The New York Yankees are starting the 2025 MLB season at home in the Bronx, and the reigning American League champions are entertaining a full house at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge is a fan favorite in nearly every stadium around the league, but there's no place he's loved more than in New York City. Fans packed the stadium to show their appreciation for the two-time AL MVP, and he returned the favor to one young supporter.
During Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Judge took a moment to give a child in the stands a baseball.
"more of this across all sports please. this kid will be a fan for life," one fan said.
"Players know how to make it special. So cool to see," another fan said.
"This is how baseball creates fans for life — one unforgettable moment at a time," one fan noted.
"Love seeing things like this. this is what sports are all about!," said another fan.
The Yankees will be at home for two series to open the season, starting with a three-game set against the Brewers through Sunday. They'll start another three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks before heading out to Pittsburgh next Friday.
Judge won the American League MVP award for the second time in his career last season. He hit 58 home runs - second only to his AL-record 62 for his career high - and drove in 144 runs while posting an OPS of 1.159.
If not for Shohei Ohtani's historic season, there was a real case for Judge as the best player in baseball last season. He'll look to lead the Yankees back to the World Series after their loss to Ohtani and the Dodgers last season.
The Yankees are currently taking on the Brewers on Opening Day, and fans can tune in to see the game on ESPN. In a special Opening Day treat for fans, "Monday Night Football" broadcaster Joe Buck has returned to his roots, calling the game for a national audience.
The Yankees have a slim lead in the early innings, and fans can catch the conclusion of Thursday's game on ESPN, followed by a matchup between the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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