Aaron Judge

Introduction

Aaron Judge is a professional baseball player known for his exceptional power hitting and standout performances as an outfielder for the New York Yankees. A six-time All-Star and two-time American League MVP, Judge broke the American League single-season home run record in 2022 with 62 home runs. Beyond his athletic prowess, he is admired for his leadership and community work through his ALL RISE Foundation.

Key Information

Career

Early Years and College Baseball
Born and raised in Linden, California, Aaron Judge excelled in multiple sports during high school, including baseball, football, and basketball. Choosing to pursue baseball, he attended California State University, Fresno, where he showcased his talent, earning All-Western Athletic Conference honors three times and winning the TD Ameritrade College Baseball Home Run Derby.

Draft and Minor Leagues
The New York Yankees selected Judge in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft. After battling an early injury, he quickly ascended through the Yankees’ minor league system, making an impression with his hitting power and defensive skills. By 2016, he debuted in the majors, wearing the iconic number 99 jersey.

Rise to Stardom
In 2017, Judge captured national attention with a historic rookie season, hitting 52 home runs—breaking Mark McGwire’s record for rookie home runs. He earned the AL Rookie of the Year title and finished second in MVP voting. Subsequent seasons saw him overcoming injuries, steadily building his reputation as a key player for the Yankees.

Record-Breaking 2022 Season
Judge had a career-defining year in 2022, setting the American League record with 62 home runs. His remarkable season included leading the league in RBIs and runs, securing his first AL MVP Award. This performance solidified his place as one of the greatest sluggers in baseball history.

Captaincy and Recent Success
In 2023, Judge signed a nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees and was named team captain. Despite a challenging season marred by injuries, he returned to form in 2024, leading the league in home runs (58) and RBIs (144) while helping the Yankees reach the World Series. Judge earned his second AL MVP Award that year.

Personal Life

Aaron Judge was adopted by schoolteachers Wayne and Patty Judge the day after his birth. He learned about his adoption at age 10 but embraced his unique story, crediting his parents for their unwavering support. Judge married his high school sweetheart, Samantha Bracksieck, in 2021. The couple is known for their strong bond, with Samantha even playing a role in his contract negotiations with the Yankees.

Judge is also a dedicated dog owner, sharing his life with two dachshunds, Gus and Penny, who even inspired cartoon characters in a children’s TV show.

Notable Achievements

• American League MVP: Two-time winner (2022, 2024).
• Home Run Record: Set the AL single-season home run record with 62 homers in 2022.
• Rookie of the Year: AL Rookie of the Year in 2017 with 52 home runs.
• Silver Slugger Awards: Three-time recipient (2017, 2021, 2022).
• Roberto Clemente Award: Honored in 2023 for philanthropy and community involvement.
• Fastest to 300 Home Runs: Reached the milestone in just 955 games.

Current Activities

In 2024, Aaron Judge led the Yankees to the World Series, although the team fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite this, his leadership and performance earned him his second AL MVP Award. Off the field, Judge remains active with his ALL RISE Foundation, which supports children through programs promoting leadership, education, and community engagement.

Judge also continues to be a fan favorite and a central figure in the Yankees’ lineup, exemplifying dedication, power, and grace both on and off the field.

Aaron Judge’s remarkable journey from a small-town athlete to a baseball icon reflects his talent, determination, and commitment to excellence. As a leader for the Yankees and a role model in the community, Judge’s legacy in MLB continues to grow.