Even though Will Ferrell took the field during an MLB spring training stunt which benefited cancer research , legendary Oakland Raiders coach John Madden apparently did n't think the actor was staying very classy . As part of a new HBO special from Funny Or Die which is dedicated to the fight against cancer , Ferrell , 47 , suited up for ten teams - including the Oakland Athletics - and played all nine positions on the baseball diamond during games in the Cactus League in Arizona on Thursday . When Madden , 78 , was asked about the stunt , he said it showed a 'lack of respect ' . Scroll down for video . As part of a Funny Or Die special supporting the fight against cancer , Ferrell , 47 , suited up for ten MLB teams . The veteran actor played every position on the diamond and also took some swings as a designated hitter . Madden , 78 , is probably best known for the football video game franchise from EA Sports that bears his name . The NFL legend called in to KCBS before Ferrell took the field with the A 's to discuss the stunt . Madden said : ' I hate it . 'That 's a lack of respect for the game and for what players have to do to get where they are . ' In addition to the A 's , Ferrell 'played ' for the Mariners , Angels , Cubs , D'Backs , Reds , White Sox , Giants , Dodgers and Padres . The Super Bowl-winning coach , who is probably best known for the football video game franchise which bears his name , further explained that when he was coaching in Oakland , Golden State Warriors small forward Rick Barry said he wanted to practice with the Raiders during training camp . In addition to the A 's , Ferrell 'played ' for nine teams including the Angels , Cubs , D'Backs , Giants and Dodgers . When Ferrell suited up with the Oakland A 's , he was playing shortstop and hitting out of the No . 5 hole . The spring training stunt happened on the field during games in the Cactus League in Arizona on Thursday . Madden claimed he told his guys to flatten the NBA star . He said : ' I 'm in training camp in Santa Rosa . Rick Barry comes walking by and he was playing for the Warriors at that time . 'He was a friend of Al Davis ' and he said he was going to go in and suit up and go out on the field and practice , to fool Al . ' I swear this is true . 'Jack Tatum and George Atkinson walked by and I said , `` Look , if this guy comes out on the field , he 's live bait and I want you to go after him the way you would go after any other player that plays on another team . ' '' After the stunt , Ferrell 's spring training statistics from the day were posted on baseball-reference.com . Ferrell , the Manimal , is listed 11 times under the March 12 , 2015 , transactions section of baseball reference . After the stunt , Ferrell 's spring training statistics were posted on baseball-reference.com . Ferrell is listed 11 times under the March 12 , 2015 , transactions section of baseball reference . Among the notable listings for John William Ferrell ( Manimal ) are : Traded to Chicago Cubs for a washing machine ; Traded to Arizona Diamondbacks for a Churro Dog and D-Bat Dog ; and claimed off waivers by Cincinnati Reds , Norm MacDonald released . He 's listed as becoming arbitration eligible in 2018 and can file for free agency in 2021 .
Ferrell , 47 , took the field for nine MLB teams and played all ten positions . Stunt was part of a Funny Or Die special dedicated to fight against cancer . Ex-Oakland Raiders coach said actor lacked respect for players and game . Madden once told his team to take out an NBA player during training camp .