If I had told you the New York Yankees would be in first place in the American League East at the end of the first month of the 2017 baseball season, you probably wouldn’t have believed me. Not only are the Bronx Bombers showing up to play, it’s right field rookie phenom Aaron Judge proudly leading the way.
The Yankees went 15-8 in the month of April, and they were tied for first with the Baltimore Orioles. Currently, the boys in pinstripes hold a one-game lead over the Orioles and everyone is starting to notice that there may be something special with this Yankees club. They signed quality veterans like Chris Carter and Matt Holliday, as well as have impeccable young talent like Gary Sanchez and Greg Bird, but no one can compare to the show that Aaron Judge has been putting on.
The 25-year-old right fielder had an April to remember, and was named American League Rookie of the Month. He hit an incredible 10 home runs, with thirteen overall, and he is the youngest player in major league history to hit thirteen home runs in a team’s first twenty-six games of the season. He also hit one of the longest home runs this season at an astounding 470 feet!
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon has compared the young stud to the likes of Frank Howard, which flattered Judge, “It’s a fantastic compliment. To be mentioned in the same sentence as someone like Frank Howard, coming from a manager like Joe Maddon, one of the best managers in the game, it’s quite a compliment.”
Judge is surely making an early case for American League Rookie of the Year and it’s only May 6th. He is also making a strong case to participate in the Home Run Derby later this summer in Miami. Aaron Judge is one of the strongest players to ever be a part of the show, and the Yankees are more than lucky to have him as part of their future!
