This benching was costly.
The shelving of author Richard Ben Cramer’s inside look at the life and times of Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez is costing the writer big time, with publisher Hachette Book Group seeking the return of his $500,000 advance.
The publisher is suing the writer in Manhattan Supreme Court because he failed to deliver the book or return the hefty payout, according to court papers.
The writer was set to pocket $1.5 million for the A-Rod bio and a second book, but never came through, Hachette charges.
Cramer did not return a call seeking comment.