Move over, Derek Jeter! There’s a new Bronx star stealing hearts with his love for all things pinstripes and puppies. Aaron Judge, the team’s captain and home run king, has become a certified dog dad—and his passion for Dachshunds might just lead to the most unexpected collaboration in Yankees history.

Judge’s furry family consists of three very good boys: Lucky, the OG rescue pup from his early career days in Fresno; Penny, the “compromise” Dachshund who won him over despite his initial preference for larger breeds; and Gus, the newest pup who recently went viral for his adorable on-field debut at Yankee Stadium.

It was during a YES Network interview that the depth of Aaron Judge’s Dachshund obsession truly came to light. Fondly describing Penny as his “little sidekick” and proclaiming Dachshunds to be the only dogs he wants from now on, he praised their loyalty and faithfulness. Judgey was beaming when he shared how Penny came to be a part of his life. While initially promising his wife Samantha a dog once they had a house with a yard, he eventually gave in to her wish of getting a smaller dog suitable for their New York City lifestyle. It seems the compromise was a win-win, as Judge is now a full-fledged Dachshund enthusiast. He even suggested that the New York Yankees host a “Little dog day” at the ballpark, envisioning a gathering of fellow Weiner dog enthusiasts.

This whimsical idea was actually the brainchild of none other than Steve Schirripa, the beloved actor known for his role as Bobby Bacala on “The Sopranos.” Schirripa, a fellow Dachshund owner, once publicly expressed his desire for his own pup to meet Judge’s pack with one of the network’s hosts.

When asked about the possibility of this “Dachshund club” becoming a reality, Aaron Judge enthusiastically replied, “We might have a Dachshund club, so I think the Yankees need to have like a little dog day or something like that, so we can bring them all out and, you know, have our little powwow.” This playful exchange is now fueling speculation about a potential collaboration between the Bombers star and the Sopranos legend, all in the name of their shared love for these short-legged furballs. Considering that Schirripa’s currently in NYC, who knows, their wishes might just come to fruition!

By the way, Judge’s love for dogs extends beyond his own home. He fondly recalls Rookie, the unofficial batboy, during his Double-A days in Trenton. A dog who frequented the stadium, Rookie, would fetch Judge’s bat after every hit, leaving it covered in bite marks—the best possible badge of honor for a successful game. However, Judge’s canine connections go deeper than just this part of his life.

Home Runs, Hot Dogs, and a Whole Lot of Puppy Love: The Aaron Judge way

The All-Rise recently lent his voice to an episode of “Rubble & Crew,” a spin-off of the popular children’s show “PAW Patrol.” In the episode, Judge is seen playing as himself, interacting with a team of construction pups who build him a special ballpark so he can participate in a home run derby. This unexpected role highlights Judgey’s commitment to connecting with young fans and promoting teamwork—and some much-needed puppy love, like the ones he gets back at home.

Penny, Judge’s first Dachshund, holds a special place in his heart. Though he has taken her to Yankee Stadium multiple times, it was Gus who stole the spotlight with his viral on-field moment. Despite this, Aaron Judge assures us that Penny doesn’t mind sharing her attention with her younger brother.

Judgey’s genuine affection for his dogs is evident in his interviews and social media posts. Describing Gus as a “superstar” and sharing adorable photos of himself and Penny enjoying outings together, he even called Penny a “little piece of his heart”—a sentiment that definitely resonates with dog lovers all around the globe.

Whether it’s a Dachshund playdate with a Sopranos star, a cameo for Gus on the field, or simply sharing sweet moments with Penny, Aaron Judge proves that being a baseball hero doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing the simple joys of being a dog dad. And who knows, maybe this is just the beginning of a whole new kind of Yankees dynasty—one built on home runs, hot dogs, and a whole lot of puppy love!