The New York Yankees lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday and were knocked out of the postseason after being overpowered by standout pitcher Zac Gallen.
It was a depressing sight to see both teams play a rescheduled afternoon game on Monday.
This photo was posted by Talkin Yanks, and it shows the attendance at Monday’s game.
There are tens of people in the crowd for the last home game of the season
(via @MaxTGoodman) pic.twitter.com/klvDlJ6T2G
Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 25, 2023
It makes sense, of course: there wasn’t going to be a big audience to see the game on a Monday afternoon on a chilly day, especially since the Yankees were already out of the running.
According to Bryan Hoch, the most unexpected development was the stated attendance for the game.
Today’s announced attendance at Yankee Stadium: 41,096
Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) September 25, 2023
It’s safe to believe that figure is significantly lower than the true attendance.
Either way, the game was very important to the D-Backs, who are still in the running for the NL Wild Card.
Despite their 6-4 loss, they are now tied for the second Wild Card slot in the National League with the Chicago Cubs.
Even still, conditions are so tight there that any setback could prove to be insurmountable.
As of Monday afternoon, the Miami Marlins trail the Cubs and D-Backs by just one game.
The Yankees will play two road series against the Toronto Blue Jays and the Kansas City Royals to cap off a dismal season.
With their current record, finishing with a winning record is the only realistic objective.
They won 79-77 on Monday, so anything is possible.
Considering the squad hasn’t finished below.500 in a season since 1992, it would be a humiliating way to cap off a terrible 2023 campaign.