UPDATE: Since his debut in the 2016 season, Aaron Judge has become the most formidable slugger in Major League Baseball, hitting an astonishing 359 home runs and instilling fear in pitchers across the league. At 6-foot-7 and 282 pounds, Judge’s sheer size and unmatched power have made him a standout figure, especially as he nears another potential American League MVP award this season.
As Judge approaches the final weeks of the season with over 40 home runs and an OPS exceeding 1.000, pitchers who have faced him are sharing their most memorable encounters. The stories highlight Judge’s awe-inspiring ability to dominate at the plate and leave a lasting impression on those who dare to challenge him.
Mark Appel, a former college ace, recounts how he was blindsided by Judge’s power during a 2012 college matchup. Appel, pitching for the No. 1-ranked Stanford, entered the game unaware of Judge’s potential. “We had very limited scouting… I remember we went to Fresno, and they had this little chant for him whenever he came up, ‘Here comes the Judge,’” Appel said. Judge, then a sophomore, shocked Appel and the Stanford team by hitting two home runs, leading to a stunning 7-4 upset.
As Judge’s reputation grew, so did the tales of pitchers like Erick Fedde, now with the Milwaukee Brewers, who noted that Judge’s presence was unmistakable. “Back then, he obviously still had that presence of a big human… You knew he had power,” Fedde stated.
The legendary slugger not only made waves in college but also left an indelible mark on the Cape Cod League. Anthony Montefusco, a tech salesman now, recalls facing Judge in a pivotal game in 2012. “I attempted to run a fastball inside… I watched my pitch sail over the left-center-field fence never to be seen again,” Montefusco recounted, emphasizing the sheer distance of the hit.
Even seasoned pitchers like Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, have felt the weight of Judge’s presence in the batter’s box. “When he swings, that’s when he gets into trouble… He connects with it; he can hit something hard back at you,” Snell explained, showcasing the intensity of every matchup against Judge.
Judge’s power is not only a physical threat but also a psychological one. Pitchers often approach their battles with him with a mix of respect and apprehension. Max Fried of the New York Yankees admitted, “You know if you leave a ball over the plate, it’s going to go a long way.”
The challenge of facing Judge is compounded by the mental preparation that begins long before the pitcher steps onto the mound. Ryne Stanek of the New York Mets noted that pitchers often pitch scared, which can lead to mistakes. “People pitch him scared and then have to come back… It doesn’t work, especially when you’re facing really good hitters,” Stanek stated.
As Judge continues to chase history, pitchers are left with unforgettable memories of their encounters. Reliever Jason Adam recalled a moment he thought he had surrendered a game-tying home run to Judge, only to be relieved to see his teammate catch the ball at the warning track. “I could’ve sworn that ball was 60 rows deep,” Adam said, reflecting on the heart-stopping moment.
With the season winding down, all eyes will remain on Judge as he seeks to add to his storied legacy. His unique blend of power and presence makes him a player that both fans and pitchers will not forget. As pitchers continue to share their stories, one thing is clear: facing Aaron Judge is not just another day at the office; it’s a battle with a baseball titan.
Stay tuned for more updates on Judge’s quest for greatness as the season progresses.
