When talking about Aaron Judge, we are in the presence of a legendary baseball player, a paragon of virtues who, in addition to breaking records, has known how to be part of what it means to be a thoroughbred Yankee. But none of that has been enough for some who continue to disrespect the figure of the Sacramento, California-born player, just for not winning the World Series.
Judge’s unanimous American League MVP award, something only Mickey Mantle in 1956 had achieved, has not mattered, so much lack of recognition feels not only unfair, but totally unfounded and therefore personal and irrational. Judge has been and will continue to be unfairly judged for the error, for the ‘mortal sin’ that was dropping that ball in the World Series against the Dodgers.
“The best since Mickey Mantle”
However, there are also many who do recognize Judge’s weight and legacy for the Yankees and a statement like the following should not be taken lightly: “The Yankees have been such a big brand over the last 100 years… and he’s the best player to wear the uniform since Mickey Mantle.”
The author of this defense is WFAN journalist Chris McMonigle, who is convinced that the comparisons that are often made of Judge with other Mets players are totally absurd, and that a player like him cannot be judged by the failures of the Yankees in the postseason.
McMonigle’s defense of Judge did not stop there: “Judge is the premium player this side of Ohtani, who does both. As Ohtani didn’t pitch last year, Judge is the best player in the game, without a doubt, but he will be remembered for that dropped ball (against the Dodgers) until he wins the trophy in the Fall Classic (…) he is the best hitter of this generation, and he will not be remembered, nor as beloved as Derek Jeter, even though he is a much better player,” he concluded.
Judge has made history with the Yankees
The constant improvement is Judge’s main argument, in addition to his undeniable Yankee spirit, something that he justifies with titles such as the MVP, or with the 62 home runs in the 2022 season that gave him the record for most home runs by an American League player. That, coupled with his temperament and consistency in proudly wearing the Yankees’ jersey, should be a source of admiration and not constant disparagement for a Bronx icon.