Ahead of the 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, captain Aaron Judge and his contemporary Shohei Ohtani will be in focus as two of the biggest superstars of the league. However, Judge’s stature and past record against the Dodgers is far more significant.
Of course, Aaron Judge does not have the fondest memories with the Dodgers Stadium as he injured his toe ligament last year in an unfortunate crash which led to months of absence. Nonetheless, as he gears up for Game 1 of the World Series, Judge is viewed as the Dodgers’ no.1 nemesis owing to past clashes.
Aaron Judge Could Be Dodgers’ Worst Nightmare
Aaron Judge has proven to be the Dodgers’ ultimate nemesis, wielding his bat against Los Angeles like no other in baseball history. The Yankees slugger has consistently posted exceptional numbers against the Dodgers, a trend that might make him their biggest threat as the World Series begins. During the three-game series between the Yankees and Dodgers at Yankee Stadium in June, Judge was unstoppable, going seven for 11 with three home runs. Over his career, he has accumulated an extraordinary slash line against the Dodgers, a .389 batting average, a .463 on-base percentage, and a staggering 1.111 slugging percentage. His overall on-base-plus-slugging (OPS) of 1.575 against them is unmatched. Having said that, Judge’s dominance extends beyond the numbers, as his impact resonates deeply.
The captain, who hit 58 home runs this season and posted an OPS of 1.159, has drawn comparisons to legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. Manager Aaron Boone, awed by Judge’s presence, has often spoken about his respect for what No. 99 brings to the game, remarking, “We are watching greatness.” Moreover, despite the Dodgers’ efforts to keep him at bay, Judge’s influence in this World Series will be significant. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and his pitching staff have already begun strategizing on how to limit Judge’s production. During the June series, Roberts observed Judge’s ability to handle the Dodgers’ bullpen, which was ultimately reshaped for the postseason. Overall, with Judge at the center of the spotlight, Boone is eager to see him perform on this grand stage. If Judge maintains his Dodgers-beating form, he could be the deciding factor in a series that rekindles the historic Yankees-Dodgers rivalry.
Judge Praises Shohei Ohtani Ahead Of World Series
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge is eagerly anticipating a face-off with Shohei Ohtani, who he considers baseball’s “best player.” Judge, a home-run powerhouse, topped the majors this season with 58 homers and is eager to test himself against Ohtani, who achieved an unprecedented 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in one season.
Interestingly, Aaron Judge praised Ohtani’s accomplishments, particularly his historic feat as the first to join the 50-50 club, calling it “unheard of.” While both players are stars, Judge emphasized that this World Series matchup between the Yankees and Dodgers, which is their 12th meeting in history, represents more than just an individual rivalry.
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