New York fans are renowned for their candor, ensuring players are well aware of their performance standings. Even Yankees standout Aaron Judge isn’t exempt from this.
Typically cheered for his impressive home runs and clutch hits, Judge experienced a shift in 2024. Amidst a slump early in the season, with just 15 hits in over 100 plate appearances, Judge faced boos on Saturday as he went 0 for 4 with four strikeouts in a 2-0, 10-inning loss.
I must say, having covered the Yankees, there’s an expectation among players who join from other teams, including stars like Jason Giambi and Alex Rodriguez, that they’ll face boos at some point,” remarked Olney.
“Even icons like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera had their share of early career or mid-career boos. Yet, even when compared to such standards, I find it rather absurd for Aaron Judge to be booed in Yankee Stadium, especially when the team is performing well.”
Passan expanded on this sentiment: “It’s both completely absurd and entirely predictable.”
Despite the Yankees’ strong 15-7 start, fans demand excellence. No player is exempt from criticism. Fans tend to focus on the present:
“What have you done for us lately?” Currently, Judge’s performance has been lackluster, with a .183/.320/.354 slash line, three home runs, and 11 RBIs. Judge himself acknowledged he’d react similarly if he were a fan.
“Oh, imagine the reception when he gets back on track,” Passan mused. “Just think about how dominant the Yankees will be then.”
Still, Passan noted, one might assume that Judge’s impressive list of accomplishments—MVP, five All-Star appearances, Rookie of the Year, 260 career home runs, and captaincy—would earn him some leeway.
“Aaron Judge could maintain a .180 batting average for the remainder of the season, as he has thus far, and still not deserve a single boo from Yankees fans considering all he’s achieved,” Passan remarked.
“You’d think his track record would generate enough goodwill to warrant some patience, but patience seems scarce in the Bronx. That’s what happens when it’s been fifteen years since the last World Series victory.”
The Yankees haven’t clinched a World Series title since 2009.
“Even by my standards as a Yankees fan, that was a bit extreme,” added Olney.
Perhaps the fans will rally behind Judge in a more positive manner during the upcoming series against the Oakland Athletics, starting Monday. Oakland currently holds a 4.18 ERA.