TAMPA, Fla. — As Aaron Judge, and then Giancarlo Stanton, bounced up the first-base dugout steps and into the bright sunshine Monday afternoon at Steinbrenner Field, they were greeted by unusual sights and sounds for a first day of full-squad workouts at spring training.
About 1,500 fans showered the two sluggers with cheers, about three dozen camera operators lined the warning track to chronicle their every move. ESPN began broadcasting live when they took their turns at batting practice for the first time as Yankees teammates.
For a team with a first-time manager that is trying to wrap its arms around World Series expectations, the unmistakable center of attention was the towering sluggers.