Yankees Defend Aaron Judge in Statement After Little League Coach's Complaints

Tom Dierberger | Aug 22, 2024

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge poses with Little League players prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Bowman Field. / Photo by Joe Sargent / Getty Images

South Shore Little League manager Bob Laterza openly complained about Aaron Judge earlier this week, stating to a local newspaper that the New York Yankees slugger did not make enough effort to greet his team during MLB's annual Little League Classic.

The Yankees came to the defense of Judge on Wednesday.

"We wish Staten Island success in winning the championship," the Yankees said in a statement. "Win or lose, we intend to invite them to Yankee Stadium. However, it would have been much better if Staten Island's coach called us to understand the facts before bitterly reacting in such a public fashion. Reaching out to us would have been the prudent way to act and would have set a fine example for his young players.

"Aaron Judge always acts with kindness and respect. The coach could learn a lot from him."

Aaron Boone, who has served as Judge's manager since taking up the Yankees' post in 2018, shared a similar sentiment.

"I'm not even going to dignify [Laterza's comments] with a response," he said. "Aaron Judge is as good as it gets."

Judge and the Yankees continue their four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night.