"Thought he was about to apologize for postseason" - Fans react as Aaron Judge opens 2024 AL MVP speech with 'sorry'

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge posted an outstanding 2024 season to be voted the American League MVP for the second time in his career. However, Judge was not able to receive the award in person at the 100th Annual Baseball Writer's Dinner on Saturday.

Aaron Judge offered a pre-recorded acceptance where he started by apologizing for not being present at the ceremony as he and his wife Samantha are expecting the birth of their first child. Fans offered their reaction to his speech on social media, and one felt Judge would apologize for his failings in the postseason when he started the speech with an apology.

"I'm humbled to be accepting the 2024 AL MVP," he said. "I want to start by apologizing for the awards dinner this evening. However, my wife Samantha and I are expecting our first child any day, and unfortunately could not make it. That being said, I'm grateful for the understanding and support from the Baseball Writers Association and all of you attending tonight.

"I'm truly grateful and will cherish this moment forever," he added.

The fans posted their reactions to the acceptance speech of Aaron Judge on X.

"I thought he was about to apologize for his postseason performance," a Yankees fan posted.

"People will congratulate him on his MVP and not his postseason," another fan remarked.

"Fact that Judge and Shohei are both expecting their first child right now is such a wholesome thing," another fan noted.

Meanwhile, fans congratulated Aaron Judge for receving the AL MVP award on X.

"Congrats Cap!" offered one fan.

"Well-deserved!" wrote another fan.

"World Best Baseball Player," said another fan.

Despite his glorious performance during the regular season, Judge had a subpar postseason and made a glaring defensive error in Game 5 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It's a privilege to represent the greatest city in the world: Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge committed an expensive fielding error in Game 5 of the World Series (Image Source: Imagn)

After announcing that he and his wife are expecting, Aaron Judge offered gratitude to his teammates and the New York Yankees organization and its fanbase in the acceptance speech. He also thanked his family and friends for their support.

"My coaches, teammates, trainers, and the entire Yankees organization. I want to share this award with each and every one of you. Your support and hard work have meant the world to me through spring training, 162-game season, and postseason. We experienced some incredible highs and lows together. I'm honored that I was able to be surrounded by all of you in the process.

"To my family, I love you all so much. You continue to motivate and push me to be my best, day in and day out. To the fans, your energy and passion fueled me every day. Your support drives me to be the best version of myself. It's a privilege to represent the greatest city in the world."

Judge batted .322/.458/.701 for the Yankees in the regular season with 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 223.