MIAMI — Sitting in the New York Yankees clubhouse at LoanDepot Park, Aaron Judge reflected on a moment that still looms large in his mind—the pivotal fifth inning of Game 5 from last year’s World Series. Surprisingly, he has never watched that fateful replay. “I’ve already experienced it,” he explained during a candid interview on a recent Tuesday. It’s a sentiment I can fully appreciate; sometimes, living through a moment is enough, especially when it weighs heavily on your heart.
Thinking back, Judge recalled how, with just one or two things going differently, the narrative could have shifted entirely. “Since you lose, everyone’s talking about it,” he noted, showcasing his understanding of the media’s focus on failure in the aftermath of defeat. It’s a tough pill to swallow—he’s a competitor at heart, and the sting of that loss still lingers.
The moment in question was a dropped line drive from Tommy Edman—a play that, despite being Judge’s only error of the 2024 season, set off a chain reaction that doomed the Yankees. The team crumbled under pressure, blowing a commanding 5-0 lead and ultimately losing the game 7-6. As Judge put it, “It doesn’t matter… You’ve got to make the play. That’s what it comes down to. I just didn’t make the play.” And in the grand tapestry of a single game, that misstep marked an indelible moment in his career.
But he knows, just as we all do when we face our own mistakes, that the past is immutable. There’s no point in dwelling on what could have been. And reflecting on the World Series, Judge shared, “Any year you don’t win it doesn’t sit very well, especially after we didn’t make the postseason the year before. It always hurts not being the last team standing.” His words resonate—the disappointment of unfulfilled potential isn’t confined to athletes; it’s a feeling many of us understand at our own levels of competition, whether in business, family, or personal aspirations.
As the Yankees gear up for the 2025 season against the Milwaukee Brewers, there are significant changes on the roster, with a mix of fresh talent and familiar faces. Judge remains a steadfast figure, consistently occupying the second spot in the batting order. But Juan Soto has moved on to the Mets, and now Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger will join him, rounding out an evolving lineup. It’s like starting a new chapter; there’s excitement and uncertainty in the air.
Judge will transition back to right field, filling the void left by Soto while Bellinger takes center. While transitioning positions can be a challenge, Judge’s resilience and adaptability shine through. “He’s the ultimate team player,” Bellinger remarked, emphasizing a shared commitment among teammates to reach their common goal: winning the championship.
That said, the pressures of performance have not been lost on Judge. He faced struggles last postseason, batting just .183 while accumulating three homers and nine RBIs. This spring didn’t start off much better for him either, with a disappointing .129 average, just one home run, and five RBIs, complicating matters with a surge in strikeouts. The stakes feel higher when the spotlight shines bright; after all, the pressure to perform at such a high level can weigh down even the most seasoned athletes.
But last year’s slow start didn’t define Judge. We all know life can throw curveballs, and sometimes, a slow beginning can precede stunning victories. After an underwhelming April last year where he hit just .207, he made history by ramping up his performance, clinching his second American League MVP title. It’s a testament to resilience: setbacks can lead to comebacks, and the journey is as important as the destination.
So, as the season looms ahead, is Judge feeling concerned about his spring struggles translating to the regular season? “None,” manager Aaron Boone replied confidently. It’s a reassuring reminder that sometimes, faith in your abilities—especially when backed by experience—can carry you through.
As Judge approaches his 33rd birthday, he seems unbothered by the weight of past results. “Spring, it’s just about getting at-bats,” he said. It’s about experimentation. Finding what works for him, adjusting strategies, and keeping focused on improvement. It’s a relatable sentiment; we all need that time to fine-tune our craft, whether it’s at work, in sports, or in personal growth.
When discussing his return to right field, Judge emphasized the importance of flexibility. He is adaptable enough to play wherever the team needs him, a quality that resonates with the spirit of teamwork. And while it may seem like a heavy switch, Boone noted it’s simply a “natural progression”—a fitting return for a player celebrated for his dynamic contributions both defensively and on the plate.
Looking ahead, Judge brings a lifestyle outlook that many of us can learn from. It’s not just about the numbers on paper; it’s about enjoying the ride, the camaraderie, and the competition. “I do like a little shorter jog when I go out to right field,” he joked, showcasing the lighter side of his robust personality. In the end, we all want to relish our experiences, to work as a team, and to be part of something bigger than ourselves—just like Aaron Judge is aiming to do in this season with the Yankees.
Image Source: Conor P. Fitzgerald / Shutterstock
