Aaron Judge shuts down comparisons with a simple message: ‘There’s only one Derek Jeter’
May 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) sits in the dugout before the start of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
May 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) sits in the dugout before the start of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The New York Yankees have produced icons in every era, from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge. But is it fair to compare legends across generations? The Yankees captain has a clear answer, and it might not be what fans expect.
On June 15, Judge sat down with Esquire for a candid conversation about his life and career. When asked about comparisons between Yankees legends, Aaron Judge made his stance clear: “There’s only one Derek Jeter, there’s only one Lou Gehrig, there’s only one Babe Ruth.”
“The best way to represent them and honor them is to be the best Aaron Judge I can be, so the next Yankee star can be the best version of themselves. If I try to be Babe Ruth or follow in his legacy, I’m doing him a disservice. I’m doing myself a disservice. I’m doing the fans a disservice,” said Judge, highlighting how important it is to be unique.
May 21, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after making the third out in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
May 21, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after making the third out in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Judge is not keen on being compared to the greats, even though he has made a name for himself. That said, this isn't new territory for the Yankees captain.
Back in 2017, former manager Joe Girardi said, “You know, he’s a little bit like Derek to me. (Judge) has a smile all the time. He loves to play the game.”
Judge immediately downplayed the comparison, saying, “There’s only one Derek Jeter.”
Well, the comparisons do make sense for a reason. The Yankees named Judge their 16th captain in December 2022, the first since Jeter retired eight years earlier.
That said, despite this, Aaron Judge is not keen on comparing any of the legends to anyone. Interestingly, the captain is not interested in numbers and statistics as well.
Aaron Judge tunes out the noise, focuses on the game
Aaron Judge is certain about his goals, and they have nothing to do with individual records. Instead, they are more about leading his team to victory. When asked what he thinks about numbers and statistics, the captain expressed that he doesn’t let them bother him.
“How much do I think about statistics and milestones? Zero. The milestones that matter most to me are the ones that come in a Yankee win. If those things happen and the Yankees win, I’ll look at those,” said Judge.
That certainly is true for the captain. He has been one of the best players in modern baseball, and this season, when the MVP poll arrived, he ranked No. 1 with 19 votes from 40 experts.
Although he is still recovering, he has not let the ghosts of past injuries discourage him. That said, what are your thoughts on Judge?
Read more at the New York Yankees Community!
Written by
Suryakant Das
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore