‘He turned his back on us’: What it was like watching Juan Soto’s Bronx return with the Bleacher Creatures

Sun May 18 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Soto Faces Bronx Backlash in Heated Subway Series Opener

**NEW YORK** – The highly anticipated 2025 Subway Series kicked off Friday night with a chorus of boos and vulgar chants directed at Mets outfielder Juan Soto, who made his return to Yankee Stadium after leaving the Yankees for their crosstown rivals during the offseason.

Before Game 1, as Soto stretched in center field, Yankee fans unleashed a barrage of “F— Juan Soto!” chants, a raw expression of anger over what many perceived as a betrayal. Soto, who helped the Yankees reach their first World Series in 15 years last season, responded subtly by tugging at his cap toward the bleachers.

The game, won by the Yankees 6-2, was marked by intense animosity from the stands. Fans hurled insults throughout the night, including “Soto, greedy!” and “You can’t field!” Some even taped “SELLOUT” onto the back of Soto’s old Yankees jersey.

Despite the hostile environment, Soto appeared unfazed, even acknowledging the jeers with a smile and a tip of his helmet before his first at-bat. However, he seemed to crack in the eighth inning, responding to chants of “You miss Judge!” by gesturing a heart towards the bleachers.

While some Yankee fans admitted to feeling betrayed by Soto’s decision to join the Mets, others took a more pragmatic view, recognizing that Soto simply pursued the best financial offer.

Veteran “Bleacher Creature” Joe Lopez stated, “He got everything he wants. He got the money. He got the suite. So you’re going to hate him for that? He’s not Aaron Judge.”

The atmosphere was so charged that security intervened on several occasions to prevent physical altercations. Amidst the rivalry, there was a brief moment of unity when the crowd erupted in celebration of the New York Knicks’ victory over the Boston Celtics, showcasing the city’s shared love for its sports teams.

The series continues this weekend, with tensions expected to remain high as Soto faces his former team in what has quickly become one of the most talked-about storylines of the MLB season.

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