All high-level sports celebrate precision, baseball not being an exception. And in a sea of greats, Aaron Judge stands out as a force of nature. When he steps into the batter’s box, pitchers adjust, cameras zoom in, and fans brace themselves excitedly for a potential bomb. At six-foot-seven and 282 pounds, Aaron Judge is impossible to overlook, not only from his sheer physical size, but his presence on and off the field. His impact on baseball as a whole symbolizes the way baseball has evolved into a modern-day version that blends athleticism, humanity, and leadership all into one.
That being said, Judge’s journey to the glory of baseball wasn’t as straightforward as his numbers may suggest. By baseball’s standards, Aaron Judge was actually considered a late bloomer. His path from the small town of Linden, California to the bright lights of Yankee Stadium was paved by perseverance and a relentless work ethic. Not only is Aaron Judge the face of the New York Yankees, but he is a massive ambassador of the sport, his passion for it expanding past the mere act of playing.
Early Life: Humble Beginnings and the Road to Greatness
Aaron James Judge was born on April 26th, 1992 in a small town outside of Sacramento. Judge’s family was well known, as his parents, Patty and Wayne Judge, were both teachers. Adopted the day after he was born, Judge’s story does not start on the diamond, but rather in the classroom. His parents instilled a sense of discipline and hard work into his routine that continues to show in his work ethic as a player. From an early age, he was encouraged by his parents to pursue any career that interested him.
It didn’t take long for his athletic abilities to shine through. Unsurprisingly, Judge was well-achieved in many sports throughout his childhood, and baseball was not his primary focus for many years. In fact, colleges were scouting him for a future in football, but Judge later confessed that he knew that his heart belonged to baseball. His lack of focus on one singular sport brought a new perspective to athleticism that isn’t seen often – while most parents encourage children to hone in on one area, Judge’s ability to excel in multiple broadened his skill set. His agility, hand-eye coordination, and speed would become defining traits in his eventual baseball career.
When it came time to commit to a college, Judge opted to attend California State University, Fresno (better known as Fresno State) for baseball, even though the Oakland Athletics selected him as the 31st pick of the 2010 MLB Draft. His career at Fresno State was promising, but his successes there didn’t ensure him a chance to become a Major League star. Although he was a star at Fresno, most of the criticism directed towards Judge was regarding whether or not he could maintain consistent contact at the plate. This being said, the New York Yankees saw the potential in him, selecting him just one pick shy of where he placed three years prior. Judge was taken with the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft.
The Minors and Early Struggles: Building a Superstar
Even after being drafted, Judge’s success was far from guaranteed. Judge spent several years in the Yankees’ minor league, making sure his mechanics were refined in order to adjust to skilled pitchers in the MLB when facing them at the plate. For someone of his size, mastering the strike zone was a crucial challenge, as his long limbs made it difficult to keep his swing compact. As his years in the minors grew, so did his strikeout count. Critics were quick to point out this obvious flaw, often suggesting that Judge’s physical tools may not translate to success at the Major League level.
However, what separated Judge from other prospects wasn’t just his power — it was his ability to adapt. He didn’t shy away from the criticism: instead, he embraced it and made necessary adjustments. Judge worked tirelessly with coaches to shorten his swing and improve his pitch recognition, transforming from a raw power hitter into a more disciplined batter.
By his MLB debut in August 2016, expectations were mixed. His first-ever at-bat at the major league level resulted in a towering homerun. However, he struggled the rest of the season, batting an abysmal .179, leading many to wonder if he could truly live up to the hype.
The Breakout: A Rookie Season for the Ages
Doubts concerning Judge quickly dissipated after 2017 when he entered his first full season with the Yankees, taking the league by storm. In fact, his rookie season turned into one of the most remarkable ones in MLB history, with an astounding 52 home runs, surpassing the previous record from 1987. Leaving critics awestruck, he became a fan favorite overnight, and his impact extended past the box score.
Judge continued to bring an unforeseen energy to the Yankees that felt new and fresh, blending both the storied tradition of the franchise with modern flair. Fans packed Yankee Stadium to watch him blast baseballs into orbit, while his humble demeanor made him a natural leader in the clubhouse. Judge finished his rookie season with a .284 BA and 114 RBIs, along with 52 home runs, earning him the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
Judge remained increasingly attentive to his craft, and even more so to his teammates, emphasizing the importance of winning over individual statistics. His open and honest attitude along with his incredible ability on the field made him impossible not to like – not only in New York, but across the entire sport.
The Modern-Day Yankee Captain
During the 2023 season, after he had just signed a 9-year deal worth 360 million dollars, the Yankees made Judge their first official captain. Judge has since then been a leader for the Yankees roster both on and off the field, his strong, brother-like relationships with his teammates extremely obvious through his interactions with them.
Jonathan Hock, a critically acclaimed 11-time Emmy winner in the film production of sports documentaries, weighed in on the topic of current-day Judge and how he’s leading the team. In an interview I conducted with him, Hock said, “You can feel the other players orbiting around Aaron Judge, he is really the center of gravity on the team. At one point, he looked over at Anthony Rizzo [first baseman for NYY], and said, ‘You think it’s time we tell the young kids about the Yankee way?’ And what he meant was winning the World Series or nothing.” Having first-hand experience with the Yankees and Judge in particular, Jonathan Hock offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the team, seeing a side of the game that the fans don’t. And through this interaction, it’s clear that Judge is not only aiming to lead the team, but to set the stage for future years and make it clear that the Yankee way is to win championships.
In the 2024 season, Aaron Judge did just that. He led the New York Yankees to the World Series for the first time since 2009, ending one of the longest droughts in Yankees history. However, his work was not done yet, and it’s clear that Judge has not lived up to his potential, as some fans expected him to. “He needs to wake up behind the plate,” says Eva Martinez ’26. While many share this sentiment, it still holds true that without Aaron Judge, the Yankees would not have made it this far in the season, certainly not to the World Series.
Even though Aaron Judge was unable to lead his team to victory, his impact is still very prevalent. He carried the team in the regular season, going as far as to earn the AL Hank Aaron Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the MLB which names him the best overall offensive performer in the American League. His work ethic is an inspiration to many, and it’s clear his work in the league isn’t done just yet.
“You can feel the other players orbiting around Aaron Judge, he is really the center of gravity on the team,” said Jonathan Hock, a critically acclaimed 11-time Emmy winner in the film production of sports documentaries.