Aaron Judge: The Phenomenal Rise of a Yankees Superstar I. Introduction A. Brief overview of Aaron Judge's impact on baseball B. Thesis statement: Aaron Judge's journey from a small-town California boy to a New York Yankees superstar is a testament to his incredible talent, work ethic, and unwavering determination. II. Early Life and High School Years A. Born on April 26, 1992, in Linden, California B. Parents: Patty and Wayne Judge, both teachers C. Adopted the day after he was born D. Athletic prowess in high school 1. Three-sport athlete: baseball, basketball, and football 2. Excelled in baseball, showcasing his power-hitting abilities E. Graduated from Linden High School in 2010 III. College Career at Fresno State University A. Enrolled at Fresno State on a baseball scholarship B. Freshman year (2011): Played in 28 games, primarily as a pitcher C. Sophomore year (2012): Transitioned to the outfield, showcasing his hitting skills D. Junior year (2013): Named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year 1. Led the conference in home runs, runs scored, and total bases 2. Helped Fresno State reach the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament E. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft IV. Minor League Journey and Development A. Signed with the Yankees and assigned to the Gulf Coast Yankees (Rookie Level) B. Steadily progressed through the minor league system 1. Charleston RiverDogs (Class A, 2014) 2. Tampa Yankees (Class A-Advanced, 2015) 3. Trenton Thunder (Double-A, 2015-2016) 4. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A, 2016) C. Developed his skills and refined his approach at the plate D. Named the Yankees' minor league player of the year in 2015 V. MLB Debut and Rookie Season (2016) A. Called up to the majors on August 13, 2016 B. Impressive debut: Hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat C. Finished the season with a .179 batting average, 4 home runs, and 10 RBIs in 27 games VI. Breakout Season and Rookie of the Year (2017) A. Named the Yankees' starting right fielder B. All-Star selection and Home Run Derby participation 1. Won the Home Run Derby, hitting a record-breaking 47 home runs C. Set the Yankees' rookie record with 52 home runs D. Unanimously named the American League Rookie of the Year VII. Injury-Shortened Seasons (2018-2020) A. 2018: Missed significant time due to a fractured wrist 1. Played in 112 games, hitting .278 with 27 home runs and 67 RBIs B. 2019: Battled oblique and rib injuries 1. Limited to 102 games, hitting .272 with 27 home runs and 55 RBIs C. 2020 (COVID-19 shortened season): Played in 28 of 60 games due to a calf strain 1. Hit .257 with 9 home runs and 22 RBIs VIII. Comeback and MVP-Caliber Season (2021) A. Fully healthy and determined to prove his worth B. All-Star selection and Home Run Derby participation 1. Finished second in the Home Run Derby C. Set a new Yankees single-season record with 61 home runs 1. Surpassed Roger Maris' long-standing record of 61 home runs D. Led the American League in home runs, RBIs (131), and runs scored (133) E. Named the American League Most Valuable Player IX. Record-Breaking Season and Free Agency (2022) A. All-Star selection and Home Run Derby participation 1. Won his second Home Run Derby title B. Set a new American League single-season record with 62 home runs C. Led the Yankees to the American League Championship Series D. Became a free agent at the end of the season 1. Signed a 9-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees, the largest deal for a position player in MLB history X. Off-the-Field Endeavors and Philanthropy A. Active in various charitable organizations 1. Supports the All Rise Foundation, which helps children and families in need 2. Involved with the Tyler Skaggs Foundation, honoring his late teammate B. Endorsement deals and sponsorships 1. Adidas, Pepsi, Hanes, and other major brands C. Role model and inspiration to young athletes XI. Personal Life and Beliefs A. Close relationship with his adoptive parents and older brother, John B. Strong Christian faith and values C. Humble and dedicated to his craft XII. Legacy and Future in Baseball A. Considered one of the best power hitters of his generation B. Potential to break more records and achieve further milestones C. Impact on the Yankees organization and the game of baseball XIII. Conclusion A. Recap of Aaron Judge's incredible journey and accomplishments B. His lasting legacy as a Yankees legend and ...
