Aaron Judge heard some ridiculous criticism after the Yankees’ appearance in Sunday’s Little League Classic, as South Shore Little League manager Bob Laterza ripped the Yankees captain for not meeting with his team. The squad was the only New York team to win a game in Williamsport on Sunday.
“How about turning around or wave to New York and the kids that think you’re a hero?” Laterza told SILive.com, adding that Judge didn’t acknowledge attempts at in-game interactions. “They are the ones who pay your salary.”
“They were disappointed,” he added. “Maybe he’ll want to make up for it and come and see them.”
It should go without saying, but Little Leaguers are not paying Judge’s $360 million contract. It’s also worth noting that Judge spent time with young players from all over on Sunday, and he regularly signs and poses for photos with kids before games.
Meanwhile, South Shore did spend time with other Yankees, including Boone and Gerrit Cole.
“I’m not even gonna dignify that with a response,” Boone said of Laterza’s comments. “Aaron Judge is as good as it gets with everyone.”
Judge was also asked about Laterza’s comments on Wednesday. He took the high road with his answer.
“I got no response for that,” Judge said. “I’m not gonna give him a response because it’s about the kids. This is what it’s all about. 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, besides the loss. So I kind of want that to be the focus.
“I don’t really put any weight into the comments. I play in front of 40,000 every single night and I get booed if I go 0-for-1. So I’m not really gonna put any weight into that.”
