Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees slugger and reigning 2024 AL MVP, recently showed that even baseball superstars aren’t immune to occasional memory lapses. In a playful moment shared on social media, the Yankees captain was tasked with recalling the starting lineup from his unforgettable MLB debut on August 13, 2016, a game that etched its place in history for multiple reasons. While he performed admirably under the spotlight, one particular name almost slipped his mind—a moment Judge humorously hoped wouldn’t reach his former teammate.
Recalling an iconic career game
Trading card and sports collectible company Topps posted a video on December 23, where Judge was asked to reconstruct the lineup from his debut game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The game was memorable not only for Judge but also for Yankees fans, as he and Tyler Austin made history by hitting back-to-back home runs in their first Major League at-bats—the first time two teammates had achieved the feat in the same game. The Yankees went on to win 8-4, making it a game to remember.
Aaron Judge tries to remember the starting line-up from his MLB Debut…
pic.twitter.com/0lZD62jOdv— Topps (@Topps) December 23, 2024
Reflecting on the lineup, Judge confidently named Jacoby Ellsbury and Aaron Hicks as his fellow outfielders. He breezed through the infield positions as well, listing Chase Headley at third base, Didi Gregorius at shortstop, and Starlin Castro at second base—though the latter required a brief pause. He then accurately recalled Tyler Austin at first base and Austin Romine behind the plate.
Judge’s memory slips on a familiar face
The challenge became trickier when Judge was asked to name the designated hitter (DH) from that game. After pausing for a few seconds, the Yankees captain ruled out first baseman Mark Teixeira, noting, “Not Mark Teixeira, I know that. Give me the position he plays.” When prompted with the hint that the player was a catcher, he had an epiphany: “Gary Sanchez!” he exclaimed, his face lighting up with relief.
Realizing his momentary forgetfulness, Judge laughed and added, “My goodness, how do I forget Gary? Don’t show him this.” It was a lighthearted moment that reflected Judge’s humility and camaraderie with his former teammates. The memory lapse was forgivable, especially given that the Yankees captain ultimately named every position correctly, albeit with some assistance from Sanchez.
A Debut Day to Remember
The August 13, 2016 game holds a special place in Yankees history, not only for the unique back-to-back homers by Judge and Austin but also for what it symbolized. It marked the arrival of a new era for the Yankees, with the slugger stepping into a spotlight he would never leave. His towering home run in his first at-bat previewed the dominant power hitter he would become, a cornerstone for the Yankees’ lineup for years to come.
Tyler Austin, Judge’s debut partner in history, also made his mark, hitting his home run just before the slugger. Their back-to-back long balls electrified the Yankee Stadium crowd and hinted at the bright future ahead for the team’s youth movement.
The bonds of a team
Yankees
Judge’s recollection of his debut lineup was not just a testament to his remarkable memory but also to the bond he shared with his teammates. Even though the Yankees captain has played alongside dozens of players since 2016, his ability to name each position that day underscored the emotional significance of that first game. It’s easy to imagine that his former teammates, including Gary Sanchez, would forgive the brief lapse in memory. After all, Sanchez was an integral part of the Yankees’ roster during Judge’s early years, and their shared history remains an important chapter in both their careers.
Now a household name and one of the faces of Major League Baseball, Aaron Judge’s journey from his debut to MVP status has been marked by consistency, power, and leadership. His ability to look back on his humble beginnings with humor and nostalgia only adds to his appeal as a fan favorite.
Moments like this remind us of the humanity behind the game’s biggest stars. Judge’s willingness to laugh at himself and share personal anecdotes creates a connection with fans that goes beyond his on-field performance. It’s a trait that has made him not only a leader in the Yankees’ clubhouse but also a beloved figure in the broader baseball community.
A lasting impact
The 2016 season, and particularly that debut game, set the stage for Aaron Judge’s meteoric rise. From hitting historic home runs to becoming the face of the Yankees, Judge’s journey is a testament to perseverance and talent. His ability to reflect on that first game with clarity (and a touch of humor) serves as a reminder of how far he has come and how much he continues to contribute to the sport.
As Judge enters the 2025 season, his legacy as one of the Yankees’ greatest players is firmly cemented. But it’s these lighthearted, personal moments—like nearly forgetting a teammate—that make him relatable and endearing to fans. Whether it’s hitting towering home runs or sharing stories from his early days, Judge continues to capture the hearts of baseball fans everywhere.
In the end, even Gary Sanchez would likely chuckle at Judge’s brief lapse, appreciating the sincerity and humor that define Judge both on and off the field.
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