Recently, there was some drama in the world of baseball when a Staten Island Little League coach called out New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge for allegedly ignoring his players. After the coach, Bob Laterza, criticized Judge for not acknowledging the kids he managed at the MLB Little League Classic, Judge remained tight-lipped when asked about the comments.
Laterza expressed his disappointment, stating that players like Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes, as well as manager Aaron Boone, took the time to meet with his team. However, Judge seemed to ignore the players’ attempts to interact with him, which left a sour taste in Laterza’s mouth.
Despite the coach’s remarks, Judge chose not to engage in any back-and-forth. When asked about the situation, Judge simply replied, “I’m not going to give him a response because it’s about the kids. That’s what it’s all about.”
Aaron Judge mobbed entering Little League World Series ballpark. pic.twitter.com/WOL4xSXWYP
— Randy Miller (@RandyJMiller) August 18, 2024
Despite the controversy, Judge was seen interacting with many Little League players, signing autographs, and taking pictures with them before a recent game. He emphasized the importance of creating memories with the kids and focusing on the positive experiences.
Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone also came to Judge’s defense, calling him “as good as it gets.” Additionally, Judge’s parents were recognized as the 2024 Little League Parents of the Year, further highlighting the family’s commitment to the sport.
In response to the criticism, the Yankees issued a statement expressing their desire to invite Staten Island to Yankee Stadium and emphasizing the importance of understanding the facts before making public statements. They commended Judge for his kindness and respect, urging the coach to learn from his example.
(Top photo of Aaron Judge in Williamsport: Joe Sargent / Getty Images)
