Yankees' Aaron Judge named AP Male Athlete of the Year

New York Yankees All-Star slugger Aaron Judge closed 2022 out with yet another award. 

Per Mike Fitzpatrick, a panel of 40 sports writers and editors have voted Judge the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who won the award for 2021, finished second in the voting, ahead of Golden State Warriors guard and 2022 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry. 

Judge earned 29 votes, one more than Ohtani. Curry finished with 24. 

"Wow. That’s incredible," Judge reacted to the news. "All these other great athletes that not only impacted the game and their sport, but also impacted their communities and the culture in the sports world and outside the sports world. So, getting a chance to be amongst that list is an incredible honor." 

Judge generated headlines throughout the summer as he chased the American League single-season record of 61 home runs previously held by Yankees legend Roger Maris. The 30-year-old who famously rejected New York's seven-year, $213.5 million contract extension offer before Opening Day hit his 62nd homer of the campaign on Oct. 4 at the Texas Rangers and later earned MVP honors for his incredible season. 

Following the World Series, Judge tested free agency and reportedly flirted with the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres before he returned to the Bronx Bombers via a nine-year, $360 million deal. Judge was also named the 16th captain in the history of the Yankees and the club's first since Hall of Famer Derek Jeter retired following the 2014 season. 

"You never know. Maybe 62 is my floor," Judge said about his future contributions while playing on a massive contract. "Maybe I’ve got a little bit more in the tank."

Two things missing from Judge's impressive résumé are a World Series appearance and a championship ring.