Mariano Rivera, Curtis Granderson launch Yankees fragrance

The New York Yankees launched their first team fragrance at Macy's Herald Square on Thursday, bringing to mind one question for those of us who have never been up close with a man in pinstripes . . . what does a Yankee smell like?

"It's winning-- that's the scent of the Yankees," said pitcher Mariano Rivera.

Though the fragrance is really a blend of coriander, cool blue sage, orange flower, geranium, sandalwood and suede (among other ingredients), it's tough to argue with Rivera, who has won five World Series championships and is Major League Baseball's all time leader in saves.

"The scent of a Yankee after the game, after a nice shower, is great," added center fielder Curtis Granderson, "but during the game it's all about dedication, hard work and seeing it all pay off."

Rivera and Granderson served as brand ambassadors at the fragrance launch, a joint project between the New York Yankees, Major League Baseball and The Cloudbreak Group.

"I'm a Yankee and we've been together for so long, so it's a great opportunity to launch their first cologne ever," Rivera said. "It's wonderful, isn't it?"

Granderson hosted a private press conference with The Cloudbreak Group chief executive Thomas Butkiewicz and Rivera greeted hundreds of excited fans, who received a signed baseball with purchase.

There is a fragrance for both men and women, one in a midnight blue bottle and the other in pink, both with the team's signature interlocking NY. Proceeds from some sales will benefit the Mariano Rivera Foundation for children in need and the Grand Kids Foundation, which Granderson founded to improve education for America's youth.

The women's fragrance is a blend of guava, plum, apricot nectar, strawberry blossom and vanilla. Prices range from $15 for a body spray to $62 for a 3.4 ounce bottle of cologne or perfume. There are also scented lotions, rollerballs, bath sets and lip glosses.

Note to all the female fans out there: Don't over do it on the perfume when trying to impress Granderson.

"On women I like a mature scent, nothing too strong," he said. "I don't want to get close to you and start sneezing because I have a sensitive nose."

As for his own choices in the fragrance department, Granderson says it has changed throughout the years from Calvin Klein's CK One and Liz Claiborne's Curve to Davidoff's Cool Water. "The New York Yankees Macy's fragrance will definitely be next in line as long as I can keep my dad from stealing it from me," he said.

There will be plenty to go around, though -- Granderson said he and Rivera will be sure everyone in the locker room has some.

But who is the best smelling Yankee of all?

Outfielder Andruw Jones, according to Granderson.

"He just stays fresh and clean before and after the game . . . he's always ready to go, always thinking one step ahead," Granderson said of Jones, adding that he is also the team's best dressed player off the field.

"It's all part of the package," he said. "The fragrance is that one added accessory that he does a great job of using to accent his outfits."

For more information and to purchase the fragrance, visit nyyankeesfragrance.com or macys.com.