Aaron Judge and his extraordinary hitting power are a mainstay in the Bronx. The New York Yankees captain set an AL Home run record in 2022 by scoring 62 of them. But behind all the glitz and glamor is a year’s worth of hard work and some incredible coaching. Every time Judge loses his form and encounters a problem he immediately goes to the one man he knows can solve his problems – hitting coach Richard Schenck.

Popularly known as Teacherman, Schenck has made a name for himself for his unique teaching style that enables hitters to play to their highest potential. So how did a man who has never even played professionally in his life become such a well-respected coach?

Richard Schenck – the Teacherman for heavy hitters

Richard Schenck played baseball in his youth but was never quite successful. Even though his playing career was rather short, his love for the sport has continued for a lifetime. It was in the early 2000s when he found a way to become actively involved in baseball.

His youngest son Brandon had just entered high school and was a hitter. He constantly struggled in the batter’s box and in an effort to help him, Schenck started studying Barry Bonds, one of the most prolific hitters of that era. Gradually, this turned into full-time work and for 2 years he just watched videos of Bonds. By the end, Schenck knew exactly what the slugger did that made him have the most home runs in league history.

Beginning with his son, who ended up becoming one of the best hitters on his high school team, his list of clients gradually grew. Schenck opened his Teacherman baseball facility in St. Peters and even became a successful YouTuber. His biggest claim to fame, however, came when in 2016 the then rookie Aaron Judge came to him asking for help.

Schenck’s role in the career of Aaron Judge

The New York Yankees captain struggled during the early days of his MLB career. Striking out was more common than he’d like and his rookie year was like a memory of the past. So Judge decided to take help and went to Richard Schenck on agent Dave Matranga’s recommendation. 

Read more: “I Think I’m Hitting 50 Homers Next Year…”- Amidst the Start of Another Home Run Chase, Aaron Judge Discloses Advice That Transformed His Career

Schenck improved the swinging speed and stance of Judge, who ended up scoring 52 home runs, a record for a rookie with an average of 2.84. They were working so well together that by 2022, Judge called or met him biweekly for training. 

Now only one question remains with 2024 nearing – what new techniques will Aaron Judge come back with?

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