"Maybe getting beat in FIFA?" - Yankees pitcher Tommy Kahnle shares what ticks off his gaming partner Aaron Judge

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge is known as a composed and stoic person in the MLB world. However, in a recent interview, Yankees starter Tommy Kahnle revealed what sets off the usually calm Judge.

In the "Foul Territory" podcast hosted by Alanna Rizzo featuring former major leaguers Erik Kratz and A.J. Pierzynski, Kahnle recounted the history between him and Judge.

"Tommy Kahnle explained how he became gaming friends with Aaron Judge 10 years ago way back to @Yankees minor league days." - Foul Territory on X

Kahnle shared that he and the Yankees' captain knew each other from way back. The pitcher revealed that he used to play FPS game Destiny with Judge. It started when the latter was still in the minor leagues and Kahnle was in his first stint with the Yankees. Kahnle played for the Bombers from 2017 until 2020 and was re-signed in 2023.

Upon being asked if Judge's behavior has changed through the years, Kahnle said:

"He's been the same guy forever."

Kahnle was also asked if there was an instance in which Judge burst out in anger. The pitcher had an interesting response:

"Maybe getting beat in FIFA?"

FIFA is a soccer game series by EA Sports, which has gained a massive following. It ran from 1993 until 2022 before the video game franchise was renamed EAFC the following year.

Aaron Judge dominates Anthony Volpe in FIFA

Aaron Judge is an avid video game player. As mentioned above, he and Tommy Kahnle used to bond over playing Destiny.

In Anthony Volpe's first major league season in 2023, he received a gift from Judge — a PlayStation5. Volpe was scouted by Judge playing FIFA during the team's spring training down times.

In an interview with ESPN, Volpe said that he was gifted a PlayStation5 by the captain as he wanted to know more about the then-rookie.

"It's very welcoming. He is going out of his way to bring me in. It's very generous and kind," Volpe said via ESPN.

What Volpe didn't know was that Judge was observing him, and when they played a best-of-five to see who was the better player, he got utterly dominated by the star outfielder.

"It was supposed to be best-out-of-three, but after he beat me the first two times, we played best-out-of-five, and he beat me 3-1. I thought my win was the start of something — but he beat me the next game."

It goes without saying that no one is safe from Aaron Judge's competitive nature, especially his upstart teammate Anthony Volpe.