Bring on the postseason pageantry.
The New York Yankees gave the Bronx faithful their fair share of pomp and circumstance before game 1 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians, seemingly trying to evoke the spirit of 2009.
Former Yankees ace CC Sabathia started the party with a ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium, and was met with massive applause.
The true “hype session” began with ex-Bomber Nick Swisher waving a Yankees flag in center field to the tune of “Seven Nation Army.”
Known for his electric personality, Swisher wore an Aaron Judge jersey and paraded his way towards the mound while fans held up cell phone lights in the darker-than-usual stadium.
Both Swisher and Sabathia were on the 2009 championship club. Game 2 of that season’s World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies had a similar hint of grandeur. Native New Yorkers Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performed “Empire State of Mind” before what would be a 3-1 Bomber win.
The Yankees are known to consistently channel their history. It would seem this tradition includes October theatrics.