MLB

Yankees’ families get to watch team play for 1st time this season

Nothing has been normal about the 2020 baseball season, but when the Yankees beat the Indians 12-3 in Game 1 of the AL wild-card series against the Indians in Cleveland on Tuesday, the people watching them live for the first time this year were very familiar to some.

Aaron Boone said about 12 players had family members traveling with them. Having spent time quarantining with the players in a downtown Manhattan hotel last week, the family members were allowed to enter Progressive Field and watch their first game of 2020.

“Obviously it is a big thing to have your family physically be here and watch the game. I think they play a very big role in supporting you and I think that goes for all players, including myself,’’ said Masahiro Tanaka, who is scheduled to start Game 2 on Wednesday night with his family watching. “To be here and root means a lot. It is a big thing.’’

Luke Voit echoed Tanaka’s thoughts.

“My wife is here with me and she is super excited. First one this season so it will be good for some of the families to see us play,’’ Voit said.

The Yankees’ family members watched from a suite in foul territory down the right-field line.

Boone said he was hopeful having wives on the road will have a positive impact for the Yankees.

“I hope so, having some family on the trip for guys is something that obviously provides them a little bit of support and obviously a little bit of an escape when we are finished for the night and a distraction for a couple of hours before going to bed,’’ said Boone, whose family is not with him. “Hopefully it is something that provides a little comfort for our guys.’’