Aaron Judge Opens Up About the One Big Lesson That Changed His Career
April 25, 2026, Houston, Texas, USA: New York Yankees batter AARON JUDGE 99 adjusts his batting glove between pitches. The Houston Astros hosted the New York Yankees at Daikin Park in Houston. Houston USA - ZUMAw148 20260425_zsp_w148_030 Copyright: xAaronxWittx
April 25, 2026, Houston, Texas, USA: New York Yankees batter AARON JUDGE 99 adjusts his batting glove between pitches. The Houston Astros hosted the New York Yankees at Daikin Park in Houston. Houston USA - ZUMAw148 20260425_zsp_w148_030 Copyright: xAaronxWittx
Aaron Judge was terrible for a long time. He said so himself. And the way he got out of it is the lesson he now passes on to anyone who will listen.
Judge shared the remarks in comments reported by Josh Chambers on X on July 31, 2026. The New York Yankees captain opened up about why the grind of college and the minor leagues was essential to becoming the player he is today.
"I think you need that grind," Judge said. "I went to college. I got kicked around and beat around a little bit. I was terrible for a long time. Then you've got to learn how to get yourself out of that."
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA 2026: NY Yankees Vs SF Giants MAR 28 March 28 2026 New York right fielder Aaron Judge 99warming up on his swing during the MLB game between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants. Thurman James / CSM Credit Image: Â Thurman James/Cal Media San Francisco Ca USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20260328_zma_c04_110.jpg ThurmanxJamesx csmphotothree483800
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA 2026: NY Yankees Vs SF Giants MAR 28 March 28 2026 New York right fielder Aaron Judge 99warming up on his swing during the MLB game between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants. Thurman James / CSM Credit Image: Â Thurman James/Cal Media San Francisco Ca USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20260328_zma_c04_110.jpg ThurmanxJamesx csmphotothree483800
He was direct about what that process actually looks like. "Every great athlete, you've got to figure out how… When you get kicked down… When you get beat down… Coach ain't going to pick you up. Your friend ain't going to pick you up. You've got to pick yourself up and get yourself out of there."
Judge described the specific mindset that got him through those years.
"'It doesn't matter if you're in Low-A, Double-A or Triple-A,'" Judge said. "'Treat this like the big leagues.' 'Prepare every day like you're about to go out on the field in the Bronx.'"
That mindset applied even after a 10-hour bus ride. "I know I just sat on a bus for 10 hours… And now we're about to play a game… But I'm getting ready to play for the New York Yankees. I'm suiting up for the New York Yankees."
He said that approach stopped the self-pity before it could take hold. "That helped me a lot… Instead of being like, 'Poor me.' 'I should be in the big leagues.' 'I'm stuck here in Double-A.'"
Judge was drafted by the Yankees in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Fresno State.
Judge's minor league journey set the foundation for one of Baseball's greatest careers
Judge spent three seasons in the minor leagues — 2014, 2015 and 2016.
He made his MLB debut on August 13, 2016, against the Tampa Bay Rays. He hit .179 that year. He came back in 2017 and won the AL Rookie of the Year award while hitting 52 home runs.
In 2022, he broke Roger Maris's American League record with 62 home runs in a single season. He won the AL MVP award that year. He won it again in 2024.
Judge spent three seasons riding minor league buses in Charleston, Trenton, and Scranton before any of that happened.
Do you think Judge's minor league approach is advice every young athlete should follow? Tell us in the comments!
Written by
Sneha Abraham