Yankees fans can’t contain their excitement after the Bombers swept the Indians in their wild card series last week.

“I can’t even speak. I’m hoping the best for them," said Yankees fan Frank O’Neill. 

What You Need To Know

  • Because of the pandemic all ALDS games are being played in a COVID bubble in San Diego

  • Yankees versus Tampa Bay is one of MLB’s biggest current rivalries

  • If the Yankees make it to the World Series and win, it would be their first title since 2009

Now one of baseball's biggest current rivalries, Yankees versus the Tampa Bay Rays, takes center stage in the American League Division Series.

Lifelong fan Ashley Ferrer couldn’t be more excited. She lives and breathes the Yankees. Not just at home, at work too. She’s worked at the Yankees Clubhouse store in Times Square for five years.

“It’s exciting for myself being a Yankees fan, it’s exciting for business as well because all our fans can get off their sofa and come in and get their gear to represent their colors," said Ferrer.

Fans couldn’t wait to snag a post-season cap. Ali Elbordiny needed a Gerrit Cole jersey to watch the playoffs.

“We just needed Cole to win a World Series, so this year 100 percent World Series," said Elbordiny.

Yankees face coverings and hand sanitizers are reminders this is a baseball season like no other because of the pandemic.

No playoff games at Yankee Stadium this year. All ALDS games are being played in a COVID bubble at Petco Park in San Diego.

No problem says Albert Acosta. He’ll be cheering so loud the Yanks just might hear him all the way from New York.

“I never miss a game. I’m always cheering, my girl is telling me to quiet down a little bit she doesn’t understand the fandom. But I'm a very passionate proud fan I’ll be watching every game,” said Acosta.

And if the Yankees go all the way, it just might erase all the bad from 2020 for the team’s die hard fans.

“Oh if the Yankees win the World Series? Yes hands down yes yes it will. End the year the right way,“ said fan Theresa DeloSantos.