Michael Kay has called thousands of Yankees games over the years, but what happened during Thursday night’s win over the Diamondbacks prompted a rare moment of public scolding from the longtime broadcaster.
As the Yankees closed out a 9-7 victory at Yankee Stadium, a portion of the crowd began chanting “F–k Juan Soto” in the bottom of the eighth inning. The chant, clearly audible on the YES Network broadcast, quickly gained traction online — and drew sharp criticism from Kay during his Friday afternoon radio show.
“We hear this silly banter back and forth about big brother, little brother,” Kay said. “You know what that was yesterday, everybody? I hate to say it, and you’re not gonna like it. That was little brother nonsense.”
The chant was aimed at Soto, the 26-year-old slugger who played just one season in pinstripes before leaving in free agency this past offseason to sign a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets — the most lucrative contract in sports history. The Yankees had made a massive offer of their own: 16 years, $760 million. Soto chose the other side of town.
‘Shame on all of you’
While fans have had months to process Soto’s decision, Thursday’s spontaneous chant made it clear the emotions haven’t cooled. But instead of praising the crowd for passion, Kay — the voice of the Yankees since 2002 — was openly dismayed.
“Why are you chanting about Juan Soto? Your team is winning. And that’s what you’re coming up with?” he asked listeners. “You kind of should be a little bit embarrassed.”
Kay’s message wasn’t softened by nostalgia or loyalty to the fanbase.
“Shame on all of you. Really, shame on all of you,” he said. “It’s such an awful tiny look. … You are still big brother. The Mets haven’t won anything. They won a bidding war for Juan Soto. They haven’t won a championship since 1986.”
He added:
“Color me confused. I don’t get it, and it’s a bad look. It’s a bad, bad look. … I think it’s an awful, awful look by all of you. All of you! And I would have addressed it yesterday if I actually heard it through my headphones.”
While some Yankees fans have framed Soto’s departure as a financial blessing — giving the team flexibility to reinforce other areas of the roster — others never got over it. Earlier in the season, some were seen taping over Soto’s name on old jerseys at Yankee Stadium.
Thursday’s chant wasn’t a first for Yankees fans. They’ve been known to direct similar hostility at Astros star José Altuve, especially following the 2017 sign-stealing scandal and his MVP win over then-rookie Aaron Judge. But Soto’s situation is different. There was no scandal. No public fallout. Just a superstar making a business decision — one that stung.
Soto expected the worst
Soto, for his part, knew this was coming. Speaking after the Yankees and Mets squared off in the Grapefruit League finale on March 24, he said he wasn’t expecting a warm welcome when he returned to the Bronx.
“Yankees fans, they can surprise you with anything,” he said. “So I am expecting the worst.”
That forecast may have been confirmed on Thursday night. And the reception could grow louder when he returns in May for the Subway Series.
Yankees thrive without Soto
The chants came during what should have been a celebration. The Yankees improved to 4-2, scoring an MLB-best 53 runs and leading the league with 22 home runs through their first six games. The offense has surged behind a retooled lineup and the arrival of the widely discussed “torpedo bat” — an innovation that’s helped boost early power numbers across the league.
Meanwhile, Soto entered Friday hitting .240 with one home run, one double, and five total hits through seven games. He made his Mets home debut at Citi Field that same night, going 1-for-4 with an RBI double. The Mets, sitting at 3-3, have been inconsistent out of the gate.
Despite Soto’s slow start, the Mets remain confident he’ll settle in — and they’ll be back in the Bronx soon enough.
Subway series showdown ahead
The Mets and Yankees will meet in the Bronx from May 16 to 18 for the first Subway Series of the season. Soto’s return to Yankee Stadium is expected to dominate headlines — and the fan response could become one of the biggest talking points of the year.
Kay, for one, made it clear he believes Yankees fans can do better.
“You’re chanting about a guy who left,” he said. “The team is better than that. The fans are better than that.”
Whether the rest of the Bronx agrees remains to be seen.
Amanda Paula is a sports writer with a passion for American football and a keen interest in the NY Yankees. Raised among Americans in Brazil, Mandy's unique cultural background has greatly influenced her career and provided her with a diverse perspective on the world of sports.
Born and raised in Brazil, Amanda developed a deep appreciation for sports at a young age. Growing up in a community with a robust American presence, she was exposed to various sports, but baseball captivated her heart. Inspired by the passion and tactics of the game, Amanda dedicated herself to studying and understanding the intricacies of the sport.
Amanda's love for American sports and soccer led her to pursue a career in sports journalism. She obtained a degree in journalism from a prestigious university, where she honed her skills in writing and reporting. Her studies gave her a solid foundation in journalism ethics, research methodologies, and effective storytelling techniques.
After completing her education, Amanda embarked on her professional journey as a sports writer. Her unique background as a Brazilian immersed in American culture gave her a fresh perspective on American sports.
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