Aaron Judge has been one of the most talked-about players in recent years, especially after the 2022 season. The outfielder broke the AL record for single-season home runs at 62, a record that was previously set by Roger Maris. After the season, Judge was set to hit free agency and the New York Yankees took their time in confirming things. Some wild rumors about his supposed next destination kept fans on their feet before Judge came back to his beloved team.
Not only that, but his nine-year, $360 million deal included another layer – Judge would be the 16th franchise captain. A position that Derek Jeter vacated when he retired in 2014, two years before Judge made his MLB debut. Since then, the 30-year-old has impressed fans with his skills on the diamond time and time again. But much like his predecessor, Judge does not account for all his luck on the field to his baseball skills. Some of it is attributed to traditions that border on superstition, and fans think his latest fashion blunder has to do with that.
Aaron Judge wearing his belt upside down – deliberate or accidental?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Since the 2023 season started, All-Rise has been spotted with his belt reading 66 instead of 99 at every single game, per Paul Lukas at Uni Watch. There are a number of plausible reasons why that could be. If it happened at one or two games, it could be attributed to an accident. But given the number of times it happened, it’s almost certainly deliberate.
Who's gonna tell Judge his belt is upside down? pic.twitter.com/YJMO3vzrOy
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 15, 2023
It’s the first time Judge is sporting the number 66, which is actually teammate Kyle Higashioka’s number. Did the two players make a bet and Judge lost? Or is it so that Judge can look down and see the numbers say 99? Or perhaps, it’s the number of home runs he wants to hit this season?
Be it 66 or be it 99 homers, fans can hope. After all, Judge recently dethroned former Yankees captain Don Mattingly from the 11th spot in total career home runs at 223. Who’s to say Judge can’t achieve the impossible?
Fans had fun guessing different reasons for Judge’s belt
Twitter responses ranged from Star Wars to superstition to honoring his teammate. Or perhaps that Judge is aiming for 66 home runs this season.
It seems to always be upside down. I think he does it on purpose.
— dreemteamreem (@dreemteamreem) April 15, 2023
Maybe he likes looking down and seeing his number facing correctly back up at him
— Base, Ball & Chain Podcast (@baseballchain) April 15, 2023
While some thought the Captain and Higashioka are pulling a prank! Or that, in his own way, Judge is paying respect to his teammate.
He’s OBVIOUSLY honoring Higgy.
— jason (@starscream1978) April 15, 2023
Maybe he’s doing it to appreciate Kyle Higashioka!! 😂
— Tommy 🇮🇹🇺🇸 (@1tzTommy) April 15, 2023
The Star Wars fans also made their presence felt. In the sci-fi franchise, Order 66 was a secret protocol that identified all Jedis as traitors. It was the method the Sith were going to use to bring about the downfall of the Jedi Order.
He did it for Palpatine
— Hunter (@nyylewis13) April 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
that's his target for home runs this season pic.twitter.com/qO4hsKkXJX
— shazil (@shazil003n) April 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The theories are endless! What do you think is the reason behind Judge wearing his belt that way?
WATCH THIS STORY – Top 5 Most Electrifying Home Runs By Aaron Judge