Yankees’ Kahnle Honors WWE’s Stone Cold with Beer Bash Celebration in Photo, Video

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVOctober 11, 2024

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

New York Yankees relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle channeled his inner “Stone Cold” Steve Austin while celebrating the Yanks’ elimination of the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series on Thursday night.

As the team reveled in their 3-1 victory in Game 4 to advance to the American League Championship Series, Kahnle wore a Stone Cold vest and threw back a couple of beers simultaneously:

New York Yankees @YankeesStone Cold Tommy Kahnle. pic.twitter.com/pgBWityuTz

Austin, who is a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most popular pro wrestlers of all time, was famous for his “beer bash” celebrations after winning big matches, typically double-fisting some “Steveweisers,” much to the delight of the fans.

The 35-year-old Kahnle was 8 years old when Austin won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 14, so it comes as little surprise that he is a Stone Cold fan given that many people of a similar age fondly remember WWE’s Attitude Era.

Kahnle initially played for the Yankees from 2017 to 2020, and after a stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he returned to the Bronx last year.

After posting a 2.66 ERA in 42 appearances in 2023, Kahnle was even better this season, delivering a 2.11 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 46 strikeouts over 42.2 innings in his 50 appearances.

Kahnle also came up huge during the ALDS, pitching in three of the four games and allowing no hits, two walks and no runs, while striking out three in three innings.

While he is still in search of his first World Series win, Kahnle has a career postseason ERA of 2.96, which suggests he is comfortable on the biggest stage.

The Yankees now await their ALCS opponent in the form of either the Cleveland Guardians or Detroit Tigers, who will play a decisive Game 5 in the ALDS on Saturday.

Should the Yankees find a way to beat either the Guardians or Tigers in the ALCS and reach their first World Series since 2009, perhaps “Stone Cold” Tommy Kahnle will resurface in a couple of weeks.

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