Aaron Judge led the Yankees to a World Series appearance in 2024. Now, as captain of Team USA, he’s experiencing an atmosphere he says feels even grander.
“I’ll say, it’s been bigger,” Judge told reporters Sunday after Team USA’s thrilling 2-1 victory against the Dominican Republic at loanDepot Park in Miami. “The World Series I was in versus the crowd here and the one we had against Mexico, it’s bigger and better than the World Series.
“The passion that these fans have representing their country, representing some of their favorite players, there’s nothing like it.”
After sneaking into the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals on account of Italy defeating Mexico in the final game of pool play, Team USA is now just one win away from capturing its first World Baseball Classic crown since 2017.
The Yankees star has been a major factor, slashing .261/.414/.565 with two home runs and five RBIs while also making a series of outstanding defensive plays.
By comparison, Judge hit just .222 with one homer – and committed a critical error dropping a routine flyball in Game 5 – as the Yankees fell to the Dodgers 4-1 in the 2024 Fall Classic.
Judge made a jaw-dropping throw Sunday to gun down Fernando Tatis Jr., who was trying to advance to third base on a Ketel Marte single, and end the third inning.
He also made an outstanding diving catch to rob ex-Yankees teammate Juan Soto of a hit the following inning.
In the fifth inning, Judge was robbed of his third home run of the tournament after Mariners star Julio Rodriguez jumped at the center field wall to bring it back.
“I was like, OK, maybe we got a shot here,” Judge said. “But hit it to a guy like J-Rod, who’s one of the best if not the best center fielder in the game, he’s going make exciting plays like that in big moments.”
Team USA trailed 1-0 after Paul Skenes surrendered a home run to slugger Junior Caminero in the second inning before taking the lead on blasts by Gunnar Henderson and 21-year-old rookie Roman Anthony.
D.R.’s potent offense was ultimately held to that lone run as Team USA’s bullpen – aided by a series of controversial called strikes – nailed down the win in front of 36,337 fans.
“We showed the world who’s the best team in baseball,” Mets star Juan Soto fumed after the game, which ended on a called third strike on a pitch below the zone. “That’s all I got to say.”‘
Team USA will go for the title against the winner of Monday’s contest between Italy, who defeated the Americans 8-6 in pool play, and Venezuela, who eliminated Japan.
“That’s what you dream of as a kid, I was batting in my backyard playing whiffle ball, this is the moments you dream of,” Judge added. “Big spot, big situation. It gives me chills right now thinking about how special that was. I try to take that moment every game, look around, appreciate the crowd, appreciate the moment.
“It’s just a blessing to go out there and play.”
