Inside Yankees Spring Training: Judge crushes heckler’s challenge, Weaver lights up media day

The Yankees kicked off spring training by releasing a behind-the-scenes look at their 2025 media day on Wednesday, giving fans an inside glimpse at team chemistry and personalities. While the entire roster was featured, Luke Weaver stole the show in the official team video, showcasing his enthusiasm as a Yankee. Meanwhile, in a separate moment later in the day, Aaron Judge made his presence felt in live batting practice—without saying a word.

Luke Weaver steals the spotlight

In the Yankees’ media day video released Wednesday, right-hander Clarke Schmidt—who was later revealed to be dealing with some back soreness but remains on track for the season—stepped into an unexpected role as an interviewer. He playfully put Weaver on the spot, asking how he was feeling about his first official day with the team.

Weaver, staying in character, responded as if he were being interviewed by a real reporter:

“Who’s that behind the camera?”

“It’s Clarke,” Schmidt replied.

“Hey Clarke, thanks for tuning in!” Weaver quipped before admitting he was “super nervy.” Schmidt encouraged him to be himself, and the two shared a lighthearted exchange.

Weaver, clearly embracing his new team, had the video’s most memorable moment when he broke into a chant from Kurtis Blow’s “Basketball”:

“Basketball is my favorite sport, I like the way they dribble up and down the court!”

His infectious energy set the tone for the Yankees’ spring training as the team gears up for the season.

Judge’s silent response to fan’s shout

While Weaver’s media day video had the clubhouse buzzing, Aaron Judge made waves for an entirely different reason—this time, on the field.

During a live batting practice session on Wednesday at the Yankees’ spring training complex in Tampa, Judge stepped in against reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil. The Yankees captain patiently watched the first two pitches, opting not to swing. Someone in the crowd, seemingly impatient, yelled, “Swing the bat!”

Judge didn’t respond verbally—but his bat did the talking. On the next pitch, he crushed the ball, sending a clear message about his readiness for 2025.

MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch shared the moment on X:
“Swing the bat!” Aaron Judge responds with some loud contact

Judge, coming off one of the best seasons ever by a right-handed power hitter—posting 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and a .322/.458/.701 slash line—appears locked in as he leads the Yankees’ quest for a championship.

Judge opens the door for 2026 WBC

Aside from his focus on the Yankees’ season, Aaron Judge is considering another challenge for next year: representing Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Speaking to reporters, including Deesha Thosar of FOX Sports, Judge acknowledged he’s open to the idea.

“I think that would be pretty fun,” Judge said. “It just depends. See where I’m at in my career at that point. Hopefully, they still want me… It would be cool to represent your country. They made it to the finals [in 2023], but they didn’t win it. So we gotta win it. We’ll see. We’ll see.”

In 2023, Team USA fell to Japan in a dramatic final that ended with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout. The roster was stacked with talent, including multiple MVPs, but Judge could be the missing piece in 2026.

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has also expressed interest in playing for Team USA, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. is considering suiting up for Great Britain.

With personalities like Weaver bringing energy to the clubhouse and Judge already locked in at the plate, the early days of Yankees camp highlight a team determined to build off last year’s success. While Weaver’s media day moment had fans laughing, Judge’s batting practice blast was a reminder—when it comes to business on the field, he’s as locked in as ever.

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