Who is athlete Aaron Judge?
Aaron James Judge is an American professional baseball player, born on April 26, 1992, in Linden, California. He is an outfielder for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB), where he has also served as team captain. Known for his exceptional power hitting, towering 6-foot-7 frame and strong defensive play, Judge became one of baseball’s most prominent stars after setting the American League single-season home run record with 62 home runs in 2022.
Background/biography
Judge was adopted shortly after his birth by Patty and Wayne Judge, both educators in Linden, California. He grew up in Linden and attended Linden High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete who played baseball, basketball and football.
After high school, Judge attended Fresno State University. He played college baseball for the Fresno State Bulldogs and developed into a highly regarded professional prospect. The New York Yankees selected him in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft, with the 32nd overall pick.
Baseball career
- Selected by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
- Made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2016.
- Won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2017.
- Won the Home Run Derby in 2017.
- Named an MLB All-Star multiple times.
- Won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 2022.
- Hit 62 home runs during the 2022 season, setting the American League single-season home run record.
- Named captain of the New York Yankees in 2022.
Judge made an immediate impression after reaching the major leagues, but his breakout season came in 2017. He hit 52 home runs as a rookie, helping the Yankees return to the postseason and establishing himself as one of the sport’s leading power hitters.
In 2022, Judge completed one of the most notable offensive seasons in modern Yankees history. His 62 home runs surpassed Roger Maris’s long-standing American League record of 61, set in 1961. He also led the American League in several major offensive categories and received the league’s MVP honor.
After becoming a free agent following the 2022 season, Judge agreed to a long-term contract to remain with the Yankees. The club subsequently named him its captain, making him the first Yankees captain since Derek Jeter.
A record chase that drew national attention
Judge’s pursuit of the American League home run record during the final weeks of the 2022 regular season became a major sports story. His at-bats were closely followed by baseball fans and received extensive media coverage as he approached and ultimately surpassed Maris’s record.
His position as Yankees captain has also made him one of the franchise’s central public figures. The captaincy carries particular significance in a club with a long history and relatively few players formally given the title.
Net worth
Public estimates of Aaron Judge’s net worth vary and should be treated as unofficial. His income primarily comes from his MLB salary, performance-related earnings and endorsement agreements. His long-term Yankees contract, reported in 2022 as being worth $360 million over nine years, is among the largest contracts in Major League Baseball history.
Did you know?
- Judge played baseball, basketball and football at Linden High School.
- He attended Fresno State before beginning his professional baseball career.
- He wears uniform number 99 for the New York Yankees.
- At 6 feet 7 inches, Judge is among the tallest everyday position players in Major League Baseball.
- He became the first Yankees player to be formally named team captain since Derek Jeter.
