New York Yankees Michael King: "Their first question is, ‘What’s Aaron Judge like?"
Aaron Judge's laid-back demeanor and positive attitude make him easy to like. Just ask teammate Michael King. King, like most New York Yankees players, is a massive fan of Judge.
With the 30-year-old recently signing a nine-year contract with the Yankees, Judge will likely be the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. After arguably the greatest offensive season in the history of baseball, he is a hero in the Big Apple.
Pitcher Michael King recently shared his views on Judge's popularity amongst the fans:
"When everyone finds out you’re on the Yankees, their first question is, 'What’s Aaron Judge like?'"
In a recent article by MLB, King also revealed his admiration and respect for the outfielder:
"He’s unlike anybody I’ve ever met because he’s such a superstar, but he treats everyone like they’re the star"
Judge's humility is just one of the reasons the fanbase has grown to adore him. He has been a role model for young players in the clubhouse and has led by example on the field.
AL Record 62 HRs
Aaron Judge in 2022:
✅ AL Record 62 HRs
✅ AL MVP
✅ $360M contract extension
✅ Named Yankees captain
✅ AP Male Athlete of the Year https://t.co/WWM2HjHiIX
"Aaron Judge in 2022: AL Record 62 HRs AL MVP $360M contract extension Named Yankees captain AP Male Athlete of the Year" - ESPN
Last season, Judge carried the Yankees offense on his shoulders. He led the team in almost every offensive category.
In what turned out to be a record-setting season, Judge finished with 62 home runs and 131 RBIs. He led MLB in home runs, RBIs, runs, OBP, slugging, and OPS.
Judge also set the American League single-season home run record, beating out former Yankee Roger Maris by one homer. It was an impressive feat considering the record has stood since 1961.
Aaron Judge was named New York Yankees captain in the offseason
As a reward for his MVP season, the Yankees named Judge the club's captain. He became the organization's first captain since Derek Jeter retired in 2014.
Nestor Cortes called Aaron Judge "ecstatic" as soon as he heard that he'd be back with the Yankees.
On Judge being named captain: "He represents the Yankees the right way in every aspect" https://t.co/knvXdJ7l5l
"Nestor Cortes called Aaron Judge "ecstatic" as soon as he heard that he'd be back with the Yankees. On Judge being named captain: "He represents the Yankees the right way in every aspect" - Yankees Videos
With the captaincy comes added pressure. The Yankees have failed to win a World Series since 2009. Last season ended in disappointment with the club once again losing out to the Houston Astros in the AL Championship Series.
Aaron Judge has a long list of accomplishments to his name. In 2014, he was named Rookie of the Year. He is a four-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner. A World Series ring is the only thing missing from his trophy cabinet.
The New York Yankees have put their faith in Judge, and he will be desperate to repay them with a title in 2023.