The 2025 All-Star Game gathered baseball’s top talents from across the leagues, but it was an unexpected moment before the game that deeply resonated with Aaron Judge and his American League teammates. Despite the AL narrowly losing in a thrilling swing-off, Judge’s focus was drawn not only to the action on the field but also to a powerful speech delivered by Yankees legend Joe Torre in the locker room.
At the time, Judge was enjoying one of his best seasons, boasting a .355 batting average and a 1.194 OPS, while hitting 35 home runs—trailing only Cal Raleigh, who had recently won the Home Run Derby with 38 homers. Yet it was Torre’s presence behind the scenes that left the most lasting impression on the Yankees captain.
Prior to the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone invited Torre to address the American League squad, creating an atmosphere filled with reverence and focus. Judge recounted the moment with awe, emphasizing the weight Torre’s words carried.
“You can hear a pin drop when someone like that speaks” —Aaron Judge, Yankees captain
Judge described the significance of having Torre in the room during their pregame preparations:
“Yeah it was great to have a legend like Joe Torre in there. Boone spoke for awhile about how special this game is and to go out there and just have fun. Joe Torre kind of did the same thing. Talked about how he was in nine All-Star games as a player and managed four or five I think.” —Aaron Judge, Yankees captain
He further reflected on the mood in the locker room as Torre shared his experiences:
“So it was pretty cool to see him and just to hear him talk. You can hear a pin drop when someone like that speaks. He’s one of the legends of this game. Not just as a player but then as a manager what he did in this game. Having him around, it takes me back to the early 2000s that’s for sure.” —Aaron Judge, Yankees captain
The Enduring Significance of Joe Torre’s Career for the Yankees Today
Joe Torre’s long involvement with baseball began in 1960 when he joined the Milwaukee Braves, a team that later relocated to Atlanta during his playing days. His career also included time with the St. Louis Cardinals and concluded as a player with the New York Mets. After retiring from playing, Torre transitioned seamlessly into managing, starting with the Mets and later leading both the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals.
The period of Torre’s greatest connection with the Yankees, which Judge referenced, spanned from 1996 to 2007. During this era, Torre managed the team to four World Series championships, including the initial victory in 1996 and a remarkable three consecutive titles from 1998 to 2000. His leadership earned him the American League Manager of the Year award twice, firmly establishing his legacy as one of baseball’s great managers.
Comparatively, Aaron Boone, who took over as Yankees manager in 2018, has yet to secure a Manager of the Year accolade. Boone, a former player who made one All-Star Game appearance in 2003, was honored as the American League manager for the 2025 All-Star Game, but despite the inspiration from Torre’s speech, his team fell just short in a 7-6 loss decided by a swing-off.
Why Torre’s Message Matters for Today’s Players and Future Games
Joe Torre’s presence and words before the 2025 All-Star Game served not only as a connection to the Yankees’ storied past but also as a source of motivation and reflection for current players, including Aaron Judge. His ability to command silence and attention underscored the respect he commands across generations in baseball. For Judge, hearing from someone who played and managed in so many All-Star Games evoked memories of a dominant Yankees era and reminded him and his teammates of the tradition they carry forward.
As the sport moves ahead, moments like Torre’s speech offer young stars a sense of continuity and responsibility. While the American League did not secure the win this time, the influence of figures like Torre may inspire the next generation of champions in future All-Star contests and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Aaron Judge know his biological parents?
A. In an interview with The Post, he said, “I believe they chose me… I think God brought us together.” Aaron Judge was adopted through a closed adoption, meaning he has never interacted with his birth parents. He also shared that he has never felt the desire to contact them.
Q. What’s special about Aaron Judge?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He has achieved three seasons with 50 or more home runs, joining a rare group of only five players to do this.
Q. Did Aaron Judge find his biological parents?
A. Aaron Judge was adopted through a closed process, which means he hasn’t connected with his birth parents.
Q. Did Aaron Judge know he was adopted?
A. When he was about 10, he found out he was adopted because he looked different from his parents. The adoption was closed, so he hasn’t met his birth parents. Aaron Judge, a standout outfielder for the New York Yankees, has achieved many honors since he started playing in Major League Baseball in 2016.