The New York Yankees have strongly dismissed claims made by Staten Island’s South Shore Little League coach, Bob Laterza, regarding their conduct at the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Laterza accused Yankees star Aaron Judge of not acknowledging his players during the game against the Detroit Tigers, alleging that Judge ignored the team when they called out to him from the stands.
Yankees defend Aaron Judge amid criticism, emphasize commitment to Little League event
In response, Aaron Judge chose not to engage with the criticism directly. “I’m not gonna give him a response because it’s about the kids,” Judge stated. “This is what it’s all about. We got a chance to spend a lot of time with quite a few kids in Williamsport, make some great memories.”
Laterza had expressed disappointment, telling silive.com that his players, who view Judge as a hero, were disheartened by the lack of interaction. He criticized Judge, suggesting that the children are the ones who ultimately support players like him.
The Yankees issued a statement on Tuesday countering the allegations, highlighting that their entire roster, including Judge, spent significant time interacting with Little Leaguers throughout the day, particularly with the Staten Island team. The team emphasized their commitment to ensuring the event was a memorable experience for the young players involved, noting that their players engaged with the children as much as possible.
Judge, who is known for his consistent fan engagement, was described by the team as “one of the great ambassadors of our sport.” The Yankees pointed out that Judge took photos with Little League players, including one from Staten Island, and spent much of the afternoon signing autographs. The team also clarified that the day’s schedule was not under their control but that they made every effort to maximize their time with the Staten Island team.
Despite Laterza’s public criticism, the Yankees extended an invitation for the Staten Island team to visit Yankee Stadium after the Little League World Series, regardless of the tournament’s outcome. The Yankees expressed disappointment that Laterza did not reach out directly to discuss his concerns, suggesting that such a conversation could have prevented the situation from escalating publicly. The statement concluded by praising Judge for his consistent kindness and focus on the kids, emphasizing that this was what the event was truly about.
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