Yankees Mark 9/11 Anniversary With Ceremony as Trump Attends Game

Yankee Stadium paused for solemn reflection Thursday evening as the New York Yankees held a pregame ceremony to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The event drew added attention as former President Donald Trump attended the game against the Detroit Tigers, marking one of his most visible public appearances in recent weeks.

Before the first pitch, fans, players, and staff stood for a moment of silence honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 2001 attacks. A giant American flag unfurled across the outfield, while members of the NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority Police Department were recognized on the field.

Bagpipes played “Amazing Grace,” and a military flyover punctuated the ceremony. Yankees players wore caps embroidered with “FDNY” and “NYPD,” a tradition the franchise has embraced on each 9/11 anniversary since 2001.

“The Yankees have always considered it a privilege to represent this city,” team president Randy Levine said in a brief statement. “Tonight is about remembering those we lost, supporting the families who still grieve, and honoring the first responders who continue to protect us.”

Security around Yankee Stadium was heightened due to Trump’s appearance. The former president arrived shortly before game time and was seen waving to fans from a suite along the first-base line.

His attendance prompted additional road closures and bag check procedures around the ballpark. The Yankees had issued a travel advisory earlier in the day, urging fans to arrive early to accommodate the enhanced security measures.

While the evening was primarily centered on remembrance, Trump’s presence drew noticeable attention. Supporters cheered as he entered, while a smaller group of protesters gathered outside the stadium gates.

The Yankees went on to play the Tigers in a game that, for many fans, felt secondary to the atmosphere of remembrance. Several players later noted the emotional weight of the pregame observance.

“It’s one of those nights where baseball gives people a space to come together,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “The ceremony was moving, and it’s always humbling to be part of honoring this city and its history.”

As the Yankees and Tigers faced off under the lights, the sense of unity and remembrance remained the central theme—a reminder of how baseball continues to serve as both a stage for reflection and a symbol of resilience for New Yorkers.