Aaron Judge has spoken about what it means to represent Team USA. The Yankees captain discussed his feelings with NBA star Kevin Durant for Boardroom Cover Story.
Years in the Making
Judge said that representing Team USA is ‘everything’. He had waited a long time for the feeling. Growing up, Judge never had the chance to play for Team USA in international competition.
When the last World Baseball Classic happened in 2023, the timing wasn’t ideal. Judge was in the middle of MLB free agency. However, the minute the tournament ended, Judge had his eye on the next one. He said he told them to ‘pencil me in’ whenever the next one came around.
Now that he’s involved, the experience has lived up to his expectations. Judge said the tournament feels completely different from the MLB All-Star Game. He feels the WBC carries a competitive edge closer to October baseball, whereas the All-Star Game is largely about celebration and fan entertainment.
“This is for your country,” Judge said. “There’s a lot of people that have sacrificed to allow me and my family to have such a great life and play a kid’s game.”
Durant’s Perspective
Durant connected with that sentiment. As a four-time Olympic gold medalist with USA Basketball, he understands how international competition can reshape an athlete’s perspective.
“I feel like I got more pride from our country and what it means to be an American when I play in these competitions,” Durant said. “After doing it four times, I feel like I needed to represent for the game of basketball in the United States.”
High Level of Competition
Judge said part of what has made this year’s tournament especially compelling is the extraordinary level of global talent. He noted powerhouse teams like Japan and a loaded Dominican Republic roster underscore just how deep the competition has become across international baseball.
Judge feels that many of the best players in the MLB showed up this year to play. He added that they are seeing the best of the best on the biggest stage.
Despite the packed stadiums and roaring crowds chanting “USA! USA!”, the tournament has also brought something unexpected for Judge: a sense of nostalgia. He told his wife that it feels like he’s on a travel ball team.
Durant laughed because for a moment, the pressure, the contracts, and the spotlight fade away. Durant said that it makes you feel like you’re a kid again.
According to Durant, that might be the best part of all for some of the biggest stars in sports.