Pitchers Reveal Aaron Judge’s Fearsome Power Amid MVP Chase
URGENT UPDATE: As the New York Yankees gear up for the closing weeks of the season, a spotlight shines on superstar Aaron Judge, who is once again in contention for the American League MVP award. Since his MLB debut in 2016, Judge has hit a staggering 359 home runs, cementing his status as one of the most fearsome sluggers in baseball history.
Judge’s imposing stature at 6-foot-7 and 282 pounds makes him a nightmare for pitchers across the league. As he continues to chase another season with at least 40 home runs and an OPS over 1.000, we reached out to those who have faced him to glean insights into what it’s like to pitch against this modern-day titan.
Former pitcher Mark Appel recalls his shocking encounter with Judge during their college days at Fresno State in 2012. “We walked into that game thinking we would steamroll them,” Appel said, reflecting on his experience of facing Judge in a stunning upset where Judge hit two home runs off him. “We were dumbfounded. What is going on right now?”
The fear factor surrounding Judge is palpable. He commands attention and respect, even among seasoned pros. Max Fried of the New York Yankees stated, “When you look at the lineup, you don’t want this guy to beat you.” The mental battle against Judge starts long before the first pitch, as pitchers prepare to navigate a lineup featuring one of the game’s premier long-ball threats.
As pitchers share their stories, it becomes clear that the challenge of facing Judge is not just physical but psychological. His power is legendary, with pitchers recounting moments where they felt certain home runs would clear the stadium, only to be relieved when the ball was caught at the warning track. Jason Adam recalls one such instance, saying, “I could’ve sworn that ball was 60 rows deep,” only to see his teammate make a catch.
Judge’s impact is not just limited to the field; it’s felt in the hearts of fans and fellow players. Anthony Montefusco, who pitched against Judge in the Cape Cod League, remembers the awe surrounding Judge’s performances. “He just turned on it, hit it — I mean it had to be 500 feet,” he said about a home run that left spectators in disbelief.
As the Yankees push towards the postseason, the question remains: How will opposing pitchers strategize against Judge’s unyielding presence? Many admit that success against him is fleeting and often relies on not only skill but also a degree of luck. Chris Sale, who has struck out Judge 17 times, emphasized the need for focus, stating, “You know any mistake can be costly.”
With the regular season drawing to a close, expect Judge to continue electrifying fans and leaving pitchers with unforgettable tales of his explosive power. As he nears another MVP accolade, the baseball world watches closely, eager to witness what this formidable player will do next.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow Judge’s journey through the final weeks of the season and into the postseason. Fans and players alike are holding their breaths, anticipating the next chapter in the Aaron Judge saga.
