New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge takes great pride in paying homage to veterans by singing ‘God Bless America’ during the seventh-inning stretch at Yankee Stadium. In a recent interview with NJ.com, Judge shared his deep respect for the veterans being honored on the field and expressed his gratitude for their sacrifices.
Judge’s commitment to the tradition stems from his admiration for the older veterans in attendance, some of whom are in their 70s, 80s, or 90s and may have difficulty walking. He empathizes with their contributions, as he often sees their photographs, ranks, branches of service and the locations where they fought. Judge holds nothing but respect for these individuals, recognizing their immense dedication and bravery.
Notably, Judge is not alone in his display of patriotism. Several of his teammates, including Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Higashioka, and Anthony Volpe, join him in singing ‘God Bless America’ during the seventh-inning stretch. Their collective reverence for the veterans is a testament to the unity within the Yankees organization.
The playing of ‘God Bless America’ at Yankee Stadium took on a different significance following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Since then, the song has become a symbol of resilience and remembrance for the city and the nation. The Yankees transitioned to Robert Merrill’s rendition after controversy arose around Kate Smith’s version, which featured past songs with racist lyrics, in 2019. This change was made to ensure inclusivity and respect for all fans.
In his interview, Judge expressed his hope that fans would join him and his teammates in singing the song, emphasizing that their patriotism has no political motivations. Instead, it serves as a heartfelt gesture to honor the sacrifices made by the young men and women who fought in World War II and other conflicts. Judge, recognizing the significance of such sacrifices, uses every opportunity to express his gratitude to service members, as well as to law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Although Judge has been sidelined due to a toe injury since early June, his impact on and off the field remains significant. With a batting average of .291, an impressive 1.078 OPS, and 19 home runs this season, Judge’s contributions to the Yankees have solidified his status as a key player. Last year, he even set the American League record for the most home runs in a single season, earning him his first MVP award.
As the Yankees continue their season, fans eagerly await Judge’s return to the lineup. Regardless of his playing status, his unwavering commitment to honoring veterans through the singing of ‘God Bless America’ serves as an inspiration to teammates, fans, and the wider community alike.
