NY Yankees make a big change in 2025 with this NJ icon

Baseball is officially back! All of our favorite teams are once again competing to see who will make it to the World Series, and we couldn't be more excited. And for those of us in New Jersey, you can bet we'll be rooting for our favorite teams.

With that said, it's unfortunate that New Jersey doesn't have a team of its own. Nevertheless, the state is divided based on the major players in our bordering states.

South Jersey, for example, tends to root for the Philadelphia Phillies, whereas the northern part of the state cheers on either the New York Mets or the New York Yankees.

But outside of their devoted fans, did you know that one of our three local teams does have something in common with the Garden State? That would be none other than the New York Yankees.

A NJ Icon takes the field

Well, not literally. But they do play throughout the stadium at the conclusion of every game, and have been for decades.

Since 1980, Yankee Stadium has proudly played Jersey's own Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" at the conclusion of every home game. Sinatra, of course, was born in Hoboken, NJ.

There is, however, a big change that's about to take place with the playing of his famous tune. Some are welcoming the change, while others aren't sure what to think.

No more Sinatra losing

Brand new for this year, the New York Yankees will no longer play the New Jersey native's famous "New York, New York" when the Yankees lose. In its place, another song will play to help better capture the moment.

Even before the regular season began, the organization wasted no time implementing that change. According to MLB.com, "The first selection was Sinatra’s 'That’s Life,' which accompanied fans to the exits after [the Feb. 23, 2025] 4-0 Grapefruit League loss to the Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field."

But notice that the team still played Sinatra? Even though we won't hear "New York, New York" after every Yankees home game anymore, it's nice to know ol' blue eyes may still be heard even after a loss.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 Sunday morning host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.