The New York Yankees are reviving a cherished franchise tradition by reserving Frank Sinatra’s iconic rendition of ‘New York, New York’ exclusively for home victories. This decision marks a return to the original policy established by late owner George Steinbrenner in 1980, abandoning the recent practice of playing the song after every game regardless of outcome.
Team officials confirmed the shift stems from player and staff feedback, with manager Aaron Boone stating,
‘Celebratory music after losses felt contradictory to our competitive ethos.’The change coincides with another Steinbrenner-era policy reversal: ending the 47-year ban on facial hair to align with modern MLB recruitment trends.
Key updates include:
- Post-win celebrations: Sinatra’s triumphant 1980 recording
- Post-loss tracks: Rotating selections like Dean Kay’s ‘That’s Life’
- Player grooming: Beards now permitted for first time since 1976
The anthem’s history traces to Steinbrenner’s disco-era discovery at Manhattan’s Le Club. As former PR director Marty Appel revealed, ‘The Boss wanted a victory anthem that embodied the city’s spirit’ after hearing Sinatra’s version in 1980. For decades, the team alternated between Sinatra’s win version and Liza Minnelli’s 1977 film recording after losses before standardizing the Sinatra track in recent years.
This dual policy shift under Hal Steinbrenner’s leadership reflects evolving team culture while honoring franchise roots. By restoring context-specific music traditions and modernizing appearance rules, the Yankees aim to balance legacy with contemporary player needs as they chase their 28th World Series title.
