When Aaron Judge first entered the major leagues, many of the New York Yankees’ iconic players, including Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, were winding down their careers. Despite their legendary status, Judge experienced an unexpected warmth from these veterans upon joining the team, a reception he later described as surprising during an interview.
Selected in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft, Judge made his Yankees debut in August 2016. Ahead of that moment, he anticipated these celebrated figures, such as Jeter, Rivera, and CC Sabathia, might be distant or unapproachable. Contrary to his thoughts, the welcoming atmosphere was clear from the start.
“I remember after [the workout] going into the clubhouse and how nice they were,” Judge said. “They were superstars, and I thought they wouldn’t even look at me.”
“Once I got in there, about 95 percent of the guys came up to me and introduced themselves and said, ‘Glad to have you aboard’ and ‘Congratulations on being drafted.’ That kind of shocked me. Hearing Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera say they were glad to meet me, that was kind of mind-blowing to me.”
This positive reception eased Judge’s transition into the Yankees’ lineup, setting the stage for him to evolve into a cornerstone player. Despite being a promising rookie, few could have predicted Judge’s rise to break the American League single-season home run record in 2022, earn a unanimous MVP honor, and eventually assume the captaincy role left open after Jeter’s departure.
Aaron Judge Named Team USA Captain, Following Derek Jeter’s Lead
On April 14, Aaron Judge made history by becoming only the second New York Yankee to serve as captain of Team USA, assuming the role for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Derek Jeter was the first Yankee to captain the squad, leading the team in 2009.
The parallels between Judge and Jeter run deep, as both players command respect and admiration for their leadership and performance. However, a significant contrast remains: while Jeter secured five World Series championships during his time, Judge has yet to add a title to his résumé.
At the Yankees Old Timers’ Day event in August 2024, Jeter reflected on the importance of championships, underlining the high standards expected within the franchise:
“It doesn’t matter what you do during a 162‑game schedule… it all boils down to the World Series. Win a championship or it’s a failure.”
Judge’s team came close to breaking the Yankees’ title drought last season but fell short in the World Series, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. As the 2025 campaign begins, Judge and the Yankees aim to build on last year’s experience and pursue their first championship since 2009.
The Impact of Early Support on Judge’s Career Trajectory
The encouragement Judge received from the Yankees’ revered veterans helped solidify his place within the clubhouse and the franchise’s future. This early acceptance may have contributed to his confidence and determination to reach the heights he has attained. Looking ahead, Judge’s leadership roles with both the Yankees and Team USA highlight his growing influence on and off the field.
With a blend of talent, perseverance, and the legacy of those who came before him, Aaron Judge stands poised to continue shaping the Yankees’ present and future, aiming to add the elusive World Series championship to his list of accomplishments.