These are the nights Giancarlo Stanton envisioned when he became a Yankee last December.
Four tubs full of Chandon champagne inside the clubhouse. Corks strewn across the soaked plastic-lined floors. Goggles, hats and shirts to mark the achievement.
After eight seasons in the major leagues spent watching other teams party after playoff-clinching wins, Stanton was finally part of the festivities and going to the postseason himself.
“Exactly what we came here for and we just know we got more work to do,” Stanton said after he had dried off from the champagne showers following the Yankees’ 3-2 win over the Orioles on Saturday night that secured their spot in the AL wild-card game.