Junior Caminero taunts Yankees with broom after Rays sweep series

Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays mocked the New York Yankees with a sweeping broom and a repeated chant of “da Yankees lose!” after the Rays completed a three‑game sweep of the Bronx Bombers in Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 7, 2026.

The moment captured national attention because it combined a light‑hearted gesture with the decisive end of the Yankees’ postseason run, underscoring the Rays’ dominance and giving fans a vivid snapshot of the series’ emotional climax.

During the final out, when pitcher Bryan Baker struck out Trent Grisham, Caminero raised a broom, mimicked a sweeping motion toward the stands and shouted the chant. TNT’s broadcast showed him repeating the phrase while putting his hand against his head to imitate sleep, echoing a David Ortiz‑style impression. He later repeated the chant in the clubhouse while speaking with Spanish‑language media and again during an interview with TNT’s Lauren Shehadi, who asked him about the celebration.

“The best! The best! Sweep!” Caminero exclaimed when Shehadi prompted him about the series victory, adding “Da Yankees lose!” in a playful, exaggerated tone. The Rays’ two‑time All‑Star batted .300 during the series, collecting three hits, and his enthusiasm helped fuel the team’s celebratory mood.

Rays manager Joe Maddon and teammates joined in the revelry, but the most viral element was Caminero’s broom prop, which quickly spread across MLB’s official social channels and fan platforms. The clip sparked a flurry of memes and commentary, highlighting how postseason drama can extend beyond the on‑field action.

With the sweep, the Yankees’ season concluded without a win, and the team now turns its focus to offseason decisions. The Rays advance to the American League Championship Series, where they will look to build on the momentum generated by both their on‑field performance and the colorful post‑game moment that captured the nation’s attention.