When it comes to competitive sports, rivalry is the most common conclusion of players spending so much time together. Whether two individuals play on the same team or not, jealousy is a natural development. Just look at Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez‘s history. But on the other end of that pendulum is support and genuine joy in another player’s success in life. And there are rarely more people who support the Yankees captain Aaron Judge than former Red Sox David Ortiz.

Ever since Judge made his MLB debut in 2016, he has inspired love and hate in equal measure, much like anyone who makes a living being in the limelight. And while the Yanks may have advocates in friends, family, and fans, Big Papi is a staunch supporter of the Yankees captain. The truly entertaining thing is, however, that the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees have a legendary rivalry spanning decades!

David Ortiz can’t imagine a Yankees lineup without Aaron Judge

In a recent discussion on the Games With Names podcast, Big Papi talked about an incident where he came across some Yankees fans talking about Judge. According to him, the fans weren’t too polite about All-Rise and wanted Ortiz to know, who immediately put them on blast. “I was like, ‘Hey, have you ever taken a minute to picture the Yankees lineup without Aaron Judge next year?’ And the motherfu*rs stayed quiet for a minute,'” he told hosts Nick O’Malley and Mike Rosenstein.

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Being one of the oldest baseball teams, the Yankees have some truly passionate fans. In addition to booing rival teams, sometimes the Pinstripes’ own players come under heat for their play. But roasting Judge did not sit right with Ortiz, who very firmly told his feelings to those fans.

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“Let me tell you, as an athlete, you will take that from the opposition when you go to their place. But when you get that (expletive) at home, bro, not good,” Ortiz continued in the video.

What did All-Rise do in 2022 that was worthy of jeers?

When Judge broke the AL home run record for a single season in October 2022, it was a historic moment. But much like fans who heckled NBA legend LeBron James for surpassing Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Judge was booed. Also, considering Judge’s effort in taking the team to playoffs, fans were disappointed at his performance after the fact. The outfielder had a good couple of seasons in the 2018 and 2019 playoffs, but he has admittedly been struggling after that.

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There were even talks about Judge leaving the Yankees for good ahead of his 2022 free agency. Especially when GM Brian Cashman released the details of the initial contract Judge had refused to sign. But ultimately, the Bronx Bombers decided they couldn’t do without the 6ft 7in beast that has become an integral part of their roster. Let’s see what the 30-year-old brings to the 2023 season now!