New York Yankees’ renowned slugger Aaron Judge was met with boos from the home crowd at Yankee Stadium during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. The Yankees fell to the Rays 2-0, with Judge striking out four times, leading to palpable frustration among the fans.
When asked about the reaction from the crowd, Judge responded candidly, “I’ve heard worse, and I’d probably be doing the same thing in this situation.” His performance thus far in the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season has been below expectations for a player of his caliber. In 21 games, he is hitting .179 with a slugging percentage of .359 and an on-base percentage of .682. Additionally, he has accumulated 27 strikeouts, the second-highest in the American League.
Despite the early season woes, Judge remains optimistic. “It’s still early. It’s a long season,” he said. “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.”
The incident highlights the pressures faced by athletes in professional sports, a theme resonant with sports enthusiasts worldwide, including those in Asia where baseball enjoys significant popularity. As fans around the globe watch the unfolding season, the focus remains on whether Judge can overcome this challenging start and lead the Yankees to success.
Reference(s):
Yankees' ace slugger Aaron Judge on being booed: 'I've heard worse'
cgtn.com
