TAMPA — The Yankees have changed another tradition.
The team has decided to stop playing Frank Sinatra’s “(Theme From) New York, New York” as fans leave their stadiums after losses, a spokesperson confirmed to the Daily News. The change became apparent following Sunday’s 4-0 spring training loss to the Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field, as Sinatra’s “That’s Life” blared over the loudspeakers.
The Yankees will rotate Sinatra songs after losses moving forward. “New York, New York” will keep playing after wins.
The Yankees started playing “New York, New York” at the conclusion of all games in 1980 after owner George Steinbrenner requested permission from the iconic singer. Since then, the song and team have become inseparable.
The change comes just a few days after Hal Steinbrenner, George’s son, amended the Yankees’ grooming policy, another long-standing tradition for the organization. They previously banned facial hair below the upper lip, but players can now sport “well-groomed beards.”
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