"You knew he was very humble" - Former Yankees captain Derek Jeter's recalls first meeting with successor Aaron Judge

New York Yankees icon Derek Jeter discussed his connection with Aaron Judge on the “SI Media With Jimmy Traina” podcast last month.

​

​

"I first met him at one of the Captain’s Camps when I talked to a group of minor league players," Jeter said. "Aaron stood out just from his sheer size, but getting a chance to talk to him, you knew he was very humble, focused, and dedicated.”

Derek Jeter, a Hall of Fame shortstop, led the Yankees to five World Series victories before playing his final season in 2014. That was the first year of the Captain's Camp, which pairs former players with prospects at the team's spring training facility in Tampa, Florida.

Outfielder Aaron Judge, the current face of the team, was drafted by the Yankees in the first round in 2013. After being invited to spring training in 2015 and 2016, Judge debuted for New York in August 2016.

​

​

"If you ever need any advice, you want to bounce ideas off someone or learn from my shared experiences, I’m always here and always will be,” Jeter said.

Fast forward to December 2022, and the captaincy changed hands. Judge became the team's 16th captain as he signed a nine-year, $360 million deal to remain with the team.

​

Aaron Judge passes Derek Jeter, moves into seventh in home runs for for the Yankees

Aaron Judge has an MLB-leading 32 home runs this season. In the process, Judge has moved to seventh place among the storied franchise's home run leaders, with 289.

This season, he passed Derek Jeter (260), Jorge Posada (275) and Bernie Williams (287). Ahead of Judge is Alex Rodriguez (351). The all-time Yankees leader is Babe Ruth (659).

Judge tied Jeter on April 14 and went past him on April 24.

Entering Tuesday, Judge was hitting .308 with a 1.105 OPS that has propelled New York to a 55-37 record, three games behind the Baltimore Orioles (57-33).

​

​