Marcus Stroman, Yankees
NYY Instagram

Marcus Stroman, the New York Yankees’ latest addition, has gelled up with the roster in no time this season. Having signed a two-year $37 million deal this winter, Stroman’s life came full circle as he returned to the place where he was born and raised as a child.

And all had in mind was to do better at the Yankee Stadium and reverse the negative narrative around him. Marcus Stroman has so far been successful to bring his vision to life on the mound. However, back in the Yankee clubhouse, Stroman has equally been a team player who passed on a unique pre-game ritual to his fellow starters.

   

Marcus Stroman Reveals Why Yankee Starters Lights Candle Before Starts In Clubhouse!

Yankees Marcus Stroman, Alex Verdugo
Getty Images

In a unique blend of superstition and routine, starting pitcher Marcus Stroman has introduced a distinctive pre-game ritual to the New York Yankees’ starting rotation. In a recent conversation with YES Network, Stroman revealed that he has a pre-game ritual where, on every start day, he sits in the Yankee clubhouse, lights a candle next to him, and ensures to blow it out before he steps out of the locker room. The ritual apparently brings calmness to Stroman as it creates a zen environment, and the scented candles fill the clubhouse with a pleasant smell, which everybody loves. However, interestingly, Stroman’s peers and Yankee starters have now started to pick up his ritual.

Apparently, Nestor Cortes and ace Gerrit Cole were spotted lighting candles in the clubhouse before their starts or rehab workouts. And Marcus Stroman rightfully claimed credit for it. He said that Cole lighting a candle is a testament to him, and he is moved by those gestures. Indeed, the candle-lighting ritual has since become a staple in the Yankees’ clubhouse, symbolizing a blend of mindfulness and preparation. While its direct impact on performance may be up for debate, the psychological benefits and the bond it has created among the Yanks’ pitchers are undeniable. Stroman, meanwhile, continues to build a good bond with the Bombers as well as their fans, who reciprocated with a standing ovation during the Long Island native’s recent prolific start against the Seattle Mariners.

Marcus Stroman Thanks Yankees Fans For Standing Ovation

Yankees, Marcus Stroman
Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Monday night was a special outing for New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman as he pitched his best outing in pinstripes against the Seattle Mariners. Stroman went deep with a 7.1 innings start and allowed just 1 run in the process. It was the longest start Marcus had in pinstripes, and he totally enjoyed his time on the mound. And the fans at the Yankee Stadium were equally overjoyed.

As Aaron Boone removed Marcus Stroman in the middle of his eight inning, the fans greeted him with standing ovation as the pitcher roared in delight. Stroman said afterwards that he its the world to him getting that ovation from the home fans. All his life, his dream was to perform in New York, the city he was born and raised him. And the Yankee Stadium holds a special place in his life.

Follow Sports News International for more news and updates about The New York Yankees and your favorite MLB team