Aaron Judge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aaron Judge
Judge with the New York Yankees in 2025
New York Yankees – No. 99
Right fielder
Born: (1992-04-26) April 26, 1992 (age 34) Sacramento, California, U.S.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
debut
August 13, 2016, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics (through April 24, 2026)
Batting average	.292
Hits	1,227
Home runs	377
Runs batted in	847
Teams
New York Yankees (2016–present)
Career highlights and awards
7× All-Star (2017, 2018, 2021–2025) 3× AL MVP (2022, 2024, 2025) 4× All-MLB First Team (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) AL Rookie of the Year (2017) 5× Silver Slugger Award (2017, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) 3× AL Hank Aaron Award (2022, 2024, 2025) Roberto Clemente Award (2023) MLB batting champion (2025) 3× AL home run leader (2017, 2022, 2024) 2× MLB RBI leader (2022, 2024) AL record 62 home runs, single-season
Medals Men's baseball Representing  United States World Baseball Classic Silver 2026 Miami Team

Aaron James Judge (born April 26, 1992) is a famous American professional baseball player. He plays as a right fielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). Aaron Judge is known for his incredible power and has been named an MLB All-Star seven times. He also won the Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) three times in the American League (AL). He set an AL record by hitting 62 home runs in one season. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 282 pounds, he is one of the biggest players in MLB history. Many people consider him one of the best power hitters ever.

Before joining the pros, Judge played college baseball for the Fresno State Bulldogs. The Yankees chose him in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2016. In 2017, he was named the AL Rookie of the Year and hit 52 home runs, a new rookie record at the time. He also became the first rookie to win the Home Run Derby. In 2022, Judge won his first MVP award. That year, he broke a 61-year-old record by hitting 62 home runs in the AL, surpassing Roger Maris.

After the 2022 season, Judge signed a new contract with the Yankees. He was also named the team's captain. In 2024, he won his second MVP award. He led MLB in home runs and became the fastest player to hit 300 career home runs. The Yankees won the AL pennant that year, but they lost in the World Series. In 2025, he won his third MVP award and his first batting title. Judge also led the U.S. national team as captain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Early Life and High School Sports

Aaron Judge was born in Sacramento, California, on April 26, 1992. Patty and Wayne Judge adopted him shortly after. Both of his parents were teachers. He also has an older brother, John, who was adopted. Aaron grew up cheering for the San Francisco Giants.

He went to Linden High School. There, he was a star in three different sports. He played pitcher and first baseman in baseball. He was a wide receiver in football. He also played center for the basketball team.

In high school, Judge won many awards for his athletic skills. He helped his basketball team win its first league title in many years. As a senior, he was named Athlete of the Year for his school. He also earned MVP awards in all three sports. He set school records in football for receiving yards and touchdowns. In baseball, he hit .500 with seven home runs. He also pitched very well, helping his team win a league championship.

Judge finished high school in 2010. In 2019, he was honored by being inducted into the Linden Athletic Hall of Fame.

College Baseball Career

Many colleges wanted Judge to play football, but he chose baseball instead. The Oakland Athletics drafted him in 2010, but he decided to go to California State University, Fresno. There, he played for the Bulldogs baseball team.

In 2011, his team won the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) tournament. Judge was named the WAC Freshman of the Year. He also earned honors for being one of the best players in the conference.

In 2012, his team won the WAC tournament again. Judge continued to be a top player. He also won the College Home Run Derby that year. He played summer baseball for the Brewster Whitecaps and received an award for being a great teammate.

As a junior in 2013, Judge led his team in home runs, doubles, and RBIs. He was named to the All-Mountain West Conference First Team. He was an all-conference player in all three of his college seasons.

In November 2023, Fresno State honored Judge by retiring his #29 jersey. This means no other player on the team will wear that number again.

Professional Baseball Journey

Drafted by the Yankees

The New York Yankees drafted Aaron Judge in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft. He was the 32nd player chosen overall. Judge signed with the Yankees and received a $1.8 million bonus. An injury kept him from playing in 2013.

Minor League Years

Judge started his professional career in 2014 with the Charleston RiverDogs. He played well and was promoted to the Tampa Yankees later that year. He also played in the Arizona Fall League.

Judge during Yankees' spring training in 2015

In 2015, Judge played for the Trenton Thunder and then the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He was even selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game. He continued to play in Triple-A in 2016. He was named to the International League All-Star Team.

New York Yankees Debut (2016)

Judge batting in 2016

Aaron Judge made his MLB debut on August 13, 2016. He started as the right fielder for the Yankees. In his very first at-bat, Judge hit a home run. The player before him also hit a home run in his first at-bat. This was the first time two teammates did this in the same game. Judge hit another home run in his second game. He played in 27 games that season before an injury ended his year early.

Rookie of the Year Season (2017)

Aaron Judge with the Yankees in 2017

In 2017, Judge became the Yankees' starting right fielder. He had an amazing rookie season. He hit 10 home runs in April, tying a rookie record. He was named the AL Rookie of the Month for April, May, June, and September.

The Yankees created a special cheering section for him called "The Judge's Chambers." Fans in this section wore robes and wigs. In May, he hit his first career grand slam. He also set a new record for the hardest-hit home run measured by Statcast.

Judge was voted as a starting outfielder for the MLB All-Star Game. He received the most votes of any player in the AL. He broke Joe DiMaggio's record for most home runs by a Yankees rookie. He also became the second rookie to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break.

Judge won the Home Run Derby, becoming the first rookie to win it. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Judge could become "the face of the game." He continued to break records for walks and home runs by a rookie.

Judge at bat in 2017

On September 25, Judge hit his 49th and 50th home runs. This tied and then broke Mark McGwire's rookie home run record. He finished the season with 52 home runs, leading the AL. He also led the AL in runs scored and walks.

The Yankees made it to the postseason. Judge hit a home run in the Wild Card Game. He also made an amazing catch in the AL Division Series. He won the AL Rookie of the Year award unanimously. He also won a Silver Slugger Award.

Injuries and All-Star Selections (2018–2021)

In 2018, Judge played center field for the first time. He became the tallest and heaviest player to play that position. He was named a starting outfielder for the All-Star Game. An injury to his right wrist kept him out for two months. He finished the season with 27 home runs.

Judge during batting practice in 2019

In 2019, Judge suffered another injury, a left oblique strain. He returned in June. On August 27, he hit his 100th career home run. He was the third-fastest MLB player to reach this milestone. He also won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award for his excellent play in right field.

The 2020 season was shorter due to the pandemic. Judge started strong with home runs in five straight games. However, he dealt with calf injuries that season. He finished with nine home runs in 28 games.

In 2021, Judge continued to perform well. He earned his fourth career AL Player of the Week Award. He recorded his 500th career hit in July. He was named a starting right fielder for the All-Star Game. He finished the season with 39 home runs. He won a Fielding Bible Award for his defense and his second Silver Slugger Award.

Record-Breaking MVP Season (2022)

Judge (near third base) circles the bases at Yankee Stadium after his first home run of the 2022 season.

Before the 2022 season, Judge signed a one-year contract with the Yankees. He had an incredible year, winning the AL Player of the Month award three times. He hit his first career walk-off home run in May. He was elected as an All-Star starter, receiving the most fan votes in the AL.

On July 30, Judge became the second-fastest player to hit 200 home runs. On August 29, he hit his 50th home run of the season. He became the third Yankee to have multiple 50-home run seasons.

On September 28, Judge hit his 61st home run. This tied Roger Maris for the most home runs in a single AL season. On October 4, he hit his 62nd home run, setting a new AL single-season record.

In 2022, Judge led MLB with 62 home runs, 133 runs scored, and 131 RBIs. He won the AL MVP Award with almost all the first-place votes. Many consider his 2022 season one of the best ever. He was also named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year and Time Magazine Athlete of the Year.

After the 2022 season, Judge became a free agent. He signed a nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees. This was the largest free agent deal in MLB history at the time. He was also named the 16th captain of the Yankees.

Captaincy and Continued Success (2023–2025)

Judge with the Yankees in 2023

In 2023, Judge hit his first home run of the year on Opening Day. He dealt with a hip strain and a toe sprain, which caused him to miss many games. Despite injuries, he was elected to the All-Star Game but could not play.

On September 2, Judge hit his 250th career home run. He reached this milestone faster than any other player in MLB history. He finished the season with 37 home runs in 106 games. He received the Roberto Clemente Award for his charity work.

Judge in 2024

Judge started the 2024 season slowly but quickly improved. He was named AL Player of the Month for May, June, and August. On June 27, he was announced as a starting outfielder for the All-Star Game.

On August 14, Judge hit his 300th career home run. He became the fastest player to reach 300 home runs in MLB history. He also collected his 1,000th career hit in August. He finished the regular season with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs.

The Yankees won the ALCS but lost in the World Series. Judge hit his first World Series home run in Game 5. After the season, he won his second AL MVP Award, becoming the second Yankee to win it unanimously.

Judge in 2025

In 2025, Judge continued his amazing performance. He hit three home runs in a game in March. He hit his 500th career extra-base hit in April. He also tied Babe Ruth's record for home runs in his first 1,000 Yankees games. He won AL Player of the Month for April, May, and September.

On July 12, Judge hit his 350th career home run, breaking another record for speed. He passed Yogi Berra and Joe DiMaggio on the Yankees' all-time home run list. He hit 50 home runs for the fourth time in his career, tying Babe Ruth and others for the most such seasons in MLB history.

Judge finished the 2025 regular season with a .331 batting average, winning his first career batting title. He became the tallest batting champion in MLB history. He also set an AL record for intentional walks. In the postseason, he hit a crucial three-run home run in the AL Division Series. Judge won his third career and second consecutive AL MVP award.

International Baseball

Judge (left) being announced as captain of the United States national baseball team ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic during a press conference with Mark DeRosa in April 2025

Aaron Judge was named captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). He was very excited to represent his country.

At the WBC, Judge hit two home runs and made two impressive defensive plays. He threw out runners trying to advance to third base against Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Judge and Team USA reached the championship game against Venezuela. They lost a close game, finishing as runners-up.

Player Profile

Judge is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 282 pounds. His large size and strength have led to comparisons with other powerful players. He is known for hitting the ball very hard. Since 2015, he has hit some of the hardest home runs ever measured.

Pregame Habits

Judge is seen as a leader for his team. He has several routines he follows before games. Before each game at Yankee Stadium, he tosses 40 sunflower seeds behind home plate. This is one seed for each player on the Yankees' extended roster.

During his rookie season, he kept a note on his phone with his low batting average from 2016. He looked at it daily to stay motivated.

Uniform Number

Judge chasing down a fly ball

Judge wears the number 99. This number is often given to young players who might not make the main team. He once said he would have preferred numbers 44 or 35.

For "Players Weekend" events, players can choose nicknames for their jerseys. In 2017, Judge chose "All Rise." In 2019, he used "BAJ," which stands for "Big Aaron Judge."

Personal Life

Judge married his wife in December 2021. They met in high school and both went to Fresno State University. Their first child was born in January 2025. He has two pet dachshunds named Gus and Penny. Judge is a Christian and often shares about his faith.

Giving Back to the Community

Judge started the ALL RISE Foundation. His mother, Patty, helps run it. The foundation aims to inspire kids to become responsible citizens. It also encourages them to reach their full potential. In January 2024, the foundation raised nearly $800,000 for youth programs in New York City.

Endorsements and Media

Judge has worked with many brands like Pepsi, Adidas, and Jordan Brand. In 2024, he became the face of a new Ralph Lauren fragrance. He also endorsed the energy drink Prime. In 2025, he became the first active MLB player featured on a Big League Chew pouch.

Judge appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2017. He also appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He was the cover athlete for MLB The Show 18 and MLB The Show 26. In 2024, Judge and his dogs guest-starred on an episode of Rubble & Crew.

Career Highlights and Records

Aaron Judge has achieved many impressive things in his career:

• He holds the Yankees record for most home runs in a season at home (33).
• He set the AL record for most home runs in a single season (62 in 2022).
• He is the fastest player in MLB history to reach 250, 300, and 350 career home runs.
• He holds the MLB record for most walks by a rookie (127).
• He is tied for the most seasons with 50 or more home runs (4 seasons).
• He has won the AL MVP Award three times (2022, 2024, 2025).
• He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2017.
• He won the Home Run Derby in 2017.
• He won his first MLB batting title in 2025.
• He has been selected as an MLB All-Star seven times.
• He has won the Silver Slugger Award five times.
• He received the Roberto Clemente Award in 2023 for his character and charity work.

Statistical achievements

See also

In Spanish: Aaron Judge para niños