TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge received several standing ovations from fans at Steinbrenner Park ahead of his first game as team captain.
“I felt it in the introduction, as well as being on defense and standing at the plate,” acknowledged the reigning American League MVP.
Judge became a free agent after last season, but ended up signing a nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees. He was named the team’s first captain since Hall of Famer Derek Jeter in 2014.
Judge went 1-for-1, singled, walked one and scored a run in the Yankees’ 7-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday in a preseason exhibition game.
It was Judge’s first game since being named New York’s first captain since Derek Jeter retired after the 2014 season. Judge, who hit .311 and tied for the major league lead with 131 RBI in 2023, also he hit 62 home runs last season, surpassing Roger Maris’ AL record of 61.
It was also the first time Judge had experienced the new MLB rules in effect for the 2023 season, including the use of a shot clock. Sunday’s game in Tampa lasted 2 hours, 16 minutes, well below the 2022 spring training average of 3:01.
And that the Yankees captain can tell the fans about the shot clock.
“I like it. I like it,” Judge said. “I think it definitely speeds up the game. And anything to keep the pitcher moving and going –throwing–, and hopefully keep him out of breath, I’m looking forward to it…I think this shot clock is ticking, it’ll be something good for everyone.”
