
When Derek Jeter retired from baseball in 2014, he left some big shoes to fill on the New York Yankees. Didi Gregorius filled the role of the player, progressively getting better every year.
But, now five years removed from Jeter’s retirement, a player hasn’t filled his shoes as “the captain”. After a disappointing season for the team and now going into his fourth full season, it’s no better time to name Aaron Judge as the new captain of the New York Yankees.
Why?
In my opinion, Judge has all the qualities of a great captain. When he speaks with the media, he always has a team first mentality. If he goes 5-for-5 with a couple home runs and the team loses, his stats mean nothing to him. But, if he goes 0-for with four strikeouts and the team loses, he takes the blame for the loss. No matter how good or bad he plays, he’s just happy to get a win.
Also, the way he interacts with the fans is incredible. He always takes time to sign autographs, talk to fans, and throw balls in the stands. I’m living proof of it.
Back in spring of 2016 when Judge was in AAA, my family and I went to a game between the Railriders and the Syracuse Chiefs in Syracuse, near where I am from. There is this deck in right field that I was watching the game from, and after Judge caught the third out of an inning, I yelled to him and asked for the ball. He peered into the stands and threw it, but not to me. He couldn’t find me, but he sure tried.
Then after that game, I waited for the team outside the clubhouse. I got plenty of autographs that day, including Gary Sanchez. But the best one was Judge.
Not just did he sign my ball, he took a few minutes of his time to talk to me. He asked if and where I played baseball, what position I play, where I’m from, etc. It was one of the coolest two minutes of my life.
And because of many other experiences like that, New York fans absolutely adore him. He’s appeared in so many commercials, and was one of the youngest to grace the cover of MLB The Show.
His support and love for New York is unparalleled, and he helps the team so much on and off the field. Going into 2020, it’s no better time to name Aaron Judge the captain of the New York Yankees.