New York Yankees star Aaron Judge and former head coach Mike Batesole had a huge impact on Fresno State.
The former, already an AL MVP, Silver Slugger, and home run champ in MLB, was one of the best players in college baseball from 2010 to 2013.
The latter was the Bulldogs’ head coach for 20 years until he announced his retirement in December of 2022.
Both Fresno State icons will receive a huge honor.
“Join us in celebrating Diamond ‘Dog legends Aaron Judge and Mike Batesole as we retire #29 and #44,” the Bulldogs tweeted.
𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒 🏆
Join us in celebrating Diamond 'Dog legends Aaron Judge and Mike Batesole as we retire #29 and #44 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/89CbtJyTBF
— Fresno State Baseball (@FresnoStateBSB) October 19, 2023
The ‘Dogs will retire Judge’s number 29 jersey number on November 19.
Judge certainly has made his alma mater proud with his career trajectory.
He was drafted in 2013 by the Yankees, and made his MLB debut in 2016.
That short cameo didn’t go well, but he won a spot on the 2017 team and produced an MVP-caliber season even though he didn’t win the award.
After a few productive, but injury-riddled years, he finally exploded in 2022 when he hit 62 home runs and took home the AL MVP award.
Injuries limited him to 106 games this season, but he still hit 37 homers and finished with an elite 1.019 OPS.
The Yankees go as Judge goes, as he is by far the best player on the team.
He is carrying them, just like he carried Fresno State back in the day.
He will get a cool honor for his contributions as a player with the Bulldogs, as will Batesole.
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