WHAT BARBARA WALTERS WOULD HAVE ASKED AARON JUDGE?

Late Friday night, we got word that legendary news anchor, Barbara Walters passed away. She is known for asking the questions that no one else had the nerve and credibility to ask. Everyone from heads of state to musicians to actors and celebrities and sports icons were interviewed by Walters and it is only fitting that I dive deeper into the question— "What would Barbara Walters ask Aaron Judge?"

2022 certainly was a year to remember in sports. From the Super Bowl win for the Los Angeles Rams to the 2022 Olympic Games, Serena Williams' retirement from US Tennis, and The World Cup, the hours of sports watched across the globe was incredible. But for me, it was Aaron Judge's historic season ending with him signing a contract to remain a part of the greatest franchise in sports and becoming the 16th Yankee Captain, that made my year. So in honor of both famed broadcaster Barbara Walters' passing and Aaron Judge's historic 2022, let's go 20/20 with Aaron Judge.

"Aaron, many have said that you filled the void for Yankee fans when their beloved captain Derek Jeter retired, how do you feel about this? "

"What is it like to get booed, not just by opposing fans, but your own fans in Yankee Stadium" How do you bounce back from a rough patch?"

"What was the most exhilarating part breaking the regular season home run record set by another Yankee, and ironically, right fielder?" "What were the first words your mom said to you after you hit that historic home run?"

"Why did you decide to stay with the Yankees for the rest of your career?" 

"What does it mean to you to be named the 16th captain for the New York Yankees?"

Perhaps his words at the press conference announcing his new title is an answer that Judge may have given to Walters, had they sat down and talked about his young career, “It means a lot to me, because coming up through the Yankees organization, this is all I’ve known,” Judge said. “My blood, sweat and tears have gone into one thing, which is to play for this team and play for this city and these fans. Knowing that I get to continue to do that and do it in one city, words can’t really describe it. It’s such an incredible feeling,” reported MLB.com.

I suppose one of her last questions to Judge would be framed,  "What is one thing you are looking forward to as you head into your next chapter with the New York Yankees?"

“There’s a lot of unfinished business here in New York,” Judge said. “I’m looking forward to finishing that business and trying to leave a legacy here for the next group of guys coming behind me," reported MLB.com. 

The Yankees have been in a World Series drought since 2009. Not only that, Judge with his MVP, Rookie of the Year and of course regular season home run record, he has never appeared in a World Series game. This is part of his agenda. This is the unfinished business. But can Judge lead this team to multiple World Series victories like Derek Jeter? That's not really a question nor is it a challenge for our new captain. Teams are not the same as they were back in the late 90s when teams held onto their players longer and yes, pitchers actually threw more than five innings on average. 

For Judge, he just needs to keep doing what he has been doing. He needs to set an example for the younger players, he needs to lead the clubhouse as he has been doing, he needs to remain present and engaged, he needs to stay healthy and he needs to be the best teammate he can be. 

2023 has a lot of promise for this Yankee team. And if Barbara Walters, a trailblazer herself, had the opportunity to interview Judge, she would have asked many of the same questions our very own iconic broadcaster Suzyn Waldman, has asked over the years covering Judge. Luckily for all of us, Judge will be here in pinstripes for a lot more questions, and opportunities to impress all of us. Happy New Year! Let's make it a great year for baseball. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof