By: Tennie Sumague, EBC Sports International, New York Bureau
MIAMI,FLORIDA- Order in the court, the judge has spoken. New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is the 2017 Major League Baseball (MLB) Home Run Derby champion.
The rookie right fielder leads the majors in home runs (30), runs (75), on-base percentage (.449) and slugging percentage (.697) leading to the All-Star break. Not bad for a player who batted .179 in 27 games with the Yankees last season and was not guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training.
“It was a blast,” said Judge regarding the All-Star festivities. “I enjoyed every minute of it. Watching all the other guys swing, coming here early, talking to the media – everything about today was fantastic”.
Judge, the number 2 seed in the home run derby, barely passed the first round edging Miami Marlins first baseman, Justin Bour 23-22. He then defeated Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers and finally Minnesota Twins’ player, Miguel Cano to capture the title. Judge blasted a total of 47 homers throughout the evening, including a 513-foot blast setting a crowd of 37,027 into a frenzy at Marlins Park.
“What he did was amazing,” said Seattle Mariners second baseman and former New York Yankee, Robinson Cano. “I’ve never seen anything like that. Not only home runs, but to go the opposite field how many times? He made this ballpark look like nothing. I thought I’ve seen it all before, but this guy, he’s on another level. He doesn’t even look tired.”
When asked if Judge is the face of baseball, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer stated the obvious.
“People say this, and he has a lot more to accomplish, but he may be the second coming of Derek Jeter,” Archer said about the 6’7” 280-pound slugger.
Despite the hype of the home run derby, Judge felt no pressure at all.
“I’m a rookie. This is my first time doing it. For me, I got no expectations. I’m just going to go in there and have some fun,” he added.
Judge is the first rookie to win the Home Run Derby title since 1986 when California Angels first baseman Wally Joyner split the the Home Run Derby title with New York Mets outfielder, Darryl Strawberry. He also became the third player in MLB history to win the title while leading the majors in home runs at the All-Star break, joining Mark McGwire of the Oakland Athletics (1992) and Seattle Mariners legend, outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr, (1994).
The 88th MLB’s All-Star Game is set to be played on Tuesday night in Miami where Judge will start at right field and bat third for the American League team.