Aaron Judge, the powerhouse slugger of the New York Yankees, faced a challenging evening at Yankee Stadium on Saturday as the team fell short, losing 2-0 to the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite his reputation as one of Major League Baseball's (MLB) greatest hitters, Judge struggled at the plate, striking out four times during the game.
The disappointment was palpable among the home crowd, who expressed their frustration with a chorus of boos directed at Judge. However, the resilient athlete remained composed, addressing the crowd's dissatisfaction with confidence.
\"I've heard worse, and I'd probably be doing the same thing in this situation,\" Judge remarked after the game. His performance this season has been a mixed bag, with a batting average of .179 and a slugging percentage of .359 over 21 games. Additionally, he has recorded 27 strikeouts, the second-most in the American League (AL).
Undeterred by the rocky start, Judge emphasized the importance of perseverance. \"It's still early. It's a long season,\" he stated. \"Just missing the pitch. Get a pitch in the zone, I got to capitalize on it because I don't get too many. And then I get hits. I think that's what it comes down to. Just don't miss your pitch when you get it and take your walks when you can, not getting anything.\"
As the Yankees navigate the early stages of the 2024 season, Judge's determination and focus remain key components in their quest for success. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that Judge will find his stride, turning recent challenges into opportunities for growth and triumph.
Reference(s):
Yankees' ace slugger Aaron Judge on being booed: 'I've heard worse'
cgtn.com
