Yankee Stadium & The Theme From New York, New York

The tradition of playing Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” at Yankee Stadium has a storied history that dates back to the 80s. This practice has become an iconic part of the Yankee game-day experience, but it has evolved over the years.

So yes, the tradition began in the early 1980s. Initially, the Yankees played “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra after victories and Liza Minnelli’s version of the same song after losses. This started around 1980 or 1983, although the exact start year is somewhat ambiguous due to varying reports.

• Frank Sinatra’s Version: Played after Yankees victories. Sinatra’s rendition is more widely recognized and beloved, and it embodies the spirit and swagger of New York City, which aligns well with the image of the Yankees.

• Liza Minnelli’s Version: Played after Yankees losses. While also a well-known rendition, it carries a different emotional tone and was intended to reflect a more somber mood appropriate for a loss.

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In 1996, the Yankees decided to streamline their post-game tradition by playing only Frank Sinatra’s version of “New York, New York” regardless of the game’s outcome. This change was made for several reasons:

1. Fan Preference: Sinatra’s version was significantly more popular with the fans. The energy and association with Sinatra’s rendition were more uplifting and resonated better with the audience.

2. Branding and Consistency: The Yankees aimed for a more consistent and unified post-game experience, enhancing the brand and the overall atmosphere of Yankee Stadium. Sinatra’s version fit this vision better, regardless of whether the game ended in a win or a loss.

3. Simplicity: Having a single version of the song simplified the post-game routine and became a predictable and beloved tradition for fans, reinforcing the connection between the Yankees and the iconic song.

Cultural Impact

While the practice began with alternating versions of the song depending on the game’s outcome, the Yankees’ decision in 1996 to exclusively use Sinatra’s version helped solidify a tradition that continues to be a cherished part of the Yankee Stadium experience.

–Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor