Judge's World Series Struggles: A Pattern?

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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Judge's World Series Struggles: A Pattern?

Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP, has been a force to be reckoned with throughout his career. But when the lights shine brightest on baseball's biggest stage, the World Series, his performance has been underwhelming. This begs the question: Is there a pattern to Judge's World Series struggles?

Judge's World Series Debut:

In 2017, as a rookie, Judge faced the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic. He hit a respectable .240 with a home run, but struck out an alarming 13 times in just 25 at-bats. This marked the beginning of a trend for Judge in the World Series.

2019 and Beyond:

Despite facing a weaker pitching staff in the 2019 World Series against the Washington Nationals, Judge struggled again. He batted a paltry .143 with just one extra-base hit, a double. The pressure seemed to get to him, leading to a series of uncharacteristic strikeouts.

2022: A Different Kind of Struggle:

In the 2022 World Series, Judge's struggles took a different form. While he did manage to hit a home run in Game 1, he was plagued by an inconsistent swing and inability to capitalize on pitches in the strike zone. He finished the series batting .200, a far cry from his regular season performance.

What's the Explanation?

Several factors might contribute to Judge's struggles:

• Increased Pressure: The World Series brings immense pressure, and the spotlight can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned players.
• Pitching Matchups: Teams often deploy their best pitchers in the World Series, which can create difficult matchups for even the most elite hitters.
• Adjusting to Different Ballparks: Playing in different ballparks with unique dimensions and atmospheres can affect a player's hitting approach.

Looking Ahead:

While Judge's World Series performance has been disappointing, it's important to remember that he's still a young player with plenty of time to prove himself on baseball's biggest stage. With the right adjustments and mental fortitude, he can overcome his past struggles and finally shine in the World Series.

However, the question remains: Will Judge be able to overcome the "October Curse" and deliver when it matters most? Only time will tell.