CLEVELAND — Amidst a shower of beer and champagne, Aaron Judge, the Yankees captain, reflected on a poignant memory from his rookie year in 2017 when his team fell just one win short of the World Series. Despite the joyous occasion this Saturday night, following a pivotal 5-2 victory over the Guardians in Game 5 of the ALCS that secured the Yankees’ first World Series berth since 2009, that earlier loss still lingered in Judge’s mind.
“Even as sweet as this is, it’s still with me,” Judge shared, his eyes still stinging from the celebratory champagne. “But we’re going to enjoy this.”
In a season where Judge hit 58 home runs, his performance in the playoffs had taken a back seat to teammates Giancarlo Stanton, who knocked four home runs and captured the ALCS MVP, and Juan Soto, whose tenth-inning tiebreaking three-run homer in Game 5 all but sealed their pennant victory.
“You win with good people and good players,” Judge remarked, echoing the team-centric philosophy that had brought them to this point. Despite batting only .167 during the series and going 0-for-4 at the plate in the clinching game, Judge’s leadership as the team captain remained unwavering.
The road to the championship series had not been easy. Judge battled inconsistencies, marked by a striking out rate uncharacteristic of his regular season performance. Yet, none of this dampened his spirit as he lifted the championship trophy, recognizing the collective effort it took to transcend past postseason shortcomings.
Reflecting on the journey, Judge recalled the team’s catalyst for success this season as originating from their collective resolve in spring training, following a season that saw them miss the playoffs entirely. “You just look back at all the hard work and guys showing up after a disappointing season last year… That’s what I go back to,” he said.
This victory was particularly significant as it marked a return to the World Series stage, challenging both the Mets and the Dodgers. “We didn’t come here for [just the American League championship],” Judge declared, alluding to the ultimate goal of clinching the World Series title. “We came here for the ultimate prize.”
The path to the World Series exemplified a journey shaped by resilience and collective tenacity. Despite the series conclusion appearing to be a comfortable 4-1 victory, each game required last-minute successes to secure wins, especially during the three games at Progressive Field, all decided in the final at-bat.
“You make friends in good times, but adversity builds a family,” Judge observed. Throughout the season, he noted, the Yankees faced multiple challenges, from navigating tough losses to responding to critical inquiries. “It builds a trust that we’re going to have each other’s backs in good times and bad… Those tough times build moments like this,” he added.
As the Yankees look forward, the echoes of past triumphs and setbacks blend into the fierce determination of a team poised on the brink of history, ready to transform their hard-fought AL championship into a World Series victory.
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