In an exciting atmosphere at Yankee Stadium, the return of Juan Soto to New York brought out a mix of emotions from Yankees fans, particularly from the notorious Bleacher Creatures. The lively section had found a new creative way to express their disappointment in Soto’s departure to the Mets, famously chanting, “You miss Judge!” instead of their usual more vulgar sentiments, making a heart gesture in response to his acknowledgment.
Milton Ousland, a long-time Bleacher Creature, celebrated the unique chants, suggesting it added a fresh twist to the typical heckling. However, some fans in the neighboring Section 204 opted for more straightforward, and less subtle, expressions of their feelings. Throughout the nine-inning game, these fans directed a barrage of chants at Soto, consisting of a notorious chant that echoed 38 times over the course of the match.
Amid this charged atmosphere, Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone had anticipated an animated crowd response, which proved true, particularly in the initial innings where chants reached a fever pitch. Even at warm-ups, Soto found himself the focus of jeers, executed with a mix of nostalgia and bitterness, as one fan donned a custom shirt that read “Sellout,” a sentiment shared by several attendees expressing displeasure at Soto’s departure.
Despite the harsh crowd reception, Soto maintained a light-hearted interaction with the game, even flipping a ball to the stands after a catch, eliciting both cheers and further boos. In stark contrast, Aaron Judge, who remains a fan favorite, elicited thunderous applause when he stepped onto the field.
The game ended with Soto struggling offensively, going 0-for-2 with three walks, demonstrating that amidst the darker sentiments, the game showcased the genuine rivalries and passionate fan experiences that make baseball thrilling.
This kind of atmosphere is crucial for the sport, highlighting the deep connections fans have with their teams and the players, instilling hope for continuing spirited interactions as the season progresses.