Aaron Judge Named 16th Yankee Captain
Derek Jeter now has company. The most recent Yankees captain was on hand in the Bronx to pass over his baton to slugger Aaron Judge, who was officially named the…
BRONX, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 21: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees poses for a photo with Derek Jeter after a press conference at Yankee Stadium on December 21, 2022 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Derek Jeter now has company.
The most recent Yankees captain was on hand in the Bronx to pass over his baton to slugger Aaron Judge, who was officially named the 16th Yankee captain as part of Judge's press conference christening his newly signed nine-year $360 million contract.
"In my heart, I knew where I wanted to be, but this process was a valuable lesson," Judge said. "It helped me come to a clear answer that I belong in New York."
Judge joins an incredible list of accomplished Yankees that includes Jeter, who held the mantle of team Captain from 2003 to 2014 when he retired from the game, three years before Judge broke out with the Yankees in 2017.
Don Mattingly, Willie Randolph, Ron Guidry, Thurman Munson, Lou Gerhig and Babe Ruth are just some of the standout names who have had the C on the top left corner of their jersey.
"There's a lot of unfinished business here in New York," Judge said. "I'm looking forward to finishing that business."
Last season Judge hit a franchise and American League record 62 home runs, and was easily the Yankees most dangerous and consistent hitter throughout the 2022 season. His return headlines a busy offseason where the Yankees have re-signed Judge's good friend, Anthony Rizzo, and acquired starting pitcher Carlos Rodon to fill out the rotation.
