TAMPA, Fla. – Ringed by chain-link fences, the heart of the Yankees’ batting order put on an impressive show Sunday morning, their deep drives clattering off – and occasionally over – the roof of the team’s Player Development Complex.
“I love hitting here,” Cody Bellinger said with a laugh after a friendly jet stream carried one blast out toward the players’ parking lot.
That workout represented the Yankees making the most of a situation that, to put it bluntly, really stunk.
A drainage pipe blockage outside the footprint of George M. Steinbrenner Field interrupted operations during the club’s spring home opener on Saturday, a 20-3 victory over the Tigers.
Fans exiting the ballpark had to navigate puddles of foul-smelling water, some of which seeped into the Yankees’ clubhouse on the first-base side and the lower floor of the two-story gift shop. Extensive work was required overnight to make the player areas inhabitable.
“It’s Spring Training for the toilets, too,” a club spokesperson said.
Fortunately, carpets, lockers and equipment were spared, according to manager Aaron Boone.
“I was surprised at how much they were able to get things cleaned up and sanitized,” Boone said. “Credit to a lot of people that put in a lot of hours overnight into this morning. Moving forward, we’ve got some longer-term things that have got to get fixed, but we should be in a good spot.”
A two-year Steinbrenner Field renovation project was completed last spring, including significant improvements to the home clubhouse. State-of-the-art training rooms were added with hot/cold tubs, underwater treadmills and a 2,400-square-foot outdoor dining patio.
The Rays used the facility for 81 games in 2025 while hurricane-related repairs were made at Tropicana Field.
“I wasn’t here for the disaster yesterday,” second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. said. “I was already gone. When I walked in, it smelled great. I was like, ‘What are you guys talking about?’ My stuff was good, and I came in to play baseball.”
Boone said the Yankees’ workout schedule should not be further disrupted. He applauded the players’ positive mindset throughout a less-than-ideal experience.
“One of the things I talked to some of our guys about was the attitude of everyone,” Boone said. “It throws your routine a little bit off. Everyone handled it really well, walking through it with a smile, with energy. No complaining. I thought we got really good work in, so I’m happy with that.”