Yankees end decades-long tradition of playing Sinatra's "New York, New York" after losses

Following a 4-0 loss, the Yankees now play a different Sinatra track, not "New York, New York."

The New York Yankees are ending a long-standing tradition by changing their postgame soundtrack after losses.

For decades, the team played Frank Sinatra's iconic "New York, New York" following every game, regardless of the result. Beginning this season, however, the Yankees will no longer use that song after losses. Instead, a rotating selection of Sinatra tracks will replace it, with "New York, New York" only being played after a victory.

The shift in tradition was confirmed after the team's 4–0 loss to the Detroit Tigers during Spring Training on Sunday, when Sinatra’s "That’s Life" played instead. The change will apply to both Spring Training games and home games at Yankee Stadium. This adjustment marks the end of a practice that began in 1980, when the team first started playing "New York, New York" after every game, win or lose.

In addition to the postgame soundtrack change, the Yankees recently announced another alteration to their policies. The club will now allow well-groomed beards, ending its longstanding prohibition on facial hair. This move comes under the direction of managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, who made the announcement on Friday.

These shifts reflect a new era for the Yankees as the team looks to modernize some of its traditions while maintaining its iconic brand. Fans will now experience a different postgame atmosphere, and the team’s new facial hair policy signals a more relaxed approach in certain areas.