Sports
‘You could feel it like in your bones’: Aaron Judge meets his October moment at last
NEW YORK — Never were the questions of Aaron Judge‘s fitness for October particularly fair, but that’s life for the biggest man in the biggest city whose biggest failures had come at the biggest times. The burden of greatness is heavy. The burden of greatness in New York is planetary. And for those unleashing screeds on Judge’s postseasons — on hot take shows and sports-talk radio and in bars and at family dinners and everywhere, really, that anyone talks about the Yankees — it was never about whether they were fair. After all, his performances had been undeniably foul.
Judge never paid any of this any mind because he does not wire himself to do so. He cares about winning. He cares about success. He cares more than anyone who criticizes him, mocks him, derides him, leans into his past performances as if they’re predictive of an unknowable future. Judge always separated those struggles, not just because he needed to but because it is how he lives, purposely boring and boringly purposeful. He believed the moment would present itself and he would meet it. And why wouldn’t he think that? Every other endeavor in his baseball life had treated him that way.
Regardless of how the American League Division Series between the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays breaks, what Judge did Tuesday night was the sort of thing that should put to rest questions about his October aptitude. It won’t, because it never could, but the wide-eyed, wonderstruck, childlike gawking of everyone in the Yankees’ clubhouse told the story of Tuesday night’s season-saving 9-6 victory against the Blue Jays in which Judge left jaws agape.
Poor Louis Varland. The right-handed reliever entered in the fourth inning to protect the Blue Jays’ 6-3 advantage in a game that could have clinched their spot in the AL Championship Series. He fooled Judge on a 90 mph curveball and then blew a 100 mph fastball by him and then threw another fastball at 100, up and in. Like, really in. Like, 5.9 inches off the inner corner of the plate, at triple digits, with tremendous carry, an absolute nightmare of a pitch for any hitter at any time in the game’s history to touch, let alone punish.
Nearly 400 feet later, when the ball banged off the left-field foul pole — the one place in Judge’s world where something foul is indeed fair — no one on the field could believe it. The absurdity of it all — manipulating his 6-foot-7, 282-pound body to so thoroughly alter his standard bat path, turn on 100 and keep it fair — was not lost on Varland, the Yankees who kept watching replays of the swing in the dugout, or the 47,399 at Yankee Stadium who bore witness.
“He made a really good pitch look really bad,” Varland said.
All postseason, Judge has been doing that. His 11 playoff hits lead MLB. For all of the ugliness of striking out with the bases loaded in Game 1 of this ALDS, his at-bats have been competitive all October. What he did to Varland was the culmination, precisely what the Yankees needed to see another day.
“You could feel it like in your bones,” Yankees reliever Tim Hill said. “It was crazy. It was amazing. I mean, just the pitch that he hit. All that. I’m sure my guy over there on the other side is questioning everything.”
Yes, pitching to Aaron Judge is the sort of thing of which existential crises are made. Before Tuesday, he had never hit a pitch 100 mph or faster for a home run. He hit 53 home runs this season — and none on a pitch outside the rulebook strike zone. Before Tuesday, the Blue Jays were 39-0 this season in games during which they led by at least five runs, too.
It’s impossible to overstate how out of character this was for Judge. He prides himself on good swing decisions because he knows how important they are. On pitches in the strike zone this season, Judge batted .400, 40 points higher than the next-best hitter. He slugged .867, 115 points higher than Shohei Ohtani. In his 214 plate appearances this year that ended on pitches outside of the rulebook zone, Judge batted .109 and drove in one run. All year. He didn’t have a single extra-base hit on such pitches.
One of the biggest home runs in the career of a two-time MVP favored to win a third this year was on something he never does. And if a willingness to exit his comfort zone and in the process do something that few in the history of baseball would be physically capable of doing doesn’t show that Judge isn’t just capable of success in October but destined for it, well, nothing would. And that’s fine with him. He knows emotion is the fuel that feeds the prognostications of inevitable letdown, not consistency or logic.
“I get yelled at for swinging at them out of the zone, but now I’m getting praised for it,” Judge said. “It’s a game. You’ve got to go out there and play. I don’t care what the numbers say or where something was at. I’m just up there trying to put a good swing on a good pitch, and it looked good to me.”
Inside the Yankees’ clubhouse, they’ve been yearning for Judge to have a game like this, to further validate their unflinching belief in him. The past is indisputable. Judge’s postseason OPS is more than 250 points lower than during the regular season. The Yankees haven’t won a championship during his 10 years in the big leagues. It’s real, and it’s regrettable, and it’s part of his legacy. It is also not the ink with which the future is written, which is why Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager with whom Judge is extremely close, said: “I don’t worry about Aaron and his state, even understanding all the outside noise.”
From Boone’s perch atop the dugout, he had the perfect view of the left-field foul pole. As the ball carried through the night, Judge stood near home plate. He didn’t pull a Carlton Fisk, trying to wave it fair. He just waited for it to land.
And when it did, helping raise his batting average this postseason to .500 and his OPS to 1.304 — nearly 300 points better than his career regular-season OPS, for the record — Judge uncorked a mini-bat flip and started his jog around the bases. When he got back to the dugout, teammates lined up and greeted him with a full high-five line.
“He’s the real deal, and as beloved a player as I’ve ever been around by his teammates,” Boone said. “They all admire him, look up to him, respect him, want his approval, and that’s just a credit to who Aaron is and how he goes about things.”
After slapping the last hand, Judge took one more step toward the end of the dugout. There awaited a television camera. Judge looked at it, pointed and turned around. He then pirouetted back and gave the audience one more stare. This was not an accident. Nothing Judge does is. It was a message, a reminder, a siren for everyone that didn’t believe.
The Yankees were still alive. And as long as that’s the case, he plans on carrying them. Even in October.
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Aaron Judge wasted no time clubbing his first World Baseball Classic homer.
Judge, the Team USA captain, hit a first-inning two-run home run, while Brice Turang had three hits and four RBI to lead Team USA to a whopping win over Brazil in its World Baseball Classic opener Friday night.
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Cal Raleigh #29, Byron Buxton #25, and Roman Anthony #3 of the United States celebrate after scoring from an RBI double hit by Brice Turang #13 of the United States in the fifth inning against Brazil during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between the United States and Brazil at Daikin Park on March 6, 2026, in Houston, Texas. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
There was one out and one on in the first when Judge, the first player to commit to the team last April, connected off Bo Takahashi at Houston’s Daikin Park.
Lucas Ramirez homered twice for Brazil with his father, 12-time All-Star Manny Ramirez, in attendance. He cut the lead to 2-1 with his leadoff homer, and his solo shot in the eighth got Brazil within 8-5.
Aaron Judge #99 of the United States celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning against Brazil during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between the United States and Brazil at Daikin Park on March 6, 2026, in Houston, Texas. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
At 20 years, 49 days, he became the youngest player in WBC history with a multi-homer game.
Byron Buxton was hit by a pitch in the fifth to push the Americans’ lead to 4-1. Turang cleared the bases with his double to left field two pitches later to make it 7-1.
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Brice Turang #13 of Team USA hits a three-run double in the fifth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game presented by Capital One between Team USA and Team Brazil at Daikin Park on Friday, March 6, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Rob Tringali/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Brazil is in the WBC for just the second time and first since 2013. The team fell to 0-4 all-time in the tournament after losing to Japan, Cuba and China in 2013.
Another highlight for Brazil came when 17-year-old high school senior Joseph Contreras got Judge to ground into a bases-loaded double play to end the second inning. Contreras, the youngest player in the WBC this year, is the son of pitcher José Contreras, who played 11 MLB seasons.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Luis Díaz scored one goal and made another as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 4-1 on Friday to extend its lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 14 points over second-place Borussia Dortmund.
With Harry Kane injured, Nicolas Jackson started in the centre-forward position for Bayern, one of seven changes to the side that beat Dortmund in Der Klassiker last weekend.
But it was Colombian Díaz who started the rampage.
He opened the scoring after 33 minutes with a crashing volley and then turned provider 12 minutes later when his clever pass set up Konrad Laimer to make it 2-0.
Bayern’s task was made easier when Rocco Reitz was sent off for rugby tackling Jackson 10 minutes into the second half.
Stefan Matzke – sampics/Getty Images
Jamal Musiala dispatched the resulting penalty to score his first goal of the season and Jackson celebrated his return to the side by adding a fourth 11 minutes from time.
Wael Mohya, 17, grabbed a consolation goal for Gladbach in the dying moments, becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
The only disconcerting note for reigning champion Bayern was the withdrawal at halftime of Manuel Neuer. The Germany goalkeeper had returned after missing two games through injury. The extent of his complaint was not immediately apparent.
Gladbach remains in 12th place with 25 points, only three clear of the relegation zone.
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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Staff Writer
- Covers college basketball
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
- Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato
Multiple Authors
This is a rare season, in which an elite freshman class has overshadowed the transfers who’ve anchored some of the top teams in America. That’s not to say this 2025-26 transfer class is a best supporting actor to the young guys, though. These players are stars too.
Only a few teams that have been led by true freshmen in the one-and-done era have won national titles. The transfers, meanwhile, have dominated college basketball in the portal era. Just last season, Walter Clayton Jr. was the Most Outstanding Player in Florida’s national title run, two years after transferring in from Iona. Tristen Newton (East Carolina) and Cam Spencer (Loyola Maryland, Rutgers) helped Dan Hurley win back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024. Baylor won a national title in 2021 with a fleet of transfers.
Could another transfer find similar success in this year’s NCAA tournament? Stay tuned.
Dusty May is thankful everyday that Lendeborg withdrew his name from the NBA draft last spring. The future first-round pick’s scoring numbers aren’t as gaudy as those of some of the others on this list, but he is the most impactful player for one of the top-tier national championship contenders. The former UAB transfer can guard multiple positions, play in transition, create for others and has become more of a perimeter threat, already taking more 3s this season than he did the past two seasons combined. He is averaging 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. — Jeff Borzello
It’s no surprise Stirtz has translated seamlessly to the Big Ten. He was highly successful following Ben McCollum from Northwest Missouri State to Drake, and his scoring numbers are actually better in the Big Ten than they were in the Missouri Valley. The Hawkeyes’ offensive system is catered to Stirtz’s strengths, but his success is not just limited to usage: He’s averaging 23.3 points and 3.7 assists in league play, shooting 39.3% from 3. — Borzello
It remains unclear why the UCF transfer sat out a game in mid-February. What is clear is he’s the only reason Auburn’s NCAA tournament hopes haven’t completely died yet this season. The 6-foot-7 forward has produced his best performances in the wins that have held Auburn’s résumé together: 10 points, nine rebounds, seven assists vs. Kentucky; 31 points vs. Texas; 24 points at Florida; 32 points vs. Arkansas; 20 points vs. St. John’s. — Myron Medcalf
Demary has become one of the country’s most complete players after a two-year stint at Georgia. Opposing players have shot just 29% from 3 against the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year finalist, per Synergy Sports data. And though his usage rate is up from a season ago, his efficiency hasn’t suffered. He has connected on 43% of his 3-pointers and 79% of his free throws, all while leading the Big East in assist rate. — Medcalf
Sandfort is one of the Big Ten’s best this season, after his scoring average jumped from 8.8 points in his final season at Iowa to 18.3 points in his first season at Nebraska — a team that won its first 20 games. He’s also one of the nation’s top volume 3-point shooters (9.0 attempts per game, 40.3% clip). Only one other player takes and makes more 3s per game than the 6-foot-6 Cornhuskers standout. — Medcalf
Boyd is having a massive breakout season as a fifth-year senior at his third school. He played key roles on successful Florida Atlantic and San Diego State teams but is averaging 20.2 points as Wisconsin’s go-to guy this season. He has had a pair of 30-point games, and just fell short of a triple-double (27 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists) in a key win over Iowa in late February. He ranks in the top five in Big Ten play in scoring and in the top 10 in assists. — Borzello
The two-time transfer is putting up career-high numbers on offense, averaging 18.1 points and 5.4 assists — to go with nearly two steals per game. He has more responsibility on the offensive end than he did at previous stops Belmont or Maryland, needing to carry the Volunteers’ offense alongside Nate Ament. He had one of the best performances of his career last weekend against Alabama, finishing with 26 points, five rebounds, seven assists and eight steals. — Borzello
Wright left Baylor to be the maestro of a team that has fought through adversity without Richie Saunders, who is sidelined by a season-ending injury. The 6-1 point guard delivered his best stretch of the season in February, when he averaged 20.3 points and 3.8 assists. He also has made 43% of his 3s and 81% of his free throws, while committing turnovers on only 12% of possessions in Big 12 play, per KenPom. — Medcalf
Reneau had established himself as one of the most efficient low-post scorers in the Big Ten during three seasons at Indiana but has expanded his game since transferring home to the Hurricanes. He’s averaging career highs in scoring (19.6), rebounding (6.6) and field goal percentage (57.1%) while also making more 3s this season than he did during his three seasons in Bloomington combined. Reneau is a lock for first-team All-ACC. — Borzello
Most of the storylines this season about Louisville have focused on Mikel Brown Jr. and the back issues that have cost the freshman nearly one-third of his season. They’ve overshadowed Conwell’s performance, which has preserved Louisville’s shot at a solid seed in the NCAA tournament. Throughout the season, the 6-4 star has scored 22 points or more in 10 games, and is in the top four in points, rebounds, steals and assists for the Cardinals. — Medcalf
With projected lottery pick Caleb Wilson nursing a hand injury, Veesaar has stepped up for the Tar Heels, who were on a three-game winning streak entering the week. During that stretch, the 7-footer averaged 19.0 points and shot 70% from inside the arc. He was always important to Hubert Davis’ team, but with Wilson out indefinitely, he has kept the Tar Heels on the winning track. — Medcalf
Wilkerson was one of the most sought-after shooters in the portal last spring and he has lived up to those expectations. He has increased his scoring numbers despite jumping from Conference USA to the Big Ten, with several massive games: 44 points and 10 3s against Penn State, 32 points against Nebraska, 33 points at USC, 41 points and six 3s against Oregon. He’s the league’s top scorer in conference play, averaging 23.6 points. — Borzello
Johnson started only eight games for Illinois last season but showed flashes of being a high-level rebounder and an efficient scorer in the post. He has taken the next step since moving to Ann Arbor, averaging 13.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while also being an underrated and key contributor to one of the elite defenses in college basketball. Despite the Wolverines’ balanced attack, Johnson has posted six double-doubles this season — including an 18-point, 16-rebound effort against Washington. — Borzello
Baker-Mazara left Auburn after the Tigers’ Final Four run and was having by far the best season of his career before parting ways with the Trojans ahead of their final two regular-season games. He averaged career bests in scoring (18.6), rebounding (4.4), assists (2.8), blocks (1.2) and 3-pointers made (2.4) while carrying the offense at times. USC greatly missed Baker-Mazara when he sat out three games last month because of a knee injury and is sure to miss him down the stretch with its NCAA tournament hopes hanging by a thread. — Borzello
The transfer portal not only offers players fresh starts, it gives them a chance to achieve their dreams. Carr played only four games last season for Tennessee because of a thumb injury and then left the program midseason. At Baylor, the 6-5 guard is averaging 19.2 points and connecting on 38% of his 3s, a combination that has made him a projected first-round pick in June. — Medcalf
The third Michigan player on this list is one of the most imposing rim protectors in the country and anchors the back end of the Wolverines’ elite defense. He’s averaging 2.6 blocks in less than 23 minutes per game and is the primary reason Michigan ranks third in the country in 2-point defense and leads the nation in opponent’s average 2-point distance at KenPom. Mara is also shooting nearly 67% from the field and averaging more than 11 points. — Borzello
A former second-team AP All-American who helped coach Penny Hardaway achieve his best record at Memphis last season, Haggerty didn’t find the same success for a Kansas State team that parted ways with former head coach Jerome Tang. But his numbers this season remain comparable to — if not better than — those of last season. Averages of 23.3 points and 4.0 assists in 2025-26 are both career highs for the 6-3 guard, who is at his fourth school. — Medcalf
Nelson is the best player on the best team in the American Conference, routinely posting double-doubles as player of the year favorite in the conference. He followed Bryan Hodgson from Arkansas State to USF, but even Hodgson probably didn’t predict Nelson’s jump in production. He went from 10.6 points and 8.9 boards in the Sun Belt to 16.3 points and 9.9 rebounds this season, with 16 double-doubles and six 20-point, 10-rebound performances. — Borzello
Jai Lucas has done a fantastic job in Year 1 in Coral Gables, and at the heart of his roster construction was striking gold in the portal with Reneau and Donaldson. The latter was the starting point guard on a Michigan team that advanced to the Sweet 16 last season, and has been even better at Miami. He’s averaging 16.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists, and recently scored 32 points in a win over Virginia Tech. — Borzello
Texas is fighting to stay in contention for an at-large berth in Sean Miller’s first season in Austin. If the Longhorns get into the field, Swain (17.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.8 SPG), one of the nation’s toughest matchups, will deserve some of the credit. The 6-8 wing has made 65% of his shots around the rim this season per Synergy Sports data, and has also connected on 37% of his 3-point attempts in SEC play. — Medcalf
Averaging 17.8 points and 38% from 3, Collins is one-half of one of the top duos in the country, along with Mason Falslev. Anyone who watches a Utah State game can see his impact, and the analytics suggest he’s exponentially important to this team. Per EvanMiya, the Aggies are 22.4 points per 100 possessions better, by far the largest individual mark on the team, with Collins on the court. — Medcalf
Bill Self has praised Council, a transfer from St. Bonaventure, for his impact on team chemistry and his positive attitude during a wild season for the Jayhawks. With Darryn Peterson‘s injuries and cramping creating uncertainty all season, Council has been the consistent leader, averaging 13.5 points and 5.0 assists. The 6-5 guard also has started every game, creating stability for the Jayhawks. — Medcalf
Mike White could reach the NCAA tournament for a second straight year after Wilkinson, a transfer from Cal, produced one of the SEC’s top seasons. The 6-1 guard’s raw numbers are impressive: 17.7 PPG, 78% from the free throw line. He has been a threat with his midrange game, playmaking ability and his impressive knack for getting to the free throw line. Those qualities have helped the Bulldogs stay in the hunt for an at-large berth. — Medcalf
It took Atwell some time to emerge as a consistent offensive threat for Grant McCasland, scoring in double figures only five times in his first 12 games. But since Christmas, he has hit double figures in 16 of 17 games, averaging 14.8 points and shooting 48.7% from 3. He also has taken his game to a new level since JT Toppin‘s injury, scoring 26 against Kansas State and making 16 3s in his past three games entering the week. — Borzello
Miles was tracking for an All-SEC campaign until a knee injury caused him to sit out six games in January and February. He then came off the bench for two games, although Mark Byington will hope he’s back at full strength in time for the postseason. At his fourth school, he’s having a tremendous season: 16.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.7 steals — and establishing himself as a two-way catalyst alongside Tyler Tanner in the Vanderbilt backcourt. — Borzello
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