Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge's Biography

Aaron James Judge, also known as the “Judge,” was born on April 26, 1992, and would grow up to be one of the most powerful players in Major League Baseball (MLB). Today, he is an American professional baseball outfielder for the New York Yankees, one of MLB’s most renowned teams.

Judge was born and raised in California, and tenacity was ingrained in him at an early age. Since day one, he was equipped to tackle the challenges and adversities that awaited him. He was born in Sacramento and adopted shortly after by Patty and Wayne Judge, who both were teachers in Linden, California. With the active guidance and support of his parents, Judge found a calling in baseball. His older brother, John, also adopted, was a constant source of inspiration and sibling rivalry throughout Judge’s childhood.

Judge’s transition from being a sports enthusiast to becoming a professional player who would redefine the game began at Linden High School. His tryst with baseball started when he featured as a pitcher and first baseman for his high school team. His outstanding performance received attention, and various colleges recognized his talent and offered him a chance to play tight end in football at institutions like Notre Dame, Stanford, and UCLA. However, Judge’s passion for baseball superseded everything else. The Oakland Athletics selected him in the 31st round of the 2010 MLB draft. Rather than proceed immediately into the big leagues, he decided to pursue a baseball scholarship at California State University where he played for the Fresno State Bulldogs.

In 2011, Judge tasted the fruits of his hard work when he was part of the team that took home the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) regular season title, the WAC Tournament, and also qualified for the NCAA Division I baseball tournament. This was the initial boost that Judge needed as he cracked into the upper echelon of college baseball, earning Freshman All-American recognition from the Louisville Slugger. His success continued over his college career, leading the Bulldogs in home runs, doubles, and runs batted in (RBIs).

After a solid collegiate career, the New York Yankees drafted Judge as the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft. This was the boost that he needed to propel his career to the next level. He made his MLB debut in 2016, during which he scored a home run at his first major league at bat. This exhilarating start marked the beginning of his successful career in MLB.

His rookie season in 2017 proved to be a record-breaker. He amazed everyone when he won the Home Run Derby, becoming the first MLB rookie to do so. With 52 home runs, he broke the MLB rookie record, a feat which earned him the unopposed selection of American League (AL) Rookie of the Year. He added another impressive accolade to his resume when he set the AL record for most home runs in a season with 62, breaking a long-standing record of 61 held by Roger Maris.

Judge’s physical prowess is an undeniably significant factor in his success. He stands at a height of 6 feet 7 inches, towering over his competitors, and weighs 282 pounds, making him one of the tallest and most substantial players in MLB.

His undying dedication and hard work paid off in 2022 when he won the AL Most Valuable Player Award. He then re-signed with the Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million contract and was subsequently named the team’s captain. During his career, he proudly represented his heritage by making it known that he is biracial.

Judge’s journey from his rookie season to becoming an established baseball player in America has been nothing short of exceptional. He has set benchmarks for forthcoming rookies and continues to inspire budding players with his diligence and dedication to the sport. Despite numerous awards and accolades, he remains steadfast in his sportsmanship, embodying the spirit of the game to its fullest. Aaron Judge, with his towering persona and relentless swing, has indeed rewritten the record books of MLB, leaving an indomitable legacy in his wake.