Joba impersonator pleads guilty to disorderly conduct, fined

What first got him in legal trouble was an Aug. 1 encounter at a bagel shop in which Ward asked employees "Do you know who I am?" and pointed to a photo of Chamberlain in a newspaper. They gave him free bagels and a bottle of water.

Other impersonations followed. Eventually, at least a few watering holes got wise and banned Ward from the premises. Then in October, he was arrested again, this time for yelling and carrying on while sitting on a bench outside a bar while intoxicated.

Two days later, Ward said, he checked himself into an alcohol-treatment facility. He said he recently celebrated 100 days of sobriety.

"I'm definitely making changes in my life for the better now," he said.

He apologized to the people he had scammed, particularly those who were hurt by the ruse.

As part of his probation, Ward must stay out of all the restaurants and bars in Belmar, and complete his alcohol treatment. He currently lives in a halfway house.

Chamberlain has declined to comment on the case, as have the Yankees.

Ward says the pitcher can rest easy.

"He doesn't have to worry about me any more," Ward said. "I'm just trying to be myself now."