The New York Yankees have decided to discontinue playing Frank Sinatra’s “Theme From New York, New York” following home game losses, a tradition that began in 1980. Instead, the team will feature a rotating selection of Sinatra’s songs after defeats, starting with “That’s Life” played after a recent loss to the Detroit Tigers.
This change aligns with suggestions from WFAN radio host Keith McPherson, who has advocated for the team to stop playing “New York, New York” after losses. Following the Yankees consecutive losses in the 2025 preseason against the Tigers and the Blue Jays, McPherson noted the shift, stating, “STOP PLAYING FRANK WHEN WE LOSE….WELL THEY HAVE STOPPED PLAYING NEW YORK, NEW YORK IN TAMPA‼️ SOUND ON! ‘THAT’S LIFE’ CAN BE HEARD IN THE BACKGROUND.”
In an exclusive statement to The Source Magazine about influencing the change, McPherson said, “In this digital age, Yankees get trolled by other fans, in their building and playing their win song.” He added, “The World Series was the last time. They let ‘New York New York’ be the soundtrack to the collapsing Game 5elimination on their own field with Dodgers fans in the building mocking them nad making TikToks to Frank Sinatra.”
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The tradition of playing “Theme From New York, New York” after both wins and losses was initiated by former team owner George Steinbrenner, who personally sought Sinatra’s approval to use the song.
The recent decision to modify this practice is part of a broader effort by current owner Hal Steinbrenner to modernize team policies, including relaxing the long-standing ban on facial hair.
While “Theme From New York, New York” will continue to celebrate victories, the introduction of different Sinatra songs after losses aims to better reflect the game’s outcome and resonate with fans’ sentiments.