The Challenge of Facing Aaron Judge: Insights from Pitchers

Since making his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2016, Aaron Judge has established himself as one of the most formidable hitters in the game. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 282 pounds, Judge’s combination of size, power, and patience at the plate makes him a daunting challenge for pitchers. With a remarkable 359 home runs to his name, Judge has not only captured the attention of fans but has also instilled a sense of fear among those who have faced him on the mound.

The Rise of a Superstar

Judge’s career has been marked by impressive achievements, including four seasons with at least 40 home runs and four consecutive seasons boasting an on-base plus slugging (OPS) over 1.000. As he enters the final stretch of the season, he remains a strong contender for the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His ability to consistently perform at such a high level has made him a household name, but there was a time when he was still an emerging talent.

Early Encounters: The Element of Surprise

Mark Appel, a former ace pitcher for Stanford University, recalls his first encounter with Judge during a college matchup in 2012. At that time, Judge was a relatively unknown player, having had a modest freshman season. Appel, who was regarded as one of the top pitchers in college baseball, was unaware of the threat that Judge posed.

“We had very limited scouting. Video scouting was not really a widespread thing,” Appel explained. “So, we knew just based off of the numbers, but it was so early in the season. I don’t think he had a prolific freshman year. He was relatively unknown to us.”

On March 2, 2012, Appel took the mound against Judge’s Fresno State team, which was not expected to be a formidable opponent. However, Judge surprised everyone by hitting two home runs off Appel during the game, leading Fresno State to a stunning 7-4 upset. This performance marked the beginning of Judge’s ascent in the world of baseball.

The Impact of Size and Power

Erick Fedde, a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers and a former teammate of Judge’s at UNLV, noted that even before Judge became a star, he had a commanding presence on the field. “Back then, he obviously still had that presence of a big human,” Fedde said. “I guess I didn’t have that expectation of a perennial All-Star, best hitter, MVP caliber player, but you obviously knew he had power.”

Appel, reflecting on the game against Judge, mentioned that he had a powerful fastball, which was part of the game plan for Fresno State. “I left one just kind of middle-in, right in Aaron’s sweet spot, and he just — I mean, it was one of the hardest-hit balls I’ve seen. It got out in a hurry.”

A Freshman Phenomenon

Matthew Boyd, now with the Chicago Cubs, also encountered Judge during his college career. Boyd recalls the first year of BBCOR bats, which were designed to limit the power of hitters. “We were taking BP, and we were complaining because we thought the Nike BBCOR bats just stunk,” he said. However, when they watched Fresno State play, it was clear that Judge was a special talent. “This one freshman was just peppering the scoreboard,” Boyd noted, emphasizing that it was not the bats but Judge’s exceptional skill that stood out.

Fedde echoed this sentiment, recalling Judge hitting some of the farthest home runs he had ever seen during their college days. “I saw him hit some home runs off my UNLV teammates that were some of the farthest balls I’ve ever seen hit,” he said.

From College to the Big Leagues

As Judge transitioned from college to the professional ranks, he quickly made a name for himself. Appel reflected on how his encounter with Judge inadvertently contributed to the latter’s rise. “A year later, he gets drafted in the first round… my teammates are like, ‘He’s got you to thank for that. You’re the one that put him on the map,'” Appel shared. In hindsight, he recognizes Judge’s exceptional talent and acknowledges that he may have underestimated him at the time.

“When I got called up in 2022, every day it was the Aaron Judge Home Run Tracker. We are watching history here, and so I was like, ‘Man, this is cool,'” Appel said. He expressed a sense of connection to Judge, feeling that he played a small role in the story of the star’s emergence.

Pitching Against a Legend

As pitchers continue to face Aaron Judge, they carry the weight of his reputation with them. The experiences shared by those who have pitched to him reveal the respect and admiration he commands in the league. From Appel to Fedde and Boyd, each pitcher has their own story of facing Judge, highlighting the unique challenges and memorable moments that come with pitching against one of baseball’s most electrifying players.

Key Facts

– Aaron Judge made his MLB debut in 2016 and has since hit 359 home runs.
– He stands 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 282 pounds.
– Judge has had four seasons with at least 40 home runs and four consecutive seasons with an OPS over 1.000.
– Mark Appel faced Judge in college and was stunned when Judge hit two home runs off him.
– Erick Fedde and Matthew Boyd also shared their early experiences pitching against Judge, noting his impressive power and presence.

Source: www.espn.com