David Ortiz, the Red Sox legend and fierce Yankee rival, took an unexpected shot at the New York Yankees, not for their rivalry but for what he perceived as a missing heartbeat in the team’s playoff performance. Ortiz, known as “Big Papi,” sounded genuinely puzzled — and disappointed — over the lethargic atmosphere at Yankee Stadium during their recent World Series clash with the Dodgers. He commented that the iconic stadium felt “as silent as a funeral,” even as the Yankees faced elimination in front of their home crowd.
The lack of energy on both the field and in the stands seemed strange to Ortiz, who’s no stranger to the intensity of this age-old rivalry. “Even when Fat Joe came out, the fans were low,” Ortiz said in an Instagram post on MLB on Fox. Known for his electric connection with Red Sox fans, Ortiz was shocked to see Yankees fans respond with indifference during key moments. He even mentioned that after a home run, the crowd’s reaction was flat, leaving him to question why the Yankees seemed to wave the white flag before the final out.
While Ortiz’s comments struck a chord with fans, they also exposed deeper concerns within the Yankees’ fanbase. Fans wondered if the Yankees were showing signs of burnout or frustration after three straight losses to a Dodgers team hobbled by injuries and relying on a patchwork rotation. The Dodgers brought in rapper Ice Cube to energize their crowd before a pivotal game, while the Yankees countered with Fat Joe. Despite the attempt to inject New York swagger into the mix, the result fell short, lacking the spark to rally fans or players.
With Game 4 looming, New York has one last chance to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Dodgers. They’ll send Luis Gil to the mound against a Dodgers bullpen game, which, on paper, should favor the Yankees. Yet, after three straight losses where the Yankees couldn’t match the Dodgers’ relentless energy, it’s hard to be confident. Even with the Dodgers juggling a short-handed rotation — as Jack Flaherty battles back issues, Yoshinobu Yamamato recovers from shoulder problems, and Walker Buehler works his way back post-Tommy John surgery — they’ve found ways to stifle the Yankees’ lineup.
Ortiz’s sharp words may not sit well with Yankees fans, but his observations bring up a critical question: where’s the fire? The Yankees, a team steeped in postseason lore and hard-fought battles, seem to lack the grit and energy to compete on baseball’s biggest stage. Ortiz’s comments are a reminder that postseason baseball isn’t just about talent; it’s about heart.
As the Yankees fight for their season in Game 4, they’ll need more than just a good pitching performance. They’ll need the passion that’s defined their franchise for decades — and, maybe, a reason for Big Papi to stop worrying about the state of the Yankees’ heart.
