Becks and the Yankees

Tiger Woods has it. So does Arnold Schwarzenegger and George Clooney. It8217;s charisma, and you can8217;t manufacture it, bottle it or buy it. It seems you8217;re just born with it.

David Beckham had it in his native England. But is it transferable to America? And, if it is, does he have enough to lift the fortunes of an entire sport that Americans never have completely embraced at the professional level?

Pele couldn8217;t do it. He arrived in the United States in 1972 amid much hoopla. Three years later, after he led the New York Cosmos to a North American Soccer League championship, Americans saluted his effort and talent. Then they got back to watching baseball, football and basketball.

On Monday we will know if Beckham can change it.