“Seeing people busting their teeth out, knocked out, everything, it didn’t matter. They were there to represent their country and go for the gold,” said Aaron Judge, reflecting on the fervor surrounding the World Baseball Classic.
As Team USA approaches the final against Venezuela, Judge’s enthusiasm captures the spirit of the tournament. He noted that the crowds at the World Baseball Classic are larger than those at the World Series, stating, “I’d say it’s been bigger. The World Series I was in, the crowd here, the crowd we had when we played against Mexico, it’s bigger and better than the World Series.”
Judge’s remarks come after a remarkable postseason performance in 2025, where he posted a .500 batting average and a 1.273 OPS over seven games. Despite a reputation for being somewhat of a letdown in postseason play, he has hit 17 home runs in 65 playoff games across eight seasons.
Team USA is aiming to reclaim the World Baseball Classic title, having last won in 2017. They advanced to the final after defeating Canada 5-3 and the Dominican Republic 2-1. The stakes are high as they seek redemption after losing to Japan in the 2023 final.
Judge’s passion for the game is evident, as he reminisced about childhood dreams, stating, “That’s what you dream of as a kid. When I was in my back yard playing wiffle ball, these are the moments you dream of.”
In contrast, former player Derek Jeter offered a different perspective, asserting, “I think the people that said it’s bigger than a World Series never played in a World Series.” This highlights the ongoing debate regarding the significance of international tournaments versus traditional championships.
As the final approaches, the excitement builds not only for the players but also for the fans who have shown unwavering support. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with Judge leading the charge for Team USA.
With the final set to take place on March 17, 2026, all eyes will be on Judge and his teammates as they strive for glory on the international stage.
