TAMPA, Fla. — Just days after the New York Yankees revised one of the most well-known regulations in American sports, an additional iconic tradition will change in 2025.

In a shift from their traditional practices, the Yankees will no longer play Frank Sinatra’s classic “(Theme From) New York, New York” for fans exiting the stadium after a loss. Following their recent 4-0 defeat against the Detroit Tigers during a spring training exhibition at George M. Steinbrenner Field, a different Sinatra track, “That’s Life,” filled the air instead of the customary anthem. Typically, the team plays “New York, New York” right after each game, regardless of the outcome.

A spokesperson for the Yankees announced, “This season, we’ll introduce a variety of songs following a Yankees loss, and ‘New York, New York’ will not be among them.” The spokesperson also noted that there won’t be a designated song for losses.

Frank Sinatra’s iconic tune first graced the stadium in 1980, when then-owner George Steinbrenner wrote to the legendary singer to request permission to play it as fans departed. The song quickly became synonymous with the Yankees. Moving forward, it will now only be played after a Yankees win, while different Sinatra songs will be rotated following losses, a nod to Steinbrenner’s original approach to handling defeats.

This week marks a notable period of transformation for the Yankees’ identity. Owner Hal Steinbrenner recently announced the lifting of a decades-long ban on beards, describing the policy as “outdated.” Now, after 45 years, another cherished tradition faces change.

Both Yankees captain Aaron Judge and general manager Brian Cashman highlighted their commitment to forging a distinct team identity while still honoring the franchise’s storied legacy.
“New York Yankees are unique,” Cashman stated on Friday. “We intend to keep it that way. This organization holds a special place in baseball history. That logo carries significant meaning. It’s essential for both our current and future players to appreciate that. While we will certainly hold onto important traditions, our focus remains on being a championship-caliber franchise and striving for victory.”

(Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)