Aaron Judge finds himself on the verge of a defining moment in his career, closer than ever to capturing his first World Series title. Standing in his way is the Los Angeles Dodgers, led by fellow superstar Shohei Ohtani, setting up a highly anticipated showdown between two of baseball’s brightest talents.
Reflecting on past battles with Ohtani from his days with the Angels, Judge recalled the towering home runs Ohtani launched over his head and the intense competition between them. Now, as they prepare to face off on the biggest stage in baseball, Judge expressed excitement about the challenge, acknowledging Ohtani’s status as the game’s premier player.
“He is the best player in the game, we’ve had our battles throughout the regular season over the years when he was with the Angels, playing back and forth, seeing him hit homers over my head and having some good series,’’ the Yankees captain told when asked about his battle with Ohtani. “But getting a chance to play him on the biggest stage in the biggest moment, I think that’s going to be pretty cool to watch.’’
By describing Ohtani as better than him, Judge has squarely put the focus and pressure on the Dodgers’ star, who will now carry overwhelmed expectations.
Yet, the ultimate goal for both players extends beyond personal accolades. The World Series crown will go to either the Yankees or Dodgers, with the spotlight shining on their respective organizations rather than individual achievements.
Judge aware of Dodger Stadium ghosts
Judge’s deep connection to Yankee Stadium and its storied history was evident in his comments during the postseason. He often invoked the “ghosts” of the old Stadium, believing in the intangible magic that can influence October baseball. Despite a record-setting season, Judge knows the mission is not yet complete.
Speaking before a practice session at Yankee Stadium, Judge reflected on the team’s journey to their first World Series appearance since 2009. He recalled his own childhood memories of watching the Yankees win titles and how those moments energized New York City. Now, with a chance to create similar memories, Judge expressed his excitement about making history with his teammates as they prepare for the ultimate test.
“The journey is always a tough one, but that’s the fun in all this,’’ he explained. “There were good times and bad times, but getting to this point, this is where the real fun starts. For years, as a kid, I’d watch the Yankees play and win the World Series. That excitement, the emotion, the city comes alive. It’s special. I look forward to doing that with this group.”
Despite the Yankees’ star-studded roster, Aaron Judge remains the focal point as he enters the 2024 World Series, now in the second season of his nine-year, $360 million contract. Drafted by the team in 2013, Judge has since become the face of the franchise.
However, his postseason performance so far has been uneven. Through nine games, Judge has recorded just five hits in 31 at-bats, including three extra-base hits, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts, contributing to a modest .704 OPS. Despite these struggles, Judge’s career has shown he can elevate his game in crucial moments, and the upcoming World Series could be the perfect stage for a turnaround.
Reflecting on his conversations with former Yankees champions, Judge pointed out the unique aura these players carry, particularly when displaying their championship rings. He noted how their experiences—enduring tough seasons and ultimately triumphing—have shaped their resilience.
This Yankees squad has already displayed its own toughness. After an outstanding start, posting a 50-22 record by mid-June, the team hit a rough patch, going 44-46 the rest of the regular season. But they found their stride in October, capitalizing on favorable matchups against Kansas City and Cleveland to advance.
Judge acknowledged the ups and downs of the season but emphasized the team’s internal confidence, even when external doubts arose. He explained that while public opinion fluctuated with each game, the team’s belief in itself never wavered.
“They’ve got a different aura, walking around and you’ve got a couple of rings on your fingers,’’ he told. “The biggest thing is they’re battle-tested. They’ve been through the grind, the ups and downs and came out on top.”
By winning the division over Baltimore, the Yankees avoided the wild-card round and positioned themselves for a deep postseason run. Judge reflected on the challenges of the season, crediting the adversity for strengthening the team’s unity. Despite the hurdles, he stressed that the team’s core approach remained consistent throughout, helping them persevere.
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