Judge: ‘You never know’ if 62 homers possible this year

Judge was voted the American League MVP after breaking Roger Maris’ AL record of 61 homers, set in 1961.

Associated Press

Feb 21, 2023, 2:57 PM

Updated 521 days ago

Share:

Judge: ‘You never know’ if 62 homers possible this year
Aaron Judge flashed a big smile when asked if he could repeat his accomplishments of last year, when he hit an American League record 62 home runs for the New York Yankees.
“You never know,” he said after the Yankees’ first full-squad workout on Monday. “I don’t really like putting a number on it. I just kind of like going out there and trying to control what I can control, but you never know what could happen. So, we’ll see about 62.”
Judge was voted the American League MVP after breaking Roger Maris’ AL record of 61 homers, set in 1961. Judge’s 131 RBIs tied the New York Mets’ Pete Alonso for most in the majors and Judge’s .311 batting average was second in the AL. After becoming a free agent, Judge agreed to a $360 million, nine-year contract with the Yankees.
“Last year was fun chasing history and having those moments,” Judge said. “Every time we play in New York I feel like you’re chasing history. It’s never a cakewalk in the Bronx, that’s for sure. You have to enmbrace those challenges.”
Judge slumped offensively as New York was swept in the AL Championship Series by eventual World Series champion Houston. He went 1 for 16 (.063) with no homers or RBIs.
New York hasn’t won the World Series since 2009.
“It bothers me, and I think it bothers the group as well,” Judge said, “Every year we don’t finish what we started, it wears on us in different ways. I think every failure pushes you towards that ultimate goal.”
After Judge agreed to the longterm deal with the Yankees, he become New York’s first captain since Derek Jeter from 2003-13.
“I’ll be doing what I’ve been doing the past six or seven years, try and lead by example,” Judge said. “Be a voice for this team on and off the field. Keep pushing this team to the ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to New York.”
“That’s why I’m here,” Judge added. “It’s one of the main reasons why I wanted to come back and wear pinstripes. Have a lot of unfinished business here. I’m looking forward to the new role but stuff doesn’t change for me.”
Notes: Judge took batting practice for the first time with the pitch clock that will be used this season. “Oh man, I completely forgot about it until about three pitches in,” Judge said. “I had to kind of check myself because I was getting into the box around eight or nine seconds. That would be strike one, strike two, strke three on me. Once we play a couple games, get a couple at-bats, guys will get used to it.” ... Judge is looking to improve his contact rate this season and has talked with other big leaguers about two-strike approaches, including mixing in the no-stride approach.


More from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park