A giant among greats: Aaron Judge leaves 2009 Yankees legends in awe

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As Aaron Judge‘s extraordinary season unfolds, potentially carving out a place among baseball’s greatest, several Yankees legends have been closely watching and backing the star slugger.

During Saturday’s Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez both shared their admiration for Aaron Judge, applauding not only his athletic brilliance but also his growth within the Yankees organization.

Jeter, reflecting on Aaron Judge’s achievements, expressed his awe, admitting that such feats were beyond his own experience. He spoke of the joy in watching the slugger’s continuous improvement and lauded him for embodying the legacy and tradition of Yankees superstars. Jeter emphasized that Aaron Judge stands as an exemplary representative of the franchise.

“I personally can’t relate to it. It’s amazing, it seems like he just continues to get better and better,” the Yankees shortstop legend said about Aaron Judge. “He’s fun to watch and he’s carried that legacy and tradition of the Yankee organization and superstar players, and he’s a great representative of this organization.”

Rodriguez, in comments made after the Old-Timers’ festivities, described Aaron Judge as a rare talent in the sport. He compared the slugger’s physical attributes to those of an NFL tight end, noting his towering height, substantial weight, and impressive low body fat. Rodriguez remarked on how Aaron Judge’s imposing figure dwarfs other players.

“Aaron is such a unicorn,” the former Yankees star said. “I love the game of baseball so much, and I’ve never seen a player quite like him, that looks like an NFL tight end: 6-foot-7, 282 pounds, under 10 percent body fat. The guy is just a specimen.”

Additionally, Rodriguez drew comparisons between Aaron Judge and other Yankees icons like Jeter and Mariano Rivera, highlighting the present captain’s ability to stay focused regardless of the spotlight. He expressed confidence that Aaron Judge is destined to become a world champion, pointing to Judge’s emphasis on team victories over personal accolades. Rodriguez concluded by stating that the slugger’s character makes him easy to root for.

“He makes me look small, he makes all of us look small. But also he has a unique element to him like Derek [Jeter] and Mo [Mariano Rivera] had. No matter how big the stage is, he keeps the main thing the main thing. … He’s an easy guy to cheer for and I do think he’ll be a world champion, because that’s all he really cares about. As good as the numbers are, Aaron Judge wants to win.”

Yankees greats marvel at Aaron Judge

By Saturday, Aaron Judge had already smashed 49 home runs, positioning him to potentially match his record-setting 62 homers from two years ago if extended across a full 162-game season. His dominance was clear across nearly every offensive metric, boasting a .333 batting average, a 1.192 OPS, and an astounding wRC+ of 224.

Derek Jeter pointed out that Aaron Judge’s impressive numbers are even more remarkable given his slow start this season. On April 27, the Yankees superstar was hitting just .178 with a .674 OPS. However, over the next 100 games, his performance skyrocketed. He compiled a slash line of .378/.505/.835, hitting 45 home runs, driving in 106 runs, scoring 93 times, and drawing 84 walks. This surge made Aaron Judge the first player in MLB history to maintain a batting average above .375 while hitting more than 45 home runs in a 100-game span within a single season.

Jeter acknowledged Aaron Judge’s early-season struggles but emphasized his extraordinary turnaround. He praised him for his on-field achievements and role in carrying forward the Yankees’ legacy of greatness. Jeter spoke highly of Aaron Judge’s character, calling him an exemplary representative of the organization. The former Yankees captain also expressed his personal admiration for the current captain, both as a player and as a person.

“I don’t want to say he struggled, but he didn’t get out of the gates too well this year,” Jeter said. “I think he’s carried that legacy and tradition of the Yankees organization, of superstar players. And more important than what he does on the field, he’s a great representative of this organization. I personally have enjoyed getting to know him and I’m a fan. I’m a fan of his and what he’s been able to accomplish.”

This year’s Old-Timers’ Day also marked the 15th anniversary of the Yankees’ 2009 World Series win, bringing the topic of championships to the forefront. It was noted that Aaron Judge has yet to secure a World Series ring, and his postseason performance has been somewhat modest, with a .211 batting average and a .772 OPS across 44 playoff games.

Joe Girardi, who once managed Aaron Judge, believes that the captain’s legacy is already secure, even if he never wins a World Series. Girardi emphasized that the slugger’s extraordinary talent alone cements his place in baseball history. However, he also acknowledged that winning a championship would be deeply meaningful for Aaron Judge, recognizing the hard work and dedication that both Judge and his teammates have poured into their careers. Girardi highlighted the unique experience of becoming a champion, something that would undoubtedly add a special chapter to Judge’s career.

Girardi, who guided the Yankees to their 2009 World Series title with a roster featuring stars like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, understands that no matter how talented a player is, winning a championship requires a collective effort. He expressed his hope that Judge would experience that team success, knowing it takes contributions from many to reach the ultimate goal.

Rodriguez also highlighted Aaron Judge’s ability to stay focused on what truly matters, regardless of the situation. He went on to praise Aaron Judge’s character, noting his consistent improvement on the field and describing him as a model individual. He attributed these qualities to the Yankees star’s upbringing and expressed confidence that he would eventually become a world champion. Rodriguez emphasized that the slugger’s focus on winning, rather than on personal achievements, is what truly sets him apart, even as he continues to put up staggering numbers.

Aaron Judge’s stellar performance continues to etch his name into Yankees history, setting the stage for future accolades long after his playing days are over. However, one achievement that still eludes him is a World Series title—something that many of the franchise’s legendary players secured during their careers in pinstripes.

As of Friday, Aaron Judge led the majors with 49 home runs and boasted an outstanding 1.190 OPS, playing a pivotal role in the Yankees’ top standing in the American League.

Former Yankees star Jorge Posada offered a notable comparison, likening Judge to Barry Bonds in terms of skill and impact. Posada also expressed optimism that the Yankees could keep their potent lineup intact, particularly with Juan Soto, who, like Aaron Judge, has been a force at the plate this season. Soto is set to become a free agent after 2024, sparking speculation about his future with the team.

Posada highlighted the benefits of retaining Soto, noting how well the outfielder’s approach to hitting suits Yankee Stadium. He shared his hope that the Yankees would make a strong effort to keep Soto, whom he believes is thriving in New York.

While Aaron Judge’s regular-season achievements are undeniable, his postseason record tells a different story. In 44 playoff games, he has managed a slash line of .211/.310/.462 and has yet to reach the World Series. This disparity between his regular-season dominance and his struggles in October adds a complex layer to the conversation about his legacy in the Bronx.

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