OAKLAND, Calif. — For Aaron Judge, growing up as an avid San Francisco Giants supporter meant frequent visits to Oracle Park, fervently wishing he would one day play on such a grand stage. Yet, it was the Oakland Coliseum, an aging stadium that many players would gladly forget, that left a lasting impression on him and truly felt like home to his beginnings as a New York Yankee.
Despite the Coliseum’s reputation for disrepair and plans for its replacement in the near future, Judge cherishes this venue for pivotal memories early in his career. The connection dates back to June 11, 2013, just days after the Yankees drafted him. Invited to join the team’s batting practice while they visited Oakland, it marked Judge’s first profound experience in the major leagues.
Recalling the nerves and excitement of that day, Judge spoke about being in awe, surrounded by players he had idolized. It wasn’t just any lineup he joined; despite being in a rebuilding year with injuries and aging stars, the 2013 Yankees roster still glittered with notable names.
Though Derek Jeter was absent, rehabilitating a broken ankle in Tampa, Florida, Judge still met an array of stars such as Mariano Rivera, Brett Gardner, CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, and others. With such illustrious company, the young draftee was advised and welcomed warmly, particularly by Andy Pettitte and Rivera.
The stark contrasts of the Coliseum, primarily its cramped and outdated facilities compared to other major league stadiums, did not deter Judge’s spirited session at the plate that day. Attired in his college gear from Fresno State, he impressed the attending Yankees personnel, including then-batting coach Kevin Long, whose glowing recollections of Judge’s performance underscored his potential.
Kevin Long vividly remembered the session, noting how former major leaguer Vernon Wells reacted to Judge’s batting by humorously suggesting it was time for him to retire, a testament to the power and promise seen in Judge. Joe Girardi, the Yankees’ manager at the time, noted the distinctive ability in Judge, sensing he could be a significant asset to the team.
Even CC Sabathia, who was set to pitch that evening, reached out to Judge, encouraged by their shared Northern California roots and invited him to join at the dining table — a gesture that meant a lot to the rookie.
Though Judge didn’t make his major-league debut until three years later, he regards that day at Oakland Coliseum as a pivotal moment in his journey to baseball’s highest echelons. Today, as the Coliseum approaches its final chapter as a major league venue, Judge reflects fondly on his beginnings there, recognizing its foundational role in his story, a sentiment absent among many of his peers who regard the stadium less warmly.
As Judge continues to advance his career, achieving milestones such as eclipsing 50 home runs in a single season, he remains indebted to the early experiences and people who shaped him. His connection to the Coliseum is a poignant reminder of where he started and the dreams that have since transformed into an impressive reality.