Rays Mock Yankees With 'New York, New York' Celebration After Sweep
Tampa Bay players sang the iconic Sinatra tune in the visitors' clubhouse following their ALDS victory over New York.
The Tampa Bay Rays amplified their American League Division Series sweep of the New York Yankees by celebrating in the visitors' clubhouse to Frank Sinatra's "(Theme From) New York, New York." Videos captured the Rays players, arm-in-arm and doused in beer, singing the song that has become synonymous with the city.
The celebratory display occurred Wednesday night after the Rays defeated the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS, completing a 3-0 series sweep.
Adding to the taunts, Rays' third baseman Junior Caminero mimed a broom on the field during the celebration and later echoed former Red Sox slugger David Ortiz's phrase, "Da Yankees lose!"
The use of "New York, New York" carried particular sting due to its history involving the Yankees and their rivals, the Boston Red Sox. In 2018, Yankees captain Aaron Judge reportedly played the song as he walked past the Red Sox clubhouse after an ALDS win. Boston subsequently blared the tune after defeating the Yankees in that same ALDS series, and again after winning the World Series that year.
Judge, who missed the entire 2026 playoff run due to a calf injury, commented on his feelings during the Yankees' elimination. "Just hating every single moment of it," he said. "So I don’t forget it. I was thinking of missed opportunities this season and this series."
Despite the sting, Judge stated he had "no regrets" regarding his 2018 decision to play the song.