyrics "We've got to pray just to make it today." I don't think Hammer was gonna hurt anyone, unless they got accidentally tagged by his parachute pants.

As many hits as Hammer had, his legacy will probably be overshadowed by amazing ability to go bankrupt almost the moment he found financial success. Using his earnings, Hammer bougth racehorses, tour buses, and hired just about ever person in the Oakland area to be in his entourage. He also made the world's most expensive video (at the time), the athlete-laden "2 Legit 2 Quit," which is still a funny thing to pull out if you get on the camera at sporting events. 

Here's the video. Happy Hammer Day, everyone.