Former New York Yankees legend Dave Winfield sees a lot of himself in Yankees outfield prospect Aaron Judge. Winfield had a lot of expectations thrust on him early in his career due to his massive size (6-foot-6), and he sees the possibility of the same level of pressure being placed on the 6-foot-7 Judge.
So, before Judge was sent down to minor-league camp earlier last month, Winfield sought him out and delivered these three nuggets of wisdom.
Via the New York Post:
“Statistically and historically it shows that it’s difficult for big men to be good hitters in this game,’’ said Winfield, 63, who held a long meeting with the Yankees Sunday morning. “Bigger strike zone, the linkage of your body. Don’t get caught up on it just because you are big to go for home runs.
“For me, I chose to be an RBI guy first because you are important to a team and that is part of the mental approach, it helps you focus and you want to bring value to the team,’’ Winfield said.
“No. 2,’’ Winfield continued. “I wanted to hit for average because when you are a young man, and you don’t hit for average, you’re gone. If you hit for an average, they can’t get rid of you.
“And the third part, home runs will come.”
Check out the full interview with Winfield at this link.
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