New York’s star outfielder opened out about being booed during the team’s slump.
The New York Yankees got out to a great start in 2024, banishing memories of their poor 2023 season. However, New York has struggled in recent weeks, going 5-16 since June 14.
Naturally, Yankees fans are fed up, and slugger Aaron Judge has heard the rumbling. On the Casa De Klub podcast, Judge discussed hearing the boos:
The Yankees star explained, “You don’t like hearing it. It stings, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, guy. I’d rather be booed in New York for failing to complete my responsibilities. I’m meant to be there in the midst of the lineup, producing and doing my thing. If I am not, please let me know. I’d rather have that than be in another city where people clap when I fly out for the fourth time.I grounded into a double play…they’re like ‘that’s all right you’ll get it next time.’ Man, that is not why we play; you want to win.
It’s a high standard, you know, we got high standards for ourselves, but the fans help remind you like ‘hey, we got a high standard here in Pinstripes’ and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Aaron Judge is leading the league in HR’s (32) and RBIs (83) while batting .308, so fans don’t have a lot to hate him for. The faltering Yankees are a different story, while still holding the AL’s top Wild Card spot.
Judge says he’d rather be booed in New York than play in front of apathetic supporters. He, like Judge, recently discussed the Tampa Bay Rays making him an offer in 2022, which he described as ‘a really respectful offer.’
Yankees rookie Ben Rice is thriving during Yankees struggles
New York Yankees rookie Ben Rice has made an impressive start since his promotion from the minor leagues. On Saturday, he made franchise history by hitting three home runs in a single game, leading to a 14-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
Rice, who joined the Yankees in late June, has been performing exceptionally well. Over 19 games, he boasts a .267 batting average, with five home runs and 14 RBIs, alongside eight walks and 13 strikeouts.
Drafted by the Yankees in the 12th round of the 2021 draft, Rice has caught the attention of manager Aaron Boone. Boone has been highly impressed with Rice’s contributions to the team.
“He’s coming off an outstanding year last year in the Minor Leagues that put him on the map and burst onto the scene,” Boone said. “He earned a trip to Spring Training and continued that through spring and then to start the year. He’s come up here and given us quality at-bats each and every day.”
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