The New York Yankees may have lost the World Series to the LA Dodgers, but this doesn’t change the fact that the Bronx Bombers stand tall as the most successful MLB franchise. I mean a team that has not one, two, or three but 27 championships in their cabinet. The Bronx Bombers have been in existence for over 120 years now and it is obvious to have a cult fan base for such an established franchise. But there is one group of fans that have gone above and beyond to support the Yanks.

Fierce, devoted, and unapologetically passionate, the Bleacher Creatures embody the soul of Yankees fandom. In the late 1990s, the Pinstripes enjoyed their best run in the entire MLB, winning four championships in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Apart from their Unwavering support of the Yanks, the Bleacher Creatures are also known for their iconic roll call. Let’s dive deep into knowing more about the Bleacher Creatures.

The Roll Call: A Bronx Ritual Rooted in Loyalty

The origins of the Bleacher Creatures remain a bit of a mystery, but they grabbed everyone’s attention when the iconic roll call started sometime during the 1996 season. Per The Fordham Ram, Marc Chaplin (current lead of the Bleacher Creatures), the group was formed in 1983 by a Yankees fan named Tina Lewis. She started sitting around the infamous section 39 of the current Yankee Stadium during the Yankees games and by the ’90s. And with support from a few other regulars sitting around the same section, this group was formed.

Chaplin credits Tina for the Roll Call. Whenever a Yankees starter would make the first pitch, a series of chants would follow to cheer them. Since then, it has become nothing less than tradition.

Yes! The Roll Call is more than just a cheer; it’s a declaration of solidarity. Players often tip their caps or wave in acknowledgment, a subtle nod to the unwavering loyalty of the Creatures. For fans, it’s a reminder of the unbreakable bond between the team and its supporters.

How the Roll Call became a ritual in the Bronx

During the inception of the Bleacher Creatures, the group led by Tina Lewis used to occupy section 39 of the Old Yankee Stadium. However, they had to give up their original section when the Pinstripes moved their stadium to East 161st Street in 2009. Acknowledging the unconditional support and to keep the tradition going, the Yankees’ Front Office gave a permanent section to the Creatures, Section 203.

To date, the Bleacher Creatures have kept the tradition alive and continue to cheer the Bronx Bombers during home games.

Back in June, during the regular season this year, the Creatures braved the scorching heat to support their beloved team, and that too in a losing cause. According to the NY Post, despite the Yanks were losing 8-3 to their division rivals, the Baltimore Orioles, while the temperature was 90 degrees, creatures did not leave the ballpark and offered their support till the last inning of the game.

Another instance when the creatures grabbed everyone’s attention this year was when they openly vouched for Juan Soto’s extension in the Big Apple. During a regular season game, when Soto was on the field, they started chanting “re-sign Soto, re-sign Soto.”

Are the Bleacher Creatures Too Loud?

They say ‘the cry of the creatures’ is a good omen for the Yanks. Notably, the Creatures are known to express their raw emotions in the Big Apple ballpark. There have been many instances where this loyal fanbase has not been kind to opposition players.

Known for their loud cheer, the Creatures often tease the opponent players. The most recent example was when they did not hesitate to mock the LA Dodgers first baseman, Freddie Freeman. Per Yahoo Sports, Freeman was on the receiving end when the Creatures started chanting, “F— you, Freddie!” Clap-clap, clap-clap-clap. “F— you, Freddie!” during Game 3 of the Word Series in Yankee Stadium.

The chant quickly went viral on social media, sparking debates about fan behavior in high-stakes games. While some lauded the Creatures for their unfiltered passion, others criticized their approach as unsportsmanlike. Freeman, however, shrugged it off with a smile, embodying the intensity of the Yankees-Dodgers rivalry. Ouch! The Yankees ended up losing the World Series ultimately; it was Freeman who had the last laugh.

Love them or hate them, the Bleacher Creatures are the beating heart of Yankees Stadium. Their chants echo the pride and passion of the Bronx Bombers, cementing their role in one of baseball’s most enduring traditions.