The New York Yankees won the first game of the Subway Series against Juan Soto’s New York Mets in a commanding 6-2 performance — but the highlight wasn’t just on the field. In a striking moment, the Bleacher Creatures section at Yankee Stadium made their feelings about Soto clear with a pointed gesture as he took the field.
A video circulating on social media clearly shows the harsh message: as Soto jogged out to his position in the outfield, the Bleacher Creatures collectively turned their backs on him. When that section delivers a gesture like that, it usually means there’s serious resentment toward the player involved.
The video quickly went viral, generating over 1.2 million views on X and sparking hundreds of comments. One Yankees fan, Charlie Ricker, called the gesture “a bit much,” pointing out that Soto only spent one season with the team before moving on.
Juan Soto runs onto the field with the entire bleacher creature section turned around pic.twitter.com/tSq3G0EGiX
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 16, 2025
Soto unfazed by boos at Yankee Stadium
Boos echoed through Yankee Stadium as Soto took the field, but the Dominican star said he wasn’t bothered. “I think so. They were really loud,” he said when asked if he heard the jeers. Still, Soto seemed to take it all in stride.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 16: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets is walked during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 16, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
“You’ve got to embrace it,” Soto said after the game. “At the end of the day, whatever they give you, it is what it is. You’ve got to be a professional. You’ve got to take it as a man. I was just enjoying the moment.”
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Carlos Mendoza weighs in
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza also addressed the incident: “I thought they were very respectful and that’s what you want. You can boo all you want and all that, as long as they’re not crossing the line. It was loud.”
Soto unable to make an impact
The first game of the series was something of a test for Soto and the Mets — one they failed to pass. Soto didn’t have a standout performance, contributing just one run and drawing three walks, exactly as expected from Yankees pitchers who worked him cautiously. He ended the night with a .252 batting average.
