I just love the All Star Game. It is a tradition in my family to gather, watch, text and banter about the game, the players and the fanfare around the baseball classic. We grill up some hotdogs and eat peanuts and no matter where we are, we talk and text about the game. For me, I love watching the pre-game material and the behind the scenes with fans and players hours before first pitch. During the game, I like to watch the game—definitely not a fan of the player's mic and catcher's cam. But before the game, I am all about it. Yet this time, I stopped in my tracks as Aaron Judge gave a warm-up interview with the guys from ESPN. His response to a fan might stop you in your tracks too.
"While speaking to ESPN's Marly Rivera before Tuesday's All-Star Game, Judge was asked about a young fan named Jacob who was afraid his favorite player won't be a member of the team after this year. The 30-year-old gave an answer that is sure to raise some eyebrows."
"Jacob, buddy, we've got a lot of great Yankees on this team. There are a lot of great Yankees who will be here for a long time, so don't be upset," Judge said. "Hopefully you'll be a Judge fan for life."
To not have Judge be a part of the Yankees' future is not something I can even conceptualize. He has brought so much to this franchise; filling the void of Derek Jeter but his connection to fans is way deeper. He has charisma and spark and an infectious smile. And let's not forget his own Chambers in right field. I can't imagine the Yankees without him and I hope I don't have to.
To add insult to injury, the Yankee slugger was asked about the possibility of playing with Juan Soto, who could be a replacement for the the 30-year-old franchise player. Recall that earlier this week Soto declined a 15-year, 440 million dollar deal with the Nationals. Judge in judgian fashion handled the questions perfectly, as always, but it felt awkward.
"Juan's a special player. It would be fun to see him be in New York," reported SNY. Judge's demeanor was authentic despite the fact that Soto could be enlisted to fill the void of Judge should he decide to move on from the Yankees. "Judge responded to two separate questions about Soto and had only positive things to say, even joking that he hopes the young slugger doesn’t end up on a team the Yankees have to play a lot down the stretch," reported FanSided.
Let's not forget that Judge is a native Californian and his family resides there now. Playing out in Los Angeles and perhaps finishing out his career there could be enticing to him. But the pain of seeing him head to the west coast from New York might be similar to experiencing the beloved Dodgers leave Brooklyn. Well, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the picture.
Judge's response to the young fan is authentic. He doesn't want to guarantee anything because anything can happen between now and the fall. But the thought is out there, right from his own mouth. Judge might not be in pinstripes next year. And for the first time, he clearly articulated that possibility to a national audience.
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
He needs a ring,then he can talk about the money
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