The New York Yankees advanced to the American League Division Series after sweeping the Boston Red Sox 4-0, in a victory that brings the team closer to its ultimate goal: to return to the World Series after 16 years.
For captain Aaron Judge, this postseason has a special meaning, as he is experiencing it for the first time with his daughter, Nora Rose, who was born in February of this year.
A family moment at Yankee Stadium
After the victory over Boston, Judge was seen in the empty Yankee Stadium celebrating with his little girl. In a video shared on ESPN‘s TikTok channel, the slugger is seen bending down to his daughter, lifting her up and enjoying the moment with her on the field. The scene thrilled fans, who highlighted the more personal and human side of the Yankees star.
“This year is different for me. I have my wife, Samantha, and now also my daughter,” Judge said in a recent interview.
Extra motivation in search of the title
The two-time American League MVP finished the series against Boston with four hits in 10 at-bats, although in the last game he was hit by a pitch on the left arm by reliever Justin Slaten. In his 61 postseason games, Judge has a .212 batting average, below his regular season numbers, but he remains a key piece in the New York offense.
The Yankees are looking for their first World Series title since 2009. Last year they made it to the Fall Classic, but fell to the Dodgers in five games. This time, the family motivation seems to give Judge an extra boost to lead the team.
The other side of fame in New York
However, Judge also acknowledged that life in New York comes with pressures, especially now as a father. In an interview with NJ.com, he confessed that he feels uncomfortable when fans try to include his daughter in photos or videos.
“If I’m with my wife and I have my daughter there, it’s different,” he said. “I tell them, ‘She’s not the right fielder for the Yankees. She’s not even a year old, let’s keep her off camera’. That sometimes irritates me a little bit.”
Yankees with their sights set on the World Series
The Bronx Bombers were close to elimination after losing the first game against Boston, but they bounced back thanks to a gem from Cam Schlittler, who pitched eight innings in the second game, which turned the series around. Now, with Judge motivated by his family and the Yankees on fire, the franchise dreams of conquering its 28th crown.
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