Juan Soto made a poignant return to Yankee Stadium on Friday, where he faced a chorus of boos from the crowd as his new team, the New York Mets, fell to the New York Yankees with a score of 6-2. The atmosphere was electric, with Soto stepping up for his first at-bat in the first inning, greeted by a roar of disapproval. He responded with a grin, removing his helmet and waving to the audience before approaching the plate.
The enthusiasm of the Yankees’ fanbase was palpable, particularly from the Bleacher Creatures, who turned their backs to him while displaying signs and wearing T-shirts with provocative messages as he jogged to his position in right field. In the eighth inning, after catching an inning-ending flyout from Cody Bellinger, Soto celebrated by tossing the ball to fans, only to have it promptly thrown back, much to the delight of those around.
Asked if it was the loudest booing he had ever experienced, Soto acknowledged, “I think so. They were really loud.” He maintained a professional mindset, focusing on the game despite the challenging atmosphere, saying, “It sucks we lost the game but we have two more to win the series.” Soto mentioned that he enjoyed the jeers and remained unfazed by them, which speaks to his strong mental resilience.
Despite the intense crowd reaction, Soto’s influence on the game was limited as he finished the night with no hits but did contribute three walks and a run. His decision to leave the Yankees for the Mets, signing a landmark 15-year, $765 million contract—reported to be the largest in sports history—set the stage for this charged encounter.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza had encouraged Soto to embrace the hostile environment, expressing confidence in his ability to handle the pressure. Mendoza remarked on the crowd’s conduct, noting, “I thought (the crowd) was very respectful… you can boo all you want but as long as you’re not crossing the line.”
The Yankees surged ahead with a four-run third inning, establishing a lead that they maintained throughout the game. This significant win sets a competitive tone for the remainder of the three-game series, offering the Mets an opportunity to regroup and bounce back in the upcoming matches. The intensity of Soto’s return demonstrated both the passion of baseball fans and the fierce rivalry between the New York teams, promising an exciting season ahead.
As the series continues, it’s an opportunity for Soto and the Mets to shake off this loss and strive for victories in the games to come, reminding fans of the thrill and unpredictability of sports.