The Loop
Watch Aaron Judge chip tooth during celebration at home plate
In just over half a season, Aaron Judge has become the New York Yankees' prized possession. The star right fielder has had an MVP-caliber year, with an American League-leading 32 home runs, 73 RBIs and .308 batting average. He's also said and done all the right things off the field, reminding Yankee fans of their former golden child, Derek Jeter.
In other words, the organization and the fans would hate to see anything happen to him, especially if it occurred during a celebration at home plate....
On Thursday night the Yankees completed a 5-3 comeback with a Brett Gardner walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning. As you can see, the party at home plate was on, and Judge's tooth fell victim to a bouncing helmet, potentially widening the gap in his Michael Strahan-esque teeth.
The slugger's most impressive feat this season has been his ability to stay healthy. With the Yankees' disabled list adding newcomers by the day, Judge has not suffered any bumps or bruises and has shown up in the batter's box nearly every night.
Luckily, that won't change as Yankees manager Joe Girardi expects him to be back in the lineup Friday night, chipped tooth and all. No word yet on whether or not he's made a dreaded dentist appointment.