New York Yankees Great Alex Rodriguez & Slugger Aaron Judge

During the 2017 season, Aaron Judge got his first full year in the MLB. He had a cup of coffee during the 2016 season, only playing 27 games, and was ready to get into the swing of things.

He was the team’s No. 5 prospect, so he had some big expectations. Judge would go on to blow these expectations out of the water, hitting home run after home run, and making his first All-Star Game appearance.

During the ASG break, Judge sat down with former New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez. The 14-time All-Star wanted to know how the rookie was able to blossom into an elite hitter.

“During the offseason, everyday that I woke up, I got these little notes on my phone and on top of the notes it said 179 which was my batting average last year and I went to that everyday and it kind of motivated me to go out there and not repeat the same thing,” said Judge.

Judge explained that during the offseason, he had notes on his phone, one of which was his 2016 batting average. He was not happy with this result, so he looked at the message daily to inspire him for the 2017 season.

On top of that, Judge also worked on his swing during the offseason. He made some minor adjustments which ended up being a game-changer for him. When the season was over, he finished with 52 home run, just seven shy of tying Giancarlo Stanton.

Aaron Judge cannot get enough of the Yankees’ fanbase

New York Yankees – Aaron Judge (Photo via IMAGN)

Aaron Judge made quite the impression on the Yankees’ fanbase during that 2017 season. Fans knew he was the future of the club and wanted to make sure he knew it.

That season, the “Judge’s Chamber” debuted. This was a section that looked like a jury box where fans would sit and root for their All-Star rookie. Some even went as far as wearing those old periwigs.

“It’s quite an honor. It’s something that the fans I hope enjoy. It’s pretty special looking up there when I’m in right field and kind of see that and never in my wildest dreams did I think that I’d have my own little section at Yankee Stadium” said Judge.

Generally, you cannot buy tickets to sit in the chamber outside of a handful of auctions. Fans pick those who are deemed a worthy Judge supporter to get the good seats.