Aaron James Judge (born April 26, 1992) is a distinguished professional baseball player renowned for his role as an outfielder with the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB) and professionally recognized as just Aron Judge. He has made a name for himself through his extraordinary fusion of power-hitting prowess and exceptional defensive abilities, marking him as a standout figure.
He made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees in 2016 and quickly gained attention for his remarkable home run-hitting ability. He has been named an MLB All-Star multiple times and has won various awards and accolades, including the American League Rookie of the Year in 2017.
Early Life
Aaron Judge was born in Linden, California, on April 26, 1992. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, where his parents were teachers and encouraged him to excel in his athletic pursuits. From a young age, Judge displayed a natural baseball talent, and his towering stature was already evident, eventually contributing to his powerful hitting ability.
He attended Linden High School, where he continued to hone his baseball skills and develop into a promising player. Judge’s exceptional athleticism and work ethic stood out, and he quickly became a standout player for his high school team.
After graduating from high school, Aaron Judge attended Fresno State University, where he continued to make waves in collegiate baseball. His combination of power-hitting and defensive prowess caught the attention of scouts, setting the stage for his eventual professional career in Major League Baseball.
In the 2013 MLB Draft, Aaron Judge was selected by the New York Yankees in the first round, recognizing his immense potential. He progressed through the Yankees’ minor league system, fine-tuning his skills and preparing for his eventual major debut in 2016.
Career
Aaron Judge’s professional baseball career began when the New York Yankees selected him in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
He debuted in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees on August 13, 2016. It didn’t take long for Judge to impact the league significantly. He quickly gained attention for his extraordinary power-hitting ability, consistently launching mammoth home runs that captivated fans and fellow players alike.
In his rookie season 2017, Aaron Judge took the baseball world by storm. Judge was named to the MLB All-Star Game, won the Home Run Derby, and received numerous accolades, including the American League Rookie of the Year award. Judge’s remarkable combination of power and precision at the plate made him a formidable force in the Yankees’ lineup.
Throughout his career, Judge has continued to be a driving force for the Yankees, showcasing his talent as a hitter and a skilled outfielder with a strong throwing arm. His presence on the field and in the clubhouse has inspired his teammates, and he has become one of the faces of the franchise.
Leading up to the commencement of the 2022 MLB season, Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees found themselves at a crossroads in their contract negotiations. The 30-year-old outfielder, already a superstar in the league, was seeking a long-term deal to secure his future with the team. However, despite extensive discussions, both parties failed to reach an agreement.
In a bold move, Judge turned down a substantial seven-year contract offer that guaranteed him over $213 million. Instead, he opted for a shorter-term approach, signing a year, US$19 million contract with the Yankees. This decision showcased Judge’s confidence in his abilities and belief that he could secure a more favorable deal in free agency after the upcoming season.
As the 2022 season unfolded, Aaron Judge embarked on a historic journey. He began hitting home runs at a remarkable pace, reigniting discussions about whether he could surpass the legendary record set by Roger Maris. On September 7, Judge crushed his 55th home run of the season, trailing Maris by just six homers with nearly a month remaining in the regular season.
Judge’s relentless pursuit of history continued. On September 20, he joined the exclusive company of Babe Ruth and Roger Maris as one of the only American League players to have hit 60 home runs in a single season. The baseball world watched in awe as he continued to make strides.
Then, on September 28, Judge hit his 61st home run, tying Maris’s record. The anticipation reached a fever pitch as fans eagerly awaited the outcome of the historic chase. On October 4, with only two games left in the regular season, Aaron Judge launched his 62nd home run, setting a new single-season record for home runs in the American League.
Personal Life
Judge is an extremely private individual who has intentionally kept his personal life off social media. He is married to his longtime girlfriend, Samantha Bracksieck, whom he first met during their high school years.
Social Media
- Instagram: @thejudge44
- Twitter: @TheJudge44
Net Worth
Judge has an estimated net worth of about US$55 million.