Fans won't be hearing the Frank Sinatra classic "New York, New York" after a loss at Yankee Stadium this spring.
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That's because the New York Yankees announced they will retire the iconic tune following defeats at home. The change marks the end of a tradition that began in 1980. That year, Yankees owner George M. Steinbrenner heard Sinatra's song at a nightclub. He loved it, bought a cassette, and played it at the stadium. Sinatra's team quickly approved the request.
The move made an impact. Yankees marketing director John Fugazy recalled to The New York Times in 1980 that after one game, fans stood in the aisles, singing the song -- even after a loss. The tradition grew over the years, despite some brief experiments with different versions. At one point, the team tested Liza Minnelli's version of the song after a loss.
They also tried a Sinatra-Tony Bennett collaboration in the '90s, but Sinatra's original was always the favorite.
Sinatra Sayonara
This week, fans expressed relief over the change. "Finally! Long overdue and good solution to keep Sinatra in rotation," one fan wrote online.
Others shared their approval. "I actually love this change. Always felt weird walking out of the stadium after a loss and hearing 'New York, New York.' 'That's Life' is the perfect choice," one said. Another joked, "Playing 'My Way' after a loss would be objectively hilarious."
Fans also recalled moments when the song fell flat. One pointed out how awkward it was to hear the upbeat song after the Yankees lost the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"'And if I can make it there, I'm gonna make it anywhere' just didn't hit the same after a loss," one fan said.
The announcement comes just days after the Yankees revised their long-standing facial hair policy. Hal Steinbrenner, general managing partner, said in a statement that he had consulted with former and current Yankees about the grooming policy. After much discussion, the team decided to allow well-groomed beards going forward.
As for the music, the Yankees will rotate different songs after losses, according to The Athletic. Sinatra's "New York, New York" will no longer be played in those moments.
Sinatra's "That's Life" played after the Yankees lost to the Detroit Tigers in a spring training game on Sunday, Feb. 25, at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Fans will likely hear more changes in the seasons ahead.
