UPDATE: As the MLB playoffs approach, pitchers are sharing their experiences facing the unstoppable Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees superstar who has hit an astonishing 359 home runs since his 2016 debut. Known for his towering height of 6-foot-7 and weight of 282 pounds, Judge transforms every at-bat into a spectacle, leaving pitchers with a mix of dread and awe.
Just daysago, Judge solidified his place in history by hitting his 40th home run this season, marking his fourth consecutive year achieving this milestone. As he eyes the American League MVP award once again, the anticipation builds for what could be a record-breaking playoff run.
Pitchers recall their most memorable moments against Judge, revealing just how intimidating it is to face him. “Maybe I should start an Aaron Judge he’s-hit-a-home-run-off-me support group,” joked Mark Appel, who faced Judge during his college days at Stanford. In a shocking upset, Judge took Appel deep twice, a performance that marked the beginning of his legend. “We were so dumbfounded,” Appel said. “What is going on right now?”
Others echoed Appel’s sentiments. Anthony Montefusco described how a pitch he threw to Judge in the Cape Cod League sailed over the fence, “It had to be 500 feet, to the tops of the trees.” Sean Manaea, who faced Judge multiple times, remarked on the physical presence of Judge, noting, “When he steps into the box, you really feel that.”
For pitchers, the mental preparation is just as crucial as the physical execution. Max Fried of the New York Yankees stated, “He’s definitely the focal point… You know when he’s coming up.” The fear of his powerful swing can lead to a cautious approach that often backfires. Ryne Stanek highlighted how pitchers can become tentative, saying, “People pitch him scared, and then have to come back,” which often puts them at a disadvantage.
Despite the fear he instills, many pitchers share a mutual respect for Judge’s talent. Chris Sale, who has struck him out 17 times in 27 at-bats, noted, “You have to be locked in… Any mistake can be costly.” His ability to hit home runs off even the best pitchers has earned him a reputation as a game-changer.
Judge’s presence is not just felt in the box. Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins likened him to a modern-day Derek Jeter, saying, “He’s the captain and everything. It feels like they recreated Jeter in a lab or something for the modern era.”
As the postseason nears, the stakes are higher than ever. Pitchers are preparing for what could be a historic playoff run for Judge, whose performance will undoubtedly be a focal point. With the playoffs just around the corner, all eyes will be on whether Judge can continue his historic run and lead the Yankees to victory.
The human impact of Judge’s power is palpable; fans and players alike are drawn to the excitement he brings to the game. His ability to elevate the atmosphere in any stadium makes every at-bat an event to watch. As pitchers across the league reflect on their experiences, it’s clear that facing Aaron Judge is not just another game—it’s an unforgettable encounter that will echo in the memories of those who have stepped onto the mound against him.
Stay tuned for more updates as the MLB postseason unfolds and Judge’s quest for greatness continues.
