New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge smashed the American League home run mark last season and some believe he can improve on that high in 2023.
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Author of 62 long balls last campaign, the 30-year-old right-handed hitter surpassed the total of 61 established by Roger Maris in 1961. The expectations of Bronx Bombers fans being usually high, many of them hope to see him continue on the same path. Except that Judge doesn’t want to promise anything.
“We’ll see, I don’t really like to set a specific number. I prefer to show up on the pitch trying to control what I can. However, you never know what can happen. So, it will be to follow as for the number 62, “he told the MLB.com site, when he started the job with his teammates at the Yankees training complex in Tampa.
As he repeatedly mentioned during the most recent regular schedule, the 6’7” athlete will keep his training success top of mind.
“I have certain goals in mind, but my individual stats will be up to par if I focus on the club. Sport shows you what you need to accomplish. If I walk onto the playing surface thinking about my next home run or my batting average, I risk ending my batting appearance after three pitches,” he said.
“In the wake of everything that happened last season, I will be looking to repeat my last exploits, which will involve taking plate attendances one at a time and working to help the team win.”
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First and foremost, Judge wants to win a first career World Series. The renowned dealership has been waiting for its part since 2009 and there is no question of it missing the boat.
“That’s the only goal when you play in New York, other than to finish top of your section and put yourself in good position for the playoffs,” he said. This is what motivates me day and night. It starts early at camp with the little things we do that people don’t see. These are details that give us the edge and help us get to the top.”
With the contract issues settled under a nine-year, $360 million pact struck last fall, Judge can turn his full attention to his role as captain.
“This is another year in his evolution as a leader. All this now comes with a status that means a lot to the organization, especially in a sport that does not offer too much of this privilege, underlined manager Aaron Boone about the 16th captain in the history of the club. . He has always wanted to make sure young players feel involved by contacting them. I don’t think his actions are out of the ordinary: he’s just himself.”
