Yankees slugger Aaron Judge makes the Valley proud

As a frequent volunteer at Fresno State, my boys and I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people and players throughout the years, including Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees rookie right fielder who broke the all-time rookie home-run record. He played for Fresno State from 2010-2013.

A few years ago, my youngest son, Luke, was helping shag balls at practice prior to a team dinner, and Aaron let him use his glove. He told Luke that using his glove would give him “outfield magic” and help him catch the ball. Luke never forgot this interaction and now brags that he “knows Aaron Judge personally!”

I’m not sure Aaron would even remember, but his kindness made a little league ballplayer smile and a mama proud.

I was fortunate to attend opening day at Yankee stadium this year, and it was exciting to see our hometown boy in the infamous navy pinstripes. The Yankees didn’t make it to the World Series, but one thing is certain. Aaron Judge won the hearts and minds of many this post-season and surely made a few new Yankee converts in a Valley almost 3,000 miles from the Bronx.

Perhaps the most beloved new Yank since Derek Jeter, Judge’s class, composure and humility – in addition to his crazy talent – made him the darling of the 2017 season and the brightest star to shine in New York in many years.

This story was originally published November 1, 2017 at 1:15 PM with the headline "Yankees slugger Aaron Judge makes the Valley proud."