New York Radio Icon Bashes Yankees for Celebrating Playoff Berth

A prominent radio personality has criticized the New York Yankees for the exuberance with which they celebrated securing their ninth playoff berth in the last ten years. The team's 8-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday secured their playoff spot, though they are still trailing by 3.5 games in the American League East. The Yankees held a celebration in the locker room at Target Field.

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo expressed his disapproval during an appearance on First Take on Wednesday, questioning the magnitude of the celebration given the team's history and financial resources. Russo pointed to the Tampa Bay Rays' lead in the division and the Yankees' payroll, which is significantly higher than the Rays'. He felt the team should have conducted a more subdued toast, similar to the celebrations of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers.

Russo expressed disappointment in the Yankees' behavior, asking whether they would celebrate again if they won the division and advanced in the playoffs. He wondered if they would continue to celebrate their wild card status, especially when seven teams get in. Russo deemed the Yankees' celebrations excessive, stating that it was "too many parties for the former WFAN personality."

He could not believe the amount of celebration, comparing it to Joe DiMaggio's grave turning over. Russo felt that the Yankees were taking their celebrations too far when seven teams, including those under .500, would also make the postseason.