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The Yankees clinched a playoff spot and partied with Bronxie the turtle in a champagne-filled celebration.
Following New York’s 1-0 walk-off win against the Rays on Sunday, video showed one Yankees player holding the turtle in the air, while Aaron Judge sprayed champagne.
The turtle has become an unofficial good luck charm for the Yankees after Nestor Cortes Jr. purchased the reptile at a Bronx pet store in late September — just before the Yankees swept the Rangers at home.
On Friday, players including Joey Gallo, Tyler Wade and Rougned Odor, rocked navy blue “Bronxie” T-shirts at batting practice. The shirts featured an image of a turtle with a pinstriped stomach, making the celebratory gesture the Yankees do after a big hit.
The Yankees welcomed Bronxie into the clubhouse during their rise in the wild-card standings and went on to win six straight games.
Bronxie even made the trip to Boston, where the Yankees swept the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Last month, Brett Gardner said, “Hopefully it’s a good luck charm,’’ while talking about the turtle. “I know a lot of guys believe there’s a connection here.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone called Bronxie “a cute little guy,” and said the turtle “is something the guys have had a little bit of fun with.”
After clinching the second AL Wild Card, the Yankees (92-70) will play the Red Sox at Fenway Park on Tuesday night.
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