Baseball: A Two-Way Player

Chapter 709 37: Song of Victory

For the New York Yankees players and fans, today is without a doubt a happy and memorable day: Not only because they won this wild card sudden-death game, earning the chance to challenge the Indians; but also because it's their first playoff victory in five years, since being swept 4-0 by the Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series of the 2012 season.

Looking at this young and vibrant team, many middle-aged and even elderly Yankees fans in the stands felt quite emotional: In the mid-90s, it was with the emergence of young talents like Jeter and Rivera that the Yankees later established a dynasty—wondering if history could repeat itself this time?

The Yankees players entering the field gathered around home plate to line up, giving high-fives one by one to the players who started today; each high-five triggered a round of enthusiastic cheers from the stands.

As the most outstanding player of the game, Lin Guanglai was almost immediately pulled aside by reporters next to the field for an interview as soon as the post-game ceremony ended. During his interview, every teammate passing by him patted his shoulder or back, expressing their excitement—if not for the slightly cold weather, Lin Guanglai wouldn't doubt these guys would pour a full bucket of ice-cold Gatorade over his head.

At the same time, the stadium's speakers began to play Frank Sinatra's iconic song "New York, New York," accompanied by the chorus from Yankees fans gradually leaving the stands—

"Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today

I want to be a part of it

New York, New York

These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray

Right through the very heart of it

New York, New York

I want to wake up in a city that doesn't sleeps

And find I'm king of the hill

Top of the heap

These little town blues are melting away

I'll make a brand new start of it

In old New York

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere

It's up to you, New York..New York

New York…New York"

This song born in the 70s is the city anthem for New Yorkers, capturing the dreamlike aspirations of Big Apple City for all Americans; it is also the fixed tune after every Yankees home game, only victory can make Sinatra's voice resonate in the Bronx.

Therefore, for the Yankees fans, this "New York, New York" is their victory song: Once upon a time, in that glorious era when the Yankees dominated the baseball world, this song would be sung almost every home game day.

After finishing the interview, Lin Guanglai didn't rush back to the locker room, instead standing by the sidelines closing his eyes, quietly listening to the chorus of fans; as the song faded with the departing crowd, he finally spoke to Aaron Judge, who had also just finished his interview: "Aaron, I've decided!"

"Decided about what?" Aaron Judge asked confusedly.

"I've decided..." Lin Guanglai said spiritedly and confidently: "I want to make this Sinatra song echo throughout October!"

"Yankees fans have waited for glory too long, I want to bring them the World Series championship this year, and then hear this song again when we return in triumph!"

"This song belongs to victory!"