Yankees’ Aaron Judge named AP Male Athlete of the Year

New York Yankees All-Star slugger Aaron Judge closed 2022 out with yet one more award. 

Per Mike Fitzpatrick, a panel of 40 sports activities writers and editors have voted Judge the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. Los Angeles Angels two-way celebrity Shohei Ohtani, who received the award for 2021, completed second in the voting, forward of Golden State Warriors guard and 2022 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry. 

Judge earned 29 votes, yet another than Ohtani. Curry completed with 24. 

“Wow. That’s incredible,” Judge reacted to the information. “All these other great athletes that not only impacted the game and their sport, but also impacted their communities and the culture in the sports world and outside the sports world. So, getting a chance to be amongst that list is an incredible honor.” 

Judge generated headlines all through the summer time as he chased the American League single-season document of 61 residence runs beforehand held by Yankees legend Roger Maris. The 30-year-old who famously rejected New York’s seven-year, $213.5 million contract extension provide earlier than Opening Day hit his 62nd homer of the marketing campaign on Oct. 4 at the Texas Rangers and later earned MVP honors for his unimaginable season. 

Following the World Series, Judge examined free company and reportedly flirted with the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres earlier than he returned to the Bronx Bombers through a nine-year, $360 million deal. Judge was additionally named the sixteenth captain in the historical past of the Yankees and the membership’s first since Hall of Famer Derek Jeter retired following the 2014 season. 

“You never know. Maybe 62 is my floor,” Judge mentioned about his future contributions whereas taking part in on an enormous contract. “Maybe I’ve got a little bit more in the tank.”

Two issues lacking from Judge’s spectacular résumé are a World Series look and a championship ring.