Yankees Star Aaron Judge Named Athlete of the Year: ‘Christian. Faith, Family, Then Baseball’
By Movieguide® Contributor
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was named Time’s Athlete of the Year for 2022.
Judge set a new American League home-run record, hitting 62. Some have even said that he should technically hold the National League home-run record, as all those who have out-hit him did so while taking steroids.
“I’ll say I have the AL record,” Judge said. “I’ll hold my head on that. [But] I’m not going to try to change someone’s opinion if they say I am, or I’m not. That’s up to them.”
Judge has been playing baseball since he was a kid, and was even drafted by the Oakland A’s right out of high school. He chose to attend college, though, putting off his major league debut until 2016.
“I’m always confused when people are like, ‘Oh, you’re like Jeter, you’re like this guy,’” Judge said. “I try not to be. I just try to be who I am.”
With Judge’s impressive gameplay and record-setting year, he had his pick of teams to sign with. He chose to remain with the Yankees, and is looking forward to building a legacy with the iconic team.
“When I was young and getting into the game, all guys ever talked about was, ‘Hey, wait until you become a free agent,’” Judge shared. “You’re getting a chance to make your own decision, start a legacy somewhere, start something new somewhere. I’m looking forward to the whole process, man. It’s going to be special.”
Judge has also spoken publicly about his Christian faith. Movieguide® previously reported:
New York Yankee right fielder Aaron Judge recently set a new American League record for the most home runs in a single season after he hit his 62nd ball over the fence on Oct. 4, 2022.
The previous record of 61 home runs had stood for 61 years until Judge’s performance in the Yankees game against the Texas Rangers. Yankees legend Babe Ruth had set the record in 1927 with 60 home runs in a single season.
Despite his historical performance and legendary company, Judge said he prioritizes his faith and family.
“Getting a chance to do this, with the team we’ve got, the guys surrounding me, the constant support from my family who’s been with me through this whole thing … it’s been a great honor,” he said after the game.
“What a night. Such a blessing from God to share that moment with so many special people!” he captioned a photo on Instagram.
Regarding family, Judge is open about his adoption. When he was 10, Judge learned that he was adopted by his parents, Patty and Wayne Judge.
“I knew I didn’t look like them,” Judge told NorthJersey.com. “I finally said, ‘OK, what’s going on?’ and that’s when they told me. I was fine with that, they were the only parents I ever knew. It actually wasn’t a big deal.”
“Christian. Faith, Family, then Baseball. If what you did yesterday still seems big today, then you haven’t done anything today!” the player’s bio reads.
Judge also posts scripture and encouraging messages on his Twitter account for his nearly 500K followers.
According to the Daily Citizen, Judge’s life verse is 2 Corinthians 5:7.
“It’s one of my favorite Bible verses,” Judge said. “[I] try to live my life by it, and always trust the Man above and what He’s got in store for us. We never know what’s around the corner, but if we have faith in Him, He will lead us in the right direction.”
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