Start spreading the news! World Series baseball officially returns to the Bronx for the first time in 15 years and the New York Yankees made sure to throw a proper welcome home party.
The Yankees were in the swing of things in New York on Saturday night as they toasted their American League Championship Series victory in style.
Juan Soto’s three-run, 10th-inning blast sealed a 5-2 victory in Game 5 against the Cleveland Guardians and with it the American League pennant.
And it’s safe to say the Pinstripes savored the moment.
The victory sparked great celebrations in the visiting club and in the Big Apple.
The New York Yankees celebrated their victory in the American League Championship Series in style
Pinstripes return to World Series for first time in 15 years
After ending what seemed like an endless World Series drought, the Yankees celebrated on the field while dancing, hugging and sharing touching moments with their families.
Captain Aaron Judge, who is heading to the World Series for the first time in his career, was seen sharing a hug with his father while enjoying the moment with Soto’s father.
Giancarlo Stanton, who hit 10 home runs during the Yankees’ playoff run, was awarded the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player award as his teammates sang on stage behind him.
However, the California native insisted that New York’s work wasn’t done yet.
“This is not the trophy I want,” he told journalist Bryan Hoch on the field. “I want the next one.”
But before the Yankees could turn their attention to the Commissioner’s Trophy, the party continued in the clubhouse.
The Yankees put on their ski goggles and commemorative jerseys and popped the champagne.
The MLB stars let the fizz spray as they bathed each other in a boozy baptism of baseball.
Giancarlo Stanton, who hit 10 home runs during the playoffs, was awarded ALCS MVP
The Yankees took the party to the clubhouse where they let champagne spray.
However, manager Aaron Boone hopes his stars can quickly overcome the hangover with the World Series on the horizon.
The Yankees will have a few days to recover as they wait to discover their opponent for the season finale.
The Los Angeles Dodgers or the crosstown rival New York Mets will stand in their way to World Series glory.
Shohei Ohtani and company. He currently leads the Mets 3-2 in the National League Championship Series with a crucial do-or-die clash in Game 6 for New York scheduled for Sunday night.
Either team will present a blockbuster matchup for the Yankees, setting up yet another battle with their ancient rivals or a second Subway Series this century.
Soto hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning to return baseball’s biggest brand to October’s main stage.
Soto, who was acquired in a seven-player trade from San Diego in December, put the Bronx Bombers in position with a big hit.
Juan Soto (left) and Anthony Rizzo (right) pose for a selfie with their commemorative t-shirts.
Soto hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning to secure the series victory.
Tommy Kahnle is bathed in alcohol while drinking two beers amid the celebrations.
“He obviously had an incredible season statistically speaking, but in the biggest moments, that’s what he does,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “And it shouldn’t be taken for granted.”
The Yankees, who missed the playoffs a year ago, will try to win their 28th title against the New York Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers. Game 6 of the National League Championship Series is Sunday at Dodger Stadium.
With the score tied 2-2 in the third straight close game in three nights at Progressive Field, Austin Wells walked with one out in the 10th and Alex Verdugo followed with a grounder to Guardians second baseman Andrés Giménez. whose soft throw to the bag was dropped by rookie shortstop Brayan Rocchio on an error.
Hunter Gaddis struck out Gleyber Torres and put Soto on a 1-2 count before the classy New York outfielder, who fouled out on four pitches, sent a towering shot over the center field wall.
The Yankees will have a few days to recover while they wait to discover their opponent.
New York captain Aaron Judge (left) sprays champagne after beating the Cleveland Guardians.
“Just one at-bat forever,” Boone said.
Soto danced down the first base line and stopped to celebrate with his teammates before rounding the bases.
“I was telling myself, ‘You’re on top of that guy.’ You’re on top of that guy. He’s got nothing,” said Soto, who joined Boone as the only New York players to hit a home run in an inning. extra that secured the series.
Luke Weaver got the final three outs with Lane Thomas flying to right field for the last one, which was caught by Soto, naturally.