Aaron Judge, the towering outfielder for the New York Yankees, is known for his incredible athletic ability and imposing physique. However, behind the powerhouse image lies a story of overcoming adversity in his younger years—specifically, overcoming bullying. Judge recently opened up about how his mother, Patty Judge, helped him navigate these challenges, teaching him valuable life lessons that have shaped the person he is today.
Judge’s story may surprise many, especially considering his towering stature today, but he revealed that he was actually quite timid as a child. “This may sound funny to you all because of my towering stature, but I was timid back in my days, so that made me have my fair share of being bullied,” Judge shared. Despite being a future sports giant, he wasn’t immune to the struggles that many kids face during their school years, including bullying.
One particular experience stands out in Judge’s memory: a harsh encounter with a bully named Matt. “I remember one time in school, it was snowing, and I got attacked by Matt, my bully, who took me outside to the back of the school. My pants were removed, and I was left there, cold and tired, tied to a tree,” Judge recounted. The traumatic event left him feeling helpless and isolated until a school security guard discovered him while doing his rounds after school hours.
When Judge’s mother found out about this incident, her reaction was not what he expected. Instead of focusing on the mistreatment her son endured, she was upset because he had allowed himself to be treated that way. “She was frustrated, not because of how they treated me but because of how I let them treat me even though I was bigger than them,” Judge explained.
Patty Judge’s response to the situation was pivotal in shaping her son’s mindset. She didn’t offer sympathy; she offered a lesson. “She taught me to stand for myself. I should fear nobody but give respect to who deserves it,” he said. The advice was simple yet powerful: stand tall, assert yourself, and command respect. Her words had a lasting impact on Judge, who began to see himself in a different light.
“She said, ‘People are supposed to be scared of you, and not the other way around. You’re so big, so stand up, boy!’” These words were a turning point for Judge, and they ignited a fire within him to stand up for himself and no longer be a target for bullying. From that moment on, Judge’s mentality shifted, and he began to approach life and challenges with a newfound confidence.
Thanks to his mother’s tough love and valuable lessons, Judge was able to overcome his struggles with bullying, and her guidance continues to influence him to this day. “That’s how she helped me overcome bullies,” Judge said, adding a heartfelt note of gratitude to his mother for helping him become the confident and resilient person he is now.
