Yankees Drop ‘New York, New York’ From Playlist Following Recent Losses

A panoramic view of Yankee Stadium captures the essence of a recent game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees on April 5, 2024, in New York. Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images highlights this momentous occasion.

From now onwards, the Yankees will honor their status as champions exclusively through earned victories. As announced recently, the Major League Baseball team has decided to stop playing Frank Sinatra’s iconic “New York, New York” over stadium speakers at the end of every game. They plan to reserve this anthem for games they win.

This decision follows reports that players and staff had complained about hearing the song after losses. Yankees fans can still expect Sinatra’s 1979 version of “New York, New York” when their team triumphs; however, following defeats, one of several alternative tracks will be played instead. NBC New York reported on this change.

For instance, in a spring-training loss to the Detroit Tigers by a score of 4-0 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., on Sunday, “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra was chosen as an appropriate substitute for the post-game celebration.

The tradition of playing “New York, New York” during games dates back to the early 1980s when team owner George M. Steinbrenner took charge in 1980. According to lore, Steinbrenner first heard Sinatra’s version at Le Club in Manhattan before deciding to play it over stadium speakers. He even wrote directly to the singer for permission, making it an official part of game-day rituals.

Sinatra’s recording reached its peak position of No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1980. It was originally performed by Liza Minnelli as the theme song from Martin Scorsese’s musical film “New York, New York.” Her rendition used to play after Yankee losses before the team switched to Sinatra’s version for all games.

The Yankees’ decision to use Frank Sinatra’s track selectively is part of a broader set of changes. Previously, they banned players from sporting facial hair; however, that ban was recently lifted, reflecting evolving attitudes and preferences within the organization.