Aaron Judge Gives Heartfelt Recognition to MVP Runner-Up Cal Raleigh
The recent Most Valuable Player race has stirred considerable discussion, particularly as Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh found himself on the losing end. On Thursday night, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced that Raleigh ranked second behind New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who has now claimed the title of American League MVP three times. Judge captured 17 out of 30 first-place votes, with Raleigh receiving the remaining 13.
While it’s difficult to console someone who has just missed out on MVP honors—especially after a historic season that saw him launch 60 home runs, a feat unmatched by any catcher—Judge took the opportunity to shine a light on Raleigh’s impressive contributions during the All-MLB Awards ceremony in Las Vegas later that evening.
Judge Highlights Raleigh’s Leadership Aspirations
In a candid moment, Judge reflected on a conversation he shared with Raleigh at the All-Star Game in Atlanta this summer, offering insight into what he believes makes the 28-year-old backstop a remarkable player.
“We talked for a brief moment, and one of the things he said to me was, ‘Hey, at some point over this whole week, I want to connect with you and talk about some leadership stuff—just how I can be a better leader, to help lead my team,’” Judge recalled, as detailed by MLB.com.
Judge emphasized that Raleigh’s focus during the All-Star festivities was not on his own achievements, such as participating in the All-Star Game or winning the Home Run Derby. Instead, Raleigh’s main concern was how he could uplift his teammates. “Hearing him say that, amidst all the craziness he was going through, really stood out to me,” Judge added. “He’s all about winning and helping his guys. That’s the reason why he had the success this year and why he will continue to have success in this league.”
A Tale of Two Exceptional Players
While Judge may have outperformed Raleigh in most offensive categories, apart from home runs and RBIs, Mariners fans are fervently advocating for Raleigh’s case, citing the impressive nature of his accomplishments while catching in 121 games.
In this MVP race, the debate was less about who deserved the title and more about the contrasting narratives surrounding two exceptional athletes. Regardless of the outcome, both players have left an indelible mark on the season, with Raleigh’s fans feeling understandably slighted by the final verdict.
As the dust settles on this year’s awards, one thing is clear: the sportsmanship and respect between Judge and Raleigh have shone brightly, reminding us of the values that transcend competition in the world of baseball.
