Aaron Judge is a name synonymous with power and precision in the baseball world. The New York Yankees’ skipper has carried the weight of one of the most decorated and successful franchises for years. His iconic 62 home-run season not only broke records but also positioned him as one of baseball’s and New York’s elites. Embodying the spirit of the Yankees has made him one of the premier players in the league. Yet for some, it isn’t enough to secure him the recognition he deserves. Despite his achievements, there remains a persistent sense of disrespect around Judge, specifically in New York.
WFAN sports studio host Chris McMonigle echoed his sentiments in Aaron’s favor. He thinks that Judge’s greatness and contribution to the league and Yankees are often overlooked due to post-season failures and comparisons to other players of the same city. “The Yankees have been as big a brand over the last 100 years…and he is the best player to wear the uniform since Mickey Mantle,” McMonigle said, continuing, “As much as I love Jalen Brunson, Aaron Judge is so much more of a baseball player than Brunson is a basketball player. Judge is the premium player this side of Ohtani, who does both. Since Ohtani didn’t pitch last year, Judge is the best player in the game. Bar none.”
Chris McMonigle’s frustration is justified since Judge’s post-season struggles always take the spotlight despite his showcasing brilliance in the regular season. This narrative, as he points out, leads to an unfair historical judgment that Judge will face until he secures a championship. “He will be remembered for that dropped fly ball until he wins,” McMonigle added, referring to the infamous moment in the 2022 ALCS that haunted Judge.
Judge’s legacy will always have a question mark hanging until he wins the ultimate prize; as Chris further noted, “He’s the best hitter of this generation, and he’s not gonna be remembered or as beloved as them, like Derek Jeter, even though he is a far better player.” Now, the debate over Aaron’s legacy gives room to a larger debate—high standards and intense scrutiny that come with playing for the New York Yankees. Although Aaron Judge doesn’t have very good arguments when it comes to the postseason, it is important to remember the remarkable consistency and the power he brings to the table.
The Aaron Judge legacy
When Aaron Judge made his way into the MLB with the New York Yankees in 2016, he quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Boasting a combination of power and precision, he made a name for himself in the baseball world. Jugde’s caliber was clear by his second year, where he hit a whopping 52 home runs, which earned him the American League Rookie of the Year award. As his career progressed, Judge’s numbers continued to soar, with a .277 career batting average, 247 home runs, and 576 RBIs to his name.
Aaron Judge also bagged four Silver Slugger awards, with the most recent one in last season. But it wasn’t just his bat that birthed attention; his Gold Glove in 2019 proved he is as formidable in the field as on the plate. However, the season that truly positioned Judge as one of the MLB‘s elite was in 2022, when he shattered the record of most home runs by an American League player, smashing a total of 62 home runs!
This wasn’t just another great season; it was an unforgettable moment in baseball history, marking a new era of power-hitting in the game. Aaron Judge’s legacy goes beyond the numbers on the field; he represents everything that makes baseball great—power, skill, and consistency. So, what’s your take on Chris McMonigle’s frustration over Judge being overlooked? Share in the comments below.
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