Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, and manager Aaron Boone have responded to recent comments made by Judge’s personal hitting coach, Richard Schenck, regarding the team’s player development.
Schenck’s Criticism
During Thursday’s game, Schenck, who owns a billiards hall in St. Peters, Mo., posted a reply on Twitter/X criticizing the Yankees’ player development. In response to a message highlighting Judge’s statistics in Yankees victories, Schenck tweeted, “They’ve lost 13 out of 18 while he’s hitting like an MVP. The Yankees offensive player development is terrible.”[3]
Judge’s Response
Judge, who has worked with Schenck every two weeks since the 2016-17 offseason, said he had not seen the message until a reporter showed it to him before Friday’s game. He emphasized that the comment did not involve him and that he had no control over what another person does. Judge confirmed that he continues to work with Schenck and credited him with helping to tighten his swing in the past.[3]
Boone’s Reaction
Yankees manager Aaron Boone echoed Judge’s sentiments, stating that Schenck’s comment was “out of your control.” Boone acknowledged that people are entitled to their opinions, especially when the team is going through a tough stretch. However, he emphasized that the team’s focus should be on making sure they are prepared and putting their best foot forward every day.[3][4]
Yankees’ Lineup
Despite the criticism, the Yankees’ lineup on Friday showcased four homegrown players: Judge, first baseman Ben Rice, catcher Austin Wells, and shortstop Anthony Volpe. This highlights the team’s commitment to developing their own talent and the success of their player development system.[3]
Schenck’s Background
Schenck, who claims to have unlocked the secrets behind Barry Bonds’ swing mechanics, frequently travels to meet the Yankees at home or on the road. He works with Judge and occasionally other teammates in a batting cage away from the Major League stadium. However, it’s important to note that Schenck is not employed by the Yankees in any capacity.[3]
Moving Forward
As the Yankees continue to navigate through a challenging stretch, Judge and Boone have chosen to focus on the team’s preparation and performance rather than engaging with external criticism. With a lineup featuring homegrown talent and a commitment to player development, the Yankees remain focused on turning things around and achieving success on the field.