New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone firmly defended Aaron Judge‘s sliding technique following a controversial play in Sunday’s win over the Brewers. The play, which involved a potential double play disrupted by Aaron Judge’s slide, sparked debate and a later admission from umpire Andy Fletcher that the crew had missed a call for runner interference.
Boone addressed the media before Monday’s game against the Orioles, expressing his unwavering support for the Yankees captain. He emphasized his belief that Aaron Judge’s slide adhered to all baseball regulations. The manager also revealed his intention to seek clarification from Major League Baseball (MLB) regarding the specific details of the play.
He explained that Aaron Judge frequently slides with his arms raised, a technique employed by many players in the league. Boone acknowledged that the slugger’s impressive size might make his slide appear unusual upon closer inspection, particularly when considering the contact with the throw. However, he reiterated his confusion about the situation and his hope for a definitive ruling from MLB.
Boone further questioned the necessity of altering a player’s established sliding technique. “Most players naturally raise their hands when they slide,” he pointed out.
“It’s not illegal,” the Yankees manager said. “I don’t understand that. I’m waiting to hear back from the league on that. You look at how Aaron Judge slides — when you slide, you put your arms up. That’s usually how you go in to slide.
“Aaron’s very big, so it looks maybe a little different when you break it down and they actually hit his hand. I don’t know. Waiting to hear from the league on that. But I don’t know how you change what you always do. If you look at most guys, they go in with their hands up.”
The controversial incident occurred in the sixth inning of Sunday’s game. Aaron Judge’s outstretched left hand made contact with Brewers shortstop Willy Adames’ throw, deflecting it and disrupting a potential double play. This unexpected turn of events resulted in a crucial extra out for the Yankees, who capitalized by scoring seven runs in the inning to secure a dominant victory.
Instead of facing a precarious situation with two outs and no runners on base, the Yankees benefited from two runners on and no outs. This golden opportunity allowed them to explode for a game-changing seven-run rally.
Umpires blame Aaron Judge but Yankees captain defends himself
While the umpires initially ruled Aaron Judge safe, Fletcher later acknowledged a blown call upon video review. This admission fueled further discussion about the play and the slugger’s sliding technique. Boone’s response highlights the Yankees’ stance on the matter and their desire for a clear interpretation from MLB moving forward.
Though the on-field ruling allowing Aaron Judge’s slide stood after Sunday’s game due to the play being non-reviewable, the situation sparked discussions about both the legality of the slide itself and the use of oversized protective sliding mitts.
Umpire Andy Fletcher later admitted the crew had erred, stating “We did everything we could…But after looking at it, it appears that it should’ve been called interference.” He elaborated that Aaron Judge’s raised hand didn’t appear part of a natural sliding motion, leading to the missed interference call.
Aaron Judge himself defended his technique, asserting it has been his standard approach throughout his career. “I’ve been sliding like that for years,” he stated confidently, welcoming a review of past slides into second to verify his consistency. This long history adds credence to his claim of no intent to disrupt throws.
The incident also prompted questions about oversized sliding mitts worn by many players like Aaron Judge for protection. While MLB regulations permit these mitts within specific size limits, some have raised concerns.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered perspective on the mitts, acknowledging past issues with aspects of player equipment like hair length or improper hat wear. However, he emphasized that if gear meets regulations and is properly worn, there should be no problem. Boone suggested MLB will likely continue monitoring the situation and adjusting rules as needed.
The umpire’s admission of a missed call, Aaron Judge’s defense of his sliding form, and the discussion around protective mitt sizing underscore the complexities and evolving interpretations involved in adjudicating baseball plays at the highest level. This incident will likely spur further analysis and potential rule clarifications.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Hater’s gonna hate. These Umpires are no saints either..they have had some pretty bogus calls when you use the same strike zone for Altuve and Judge…..the zone should move with the players…from the letters to the knee.
I don’t know if it is right or wrong, but I have seen Judge and alot of ballplayers slide that way,I never would have guessed the umpires looking at it that way, me personally, I wouldn’t want to put my hand in front of inroute ball,look out broken hand..