NEW YORK — The 2026 Baseball Writers’ Association of America dinner brought together the biggest names in Major League Baseball. Shohei Ohtani was there. Paul Skenes was honored. Tarik Skubal accepted his Cy Young Award. But one person managed to capture attention without ever stepping to the podium.
Samantha stood by her husband’s side as Aaron Judge collected his third AL MVP trophy on Saturday night. Dressed in a stunning burgundy gown, she turned heads at the New York Hilton Midtown. The Yankees captain looked dapper in his black tuxedo. But it was Samantha who stole the show.
A glamorous date night in the city
The couple made a rare public appearance together at the Jan. 24 event. Samantha, who typically avoids the spotlight, smiled warmly as she posed for photos with her three-time MVP husband. The high school sweethearts from Linden, California, have been together for more than a decade now.
Their journey took them from Linden High School to Fresno State University. Now it has brought them to the biggest stage in baseball. Samantha earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees in kinesiology. Her research on elbow injuries in MLB players won academic recognition. She understands the game her husband dominates.
But Saturday night was not about statistics or swing mechanics. It was about celebrating the man who made MLB history in 2025.
Former teammate delivers emotional tribute to Samantha
Before Judge delivered his acceptance speech, former Yankees teammate Anthony Rizzo took the microphone. The first baseman, who played alongside Judge through the 2024 World Series run, introduced the slugger as “the King of New York.” But Rizzo had something more personal to share.
He turned his attention to Samantha.
“Sam, without you, and getting to know you over all these years, without you, Aaron is not a three-time MVP, and I mean that sincerely,” Rizzo said, according to Yankees Source. “You are such a rock for him, and what you bring, your steady presence, is amazing.”
The words drew applause from the crowd. Rizzo and his wife Emily share a close friendship with the Judges. Emily ran the New York City Marathon in 2023 after receiving training advice from Samantha, an experienced marathoner herself.
Judge reflects on historic 2025 season
The Yankees captain put together one of the greatest seasons in franchise history. He hit .331 to capture his first career batting title. At 6-foot-7, Judge became the tallest batting champion in MLB history. He also led the majors in on-base percentage (.457) and slugging (.688).
His 53 home runs were the most ever by a batting champion. He joined Mickey Mantle and Jimmie Foxx as the only players to hit 50 or more home runs and win a batting title in the same season.
The seven-time All-Star became only the fourth player in Yankees history to win three AL MVP awards. He joins the legendary company of Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and Joe DiMaggio.
“I never came into this game chasing awards or chasing anything but getting a chance to win and leaving the game better than I found it,” Judge said. “If I won by one vote or 20 votes, it really didn’t matter in my eyes.”
First year as parents brought new joy
The couple welcomed their first child last January. Daughter Nora Rose was born on Jan. 27, 2025. Judge announced the news shortly after missing the 2025 BBWAA dinner because Samantha was due to give birth “any day.”
“What an incredible week it’s been, can’t wait for the memories the three of us make,” Judge posted on Instagram after Nora’s arrival.
This year, the Yankees captain could attend in person. And Samantha was right there beside him. The couple tied the knot at a private ceremony in Maui, Hawaii, in December 2021. Judge later signed a nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees and was named team captain.
He has credited Samantha for keeping him grounded through it all. During his record-breaking 62-home run chase in 2022, Judge told reporters his wife stayed “calm as a cucumber” through the pressure.
On Saturday night at the BBWAA dinner, that steady presence was on display once again. Judge may have taken home the hardware. But Samantha reminded everyone why she remains his biggest MVP.
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