The Bleacher Creatures officially came into being in the late 1990s, but the seeds were planted much earlier. The term "Bleacher Creatures" was coined by New York Daily News columnist Filip "Flip" Bondy, who used it to describe the dedicated and often rowdy fans who populated the right-field bleachers. These fans were known for their loud, unfiltered passion and unyielding support for the Yankees. However, it wasn’t just any group of fans that formed the core of the Bleacher Creatures; it was a specific leader who rallied the troops and gave the creatures their unique identity.
Ali Ramirez is often credited as the spiritual leader and founding father of the Bleacher Creatures. Ramirez, a passionate Yankees fan, began the tradition of roll call, where fans chant the names of the starting players until each one acknowledges them with a wave or nod. This tradition started in the early 1990s and quickly became a hallmark of Yankees games. Ali was known for his distinctive cowbell, which he would ring to start the roll call. His infectious energy and love for the game galvanized the bleacher crowd, turning a simple fan experience into a coordinated, spirited ritual.
The roll call is the signature move of the Bleacher Creatures. It starts at the beginning of every home game, with the creatures chanting the names of each Yankees starter. The players, well aware of this tradition, turn and wave in acknowledgment, much to the delight of the fans. It’s a sign of respect and a symbol of the close-knit relationship between the players and their most ardent supporters.
The roll call begins with the center fielder and works its way around the field. This ritual not only pumps up the fans but also gives the players a moment of appreciation and connection with the crowd.
After Ali Ramirez’s passing in 1996, another larger-than-life personality took up the mantle. Bald Vinny Milano, known for his shaved head and boisterous presence, became the de facto leader of the Bleacher Creatures. Vinny wasn’t just a leader; he was an institution.
Under Bald Vinny’s reign, the roll call became more structured and widely recognized. Vinny's charisma and dedication to the team and its fans solidified the Bleacher Creatures' place in Yankees culture. He became the face of the creatures, leading chants, organizing events, and ensuring the bleacher experience was as unforgettable as ever.
In 2012, Bald Vinny announced he would no longer lead the roll call, marking the end of an era. His departure left a void in the bleachers for a bit, but the spirit of the Bleacher Creatures was too strong to fade. After Vinny stepped down, various members of the creatures took on the responsibility of leading the roll call, one of them being a guy named Marc Chalpin who does the roll call now. But one person we can never forget about in this entire evolution is the Queen of the Bleacher Creatures. Her name is Tina Lewis. Not only has Tina been instrumental to the roll call and behind the scenes workings of the creatures since the days of Ali Ramirez, but she also continues to help out behind the scenes to keep the tradition alive.
Today, the Bleacher Creatures remain a vibrant and integral part of the Yankee Stadium experience. While the faces may change, the heart and soul of the creatures stay the same. They are a living testament to the passion, loyalty, and unbridled enthusiasm of Yankees fans.
The Bleacher Creatures are more than just a group of fans; they are a symbol of the camaraderie and community that baseball fosters. From Ali Ramirez’s cowbell to Bald Vinny’s booming voice, the creatures have etched their place in Yankees history, one roll call at a time.
The Bleacher Creatures’ story is a vibrant tapestry of fandom, folklore, and fun. It’s a tale of how a group of dedicated fans can become an integral part of a team’s identity, creating traditions that resonate through the ages. So next time you’re at Yankee Stadium, raise a cheer for the creatures—they’ve more than earned it.
--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor
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