Aaron Judge and manager Aaron Boone chose not to reply to criticism from a Little League coach in Staten Island. The coach, Bob Laterza, said Judge ignored his players during New York’s visit to the Little League World Series.
Laterza claimed that Judge did not interact with his team before the Little League Classic against the Detroit Tigers in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He also said Judge ignored the kids who called out to him while he was in the on-deck circle.
“How about turning around or waving to New York and the kids that think you’re a hero?” Laterza said. “They are the ones who pay your salary.”
When asked about Laterza’s comments before the Yankees played the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, Judge replied, “I’ve got no response for that. I’m not gonna give him a response because it’s about the kids. This is what it’s all about.”
Boone added, “I’m not even going to dignify that with a response. Aaron Judge is as good as it gets with everyone.”
The Yankees issued a statement about their visit to the Little League World Series.
“Our entire roster spent the day in Williamsport connecting with as many Little Leaguers as they possibly could, including the team from Staten Island,” the statement said.
Judge was seen interacting with several children along with other teammates, including Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Giancarlo Stanton. Chisholm threw souvenirs to kids and filmed the encounter, while Stanton showed how to grip a baseball during a bus ride with Little Leaguers.
“We got a chance to spend a lot of time with quite a few kids in Williamsport, make some great memories. Had a great time at the game, you know, besides a loss,” Judge said. “So I kind of want that to be the focus.”
