Former MLB players Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, along with hall of fame manager Joe Torre, recently talked about Aaron Judge and how he is similar to New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter. Jeter served as the Yankees' captain from 2003 until his retirement in 2014, and Aaron Judge is the current team captain.
Rollins played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago White Sox, while Howard spent his whole career with the Phillies. Joe Torre was manager of the Yankees from 1996-2007, where his tenure coincided with Jeter's playing days.
On the latest episode of the 611 Podcast, Torre talked about how the former and current Yankees captains are alike (41:48).
"The similarity is they both need to win. I can only tell you from Jeter's side, he goes 3 for 4 and we lose the game, he's not a happy camper, it doesn't really matter. If he's hitless and we win the game, it's a whole different personality. He's on the field to win, and he has no patience with anybody who happens to be the opposite in the clubhouse."
"As far as Judge [is concerned], I'm assuming he's the same guy, because he has that sort of temperament. I've got to know him the last couple of years, just by seeing him in spring training, sitting and talking to him. To me, he and Jeter are a pretty good match when it comes to trusting somebody to be captain of your team."
Aaron Judge hits 49th home run of the season at home; comparing Jeter and Judge
Aaron Judge hit his 49th home run of the season on Friday, as the Yankees beat the Colorado Rockies at home, 3-0. In a game where scoring opportunities were at a premium, homers for the Bronx Bombers from Giancarlo Stanton and Judge sealed a comfortable victory. Starting pitcher Carlos Rodon also registered a quality outing on the mound as the visitors were shut out.
When comparing stats for two of the greatest Yanks, Jeter has the advantage in batting average, with a career average of .310 compared to Judge's current lifetime average of .288. For RBIs, Jeter once again has the upper hand, with 1311 total, whereas Judge has 691, so far. Jeter is clearly going to lead in stats at this point, retiring after 20 years in the league, Judge has plenty of time to catch up, with only nine years played, so far. Judge wins big, however, with home runs, as he has already eclipsed the former Yankee captain, with 306 compared to Jeter's 260.
Jeter also has Judge beat in the category of championships. Jeter won five World Series titles with the Yankees during his career, and Judge has yet to win a ring. Yankees fans are hoping 2024 could be the season where their number 99 gets his first.