The Bronx delivered its own star-studded response to the celebrity-packed Dodgers games on Monday. While Games 1 and 2 of the World Series saw Hollywood’s elite turn out in full force, Yankee Stadium held its ground, showcasing a lineup of former Yankees legends and iconic local rap stars.
On Monday night, rapper Fat Joe unwittingly ruffled feathers at Yankee Stadium with a misstep that didn’t sit well with the New York Yankees’ groundskeeping crew. Tasked with energizing fans before Game 3 of the World Series, Fat Joe followed in the footsteps of Ice Cube, who had performed “It Was A Good Day” for the Dodgers at their home stadium in Game 2.
Hoping to bring that same iconic energy, Fat Joe took the stage in the Bronx and performed his hit song “All The Way Up.” However, during his set, the rapper committed a major faux pas: he stomped across the pitcher’s mound in Timberland boots.
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their reactions, many of them humorously lamenting the added workload Fat Joe created for the grounds crew, who had meticulously prepared the mound just moments before.
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Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt was set to take the field right after Fat Joe’s performance, but as luck—or superstition—would have it, Schmidt quickly gave up a two-run home run to Dodgers star Freddie Freeman in the opening inning.
Some fans jokingly pointed fingers at Fat Joe, suggesting his heavy steps on the mound might have thrown off Schmidt’s rhythm.
The Yankees came into Game 3 trailing the Dodgers 2-0 in the series, so every minor disruption felt amplified. What was meant to be a morale boost for the team and its fans inadvertently stirred up a blend of fan frustration and superstition.
Although it’s unlikely Fat Joe’s Timberlands directly impacted the outcome, his performance left a memorable impression on fans and groundskeepers alike as the Yankees fought to stay alive in the Fall Classic.
