Aaron Judge has been the heartthrob of the New York Yankees since his MVP season back in 2022. However, he did make his mark in his debut MLB season. He hit over 50 home runs, which was a record for an MLB rookie back in 2017. Later, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets surpassed the number of Judge’s homers in his rookie season in 2019. But over the years, the Yankees captain has proved himself as one of the best players in the major league. The NY side depends on the California native the most at this point in hopes of winning a World Series.
Moreover, the 27-time World Champions have been to the “Big Dance” for the last time in 2009. That was the last time they won a World Series. It has been a 15-year-long wait for the fans of the most iconic baseball team to see them become World Champions. This year, things look good as Judge is leading the major league in several offensive categories, including the most home runs. Moreover, he has a perfect partner in baseball crime in Juan Soto. It makes the fans always do their best to cheer for the Judge-Soto duo and the whole team.
Lately, Aaron Judge Mentioned A Tradition Of The Yankees Faithful That He Thinks Is “Gangster”
Recently, in an interview with the Casa De Klub, Aaron Judge mentioned that he loves the tradition of roll call. He loves those cheers from the “Bleacher Creatures.” This special group made the “Roll Calls” really iconic. Talking about the Bleacher Creatures and their tradition of “Roll Calls,” Aaron Judge said that he loves that when he is on defense. Moreover, he feels, “That’s Gangstar, man.” He said on the behalf of his teammates that as players they do enjoy that moment. Adding to that, the 2022 AL MVP mentioned, “Every single game, we look forward to the roll calls.” He added that the gangster experience brings the zest to every game.
No matter if they are winning or losing, the consistent energy of the fans during those roll calls is something Judge truly appreciates from the bottom of his heart. The “Roll Call” tradition started back in the 1990s. In 1998 to be exact, a fan named John Zenes whose nickname was “Megaphone John” called out Tino Martinez, the first baseman back then. To everyone’s surprise, Martinez acknowledged the fan with a wave. That’s how the “Gangster” tradition of the famous “Roll Calls” started at the Yankee Stadium. Moreover, the Yankees captain likes the tradition so much that he presumably declined the Home Run Derby because it didn’t happen in the Big Apple.
When Home Run Derby Happens In New York, The California Native Will Return Again
The last All-Star Game that happened in the Big Apple was in 2013. However, that event happened in Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. But the 27-time World Champions last hosted the ASG event back in 2008. Hence, Aaron Judge might have to wait a long time to participate in the Home Run Derby again. The Yankees captain had said that he did not participate in the 2024 Home Run Derby because there is no rush.
He added, “I’m not finished with it yet.” Moreover, Aaron Judge mentioned, “Count me in once it returns to New York.” In 2025, All-Star Game will happen in Atlanta, and the next year will see it take place in Philadelphia. Hence, Judge might have to wait till 2027 to take part in the HR Derby again. That will be his 10th MLB season, and he will turn 35, then.
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