Aaron Judge may be the king of New York, but that doesn't mean his reign is universally loved.
The star Yankees slugger has strung together another historic campaign in pinstripes, seeming destined to barrel his way to his second MVP award in three seasons (sorry, Bobby Witt Jr.).
Given Judge's performances, both for his career and in particular this season, it's understandable why the masses of Little Leaguers who filled the concourses at Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the 2025 Little League Classic between New York and Detroit did so hoping to catch a glimpse of the gifted hitter.
MORE: Updated bracket, scores for 2024 Little League World Series
Judge appeared to have reveled in the youthful joy that surrounded him, offering up autographs and banter to a great many Little Leaguers who watched on from the iconic Bowman Field bleachers.
Not everyone was pleased with Judge's exploits during the contest, however.
South Shore (Staten Island) coach Bob Laterza blasted Judge and the Yankees after the franchise allegedly bailed on plans to give Laterza's bunch a special meet-and-greet.
“How about turning around or wave to New York and the kids that think you’re a hero?” Laterza said, per Staten Island Live. “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.”
Judge was the most notable absence at the event, held at International Grove, LLWS's equivalent of the Olympic Village. He wasn't the only one, though. DJ LeMahieu and Tim Hill met with the team at International Grove, while Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Jasson Dominguez, manager Aaron Boone and former player Nick Swisher spoke to the team at Bowman.
Laterza noted that many of New York's MLB delegation who met with his team were “very kind and considerate.” Cole was especially generous with his time, offering advice, perspective and inspiration to Staten Island's brightest young talents.
.@GerritCole45 x Staten Island Little League 🤝#LittleLeagueClassic pic.twitter.com/FWSgL5AHpD
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 18, 2024
The Yankees have since pushed back against these claims, releasing a statement in Judge and the team's defense. Here's the statement:
Our entire roster spent the day in Williamsport connecting with as many Little Leaguers as they possibly could prior to our game, including the team from Staten Island.
We commend all of our players for devoting their complete attention to the hundreds of kids who literally walked step-by-step alongside them from the moment the Yankees landed in Williamsport through the entirety of the evening. Our players were unequivocally committed to making the experience what it was intended to be – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young baseball players and their families from around the world to have meaningful and genuine interaction with some of Major League Baseball's greatest players."
Judge and the Bronx Bombers did have a game to play on Sunday night, one which could have eaten into their time to interact with Laterza's squad at International Grove.
The Staten Island-based club was the only New York team to win on Sunday night, vanquishing Illinois, 4-0. The Yankees, meanwhile, suffered the fate of a 3-2 extra-innings loss to the middling Tigers.
Florida eliminated Staten Island from the Little League World Series on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
