Aaron Judge did not become a star in a single day. Behind every legend-in-the-making is a force nudging him in the right direction. And the captain is no exception to this. As his Guru extends his services to yet another player, the world gets ready for another big name in the making. 

The other student is none other than Anthony Rizzo, who has started prepping his stellar homers to come. The first proof of the Teacherman’s effects manifesting in All Rise was Judge’s breakout 52 homers in 2017. With that kind of credibility, Rizzo joining hands with him makes sense. But who is this man?

Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo Share A Master

@FiresideYankees put up a tweet, which was a video clip showing the 34-year-old Rizzo in the batting cage alongside Richard Schenck. Also known as Teacherman, Schenck is the batting coach whom Aaron Judge heavily relies on. The power of being taught by Schenck was so strong that he helped the 6 foot 7 Yankees captain to achieve his 62 homers in 2022. This accomplishment went on to etch his name in history forever as the AL home run leader for perhaps years to come. 

Whether this was a personal choice or not, the results of his move seem optimistic for the New York Yankees. While there is much improvement needed for the Yanks, receiving coaching from the man who produced one of the best hitters of all time is the way to go! Does this mean the world could witness an MVP-level season from Rizzo in 2024? 

That asked, it’s worth diving into knowing who the man is. How did a man who has never played in the majors architect one of today’s MLB’s greatest?

Who is Richard Schenck?

The 67-year-old who has never in his life faced a pitch from an MLB or minor league team provides guidance like no other. As ironic as it may sound, even the best of the best in baseball seek his advice. Schenck has historically been a baseball fan. He owns Teachers Billiards, a pool hall close to St. Louis. Despite being middle-aged when he bought it, he developed a strong desire to learn how to swing in order to instruct his sons and improve their hitting.

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It took him two years, spending nights in his basement watching videos of Bonds’ swing in an attempt to replicate it. In September 2006, he finally had a breakthrough.

With this experience and expert guidance, Schenck gained clients, even offered advice online, and eventually rose to prominence as Aaron Judge’s go-to independent coach.

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