Yankees’ Aaron Judge delivers strong message on eve of WBC: ‘I love this country’ | Klapisch
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TAMPA,Fla. —Other than his family, there’s not much on this earth that comes between Aaron Judge and the Yankees. That’s as strong a marriage as you’ll find in baseball.
But Judge is taking a three-week pause while leading a roster of American players in the World Baseball Classic. No. 99 promises to return to spring training as sharp and motivated as ever, but not before swapping the Pinstripes for a Team USA jersey.
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Judge considers it one of the greatest honors of his career.
“I’m going into this (tournament) to win it, but it’s not just that,” Judge said on Saturday morning at Steinbrenner Field. “I’m representing the U.S. I love this country. It’s the greatest country in the world.”
Judge is typically cautious with the press during the regular season. He’ll wait a few seconds before answering questions, using the pause as a detour from controversy.
But Judge speaks bluntly when asked about his patriotism.
“I think about the men and women who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom and our way of life,” Judge said.
“That’s what the jersey means to me. I’ll wear it to honor those who’ve given their lives so I can play this kid’s game. So I can have a beautiful family and live free.
“That’s what wearing “USA” on my chest means. I wish all Americans felt the same way.”
Judge’s allegiance began early. As a teenager he took an interest in the U.S.’ role in World War 2. Judge became acquainted with the national anthem when his father Wayne was the varsity basketball coach at Linden High School in northern California.
Today, he leads several Yankees teammates in singing God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch at the Stadium. Along with Gerrit Cole, Anthony Volpe and Aaron Boone, among others, Judge laid down an iron rule.
If you’re going to stand in front of the dugout, you have to sing.
“Singing God Bless America is my sign of respect for the veterans who are being honored on the field,” Judge said.
“They’re 70 years old; some are 80, some are 90 and can barely walk. You see an old photo of them, their rank, what branch of the service, where they fought. I have nothing but respect for them.”
Winning the WBC would amplify that message. Judge, after all, is a ballplayer. That’s how he reaches fans. This will be his first Classic, not to mention his first chance to serve as the USA’s captain.
“(Team USA manager) Mark DeRosa asked me last year if I’d want to join, and I said, “yes, if you’ll have me, I’d be honored,’” Judge said. “Being the captain is a little different than being the captain of the Yankees, but it means a great deal to me.”
Along with Judge, the Yankees are sending nine players to various WBC teams, including Jason Zillo, vice president on communications and media relations. He’ll serve in a similar role with Team Italy.
Yankees legend Andy Pettitte, who’s been in camp as a guest instructor, will be Team USA’s pitching coach
If all goes well and the U.S. ends up in the finals, Judge and fellow Bombers David Bednar and Paul Goldschmidt could be gone until March 18.
That would leave less than a week for final preparations for the regular season. Judge admits it’s not an ideal way to ramp up. He’s had to accelerate his usual spring training program to be ready for Team USA’s first game against Brazil on March 6.
“It’s a little different than what I’m used to, but I feel pretty good at the plate right now,” Judge said. “I’m excited to get going.”
That enthusiasm is borne in part because Team USA is loaded with talent Among the other first-timers are the Pirates’ Paul Skenes and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal, who represent the best 1-2 pitching combo the Americans have ever recruited.
Indeed, the buy-in among American players is at all-time high. What started in 2017 as a friendly exhibition within the MLB community has turned into a matter of national pride.
That’s what Judge is looking forward to - meeting ballplayers who’ve tapped into their patriot gene.
“It’s different being captain with players that you’re not with for six months,” Judge said. “But the important thing is that we’re all there for the same reason.”
And if the U.S. wins it all? It might not have the same party-all-night vibe as an Olympic gold medal. But it’s getting closer.
As Judge and other players have said, the U.S. hockey teams’ success at the Winter Olympics have catalyzed their baseball counterparts at the WBC.
“I thought it was tremendous,” Judge said of the men’s and women’s teams. “It made me feel proud. That’s the same attitude I have about the WBC.”
Judge paused a moment, but this time it wasn’t for the sake of caution. It was to speak from the heart.
“People are going to be talking about these games for years,” he said.
“There’s a lot of pride involved. Baseball is a beautiful game, and we’re going to have a chance to showcase it to the world.”
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