Although the Yankees blew a 3-2 lead against the Detroit Tigers in the Little League Classic last Sunday, it was a great opportunity for the players to connect with the young players who are becoming the next generation of baseball players.
Aaron Judge of the Yankees: The center of attention
As many can imagine, Aaron Judge was the talk of the town in Cooperstown due to his massive frame and skills. Despite his efforts to reach out to as many kids as possible and talk to as many young players as possible, it didn’t stop South Shore Little League manager Bob Laterza from criticizing Judge for allegedly snubbing his team, as Silive.com reports.
“How about you turn around and wave to New York and the children who consider you a hero?” Laterza remarked. “They are the ones who pay your salary.”
The incident: A missed connection
Judge was reportedly only 10 to 20 feet away from the kids eagerly calling his name, but that’s not an unusual experience for the superstar hitter. Judge plays at Yankee Stadium, where kids and adults alike are always vying for his attention.
Although several players and manager Aaron Boone later met with the team, Judge was absent and the Little League manager had plenty to say about it.
“They were disappointed,” Laterza added. “Maybe he wants to make amends and come visit them.”
A missed opportunity in the midst of an otherwise positive event
What was supposed to be an exciting event giving back to the baseball community ended on a sour note for the Yankees when a little league manager leveled harsh criticism at Aaron Judge. Even if everything else seemed to be going well, nothing is perfect when you’re sharing the spotlight. Frankly, all the theatrics are entertaining, and a little league manager addressing us as “Bad News Bears” is kind of weird.
