A Little League World Series coach ripped New York Yankees great Aaron Judge for bailing on a scheduled meet-and-greet, in which Judge was expected to interact with youngsters and offer autographs.
Per the Sporting News:
"South Shore (Staten Island) coach Bob Laterza blasted Judge and the Yankees after the franchise allegedly bailed on plans to give Laterza's bunch a special meet-and-greet.
"'How about turning around or wave to New York and the kids that think you're a hero?' Laterza said, per Staten Island Live. 'They are the ones who pay your salary.'
"'They were disappointed,' he added. 'Maybe he'll want to make up for it and come and see them.'"
Judge, of course, is having another historic season. But perhaps the decision was less his own and more the Yankees'.
And several other MLB players did show, per the Sporting News:
"Judge was the most notable absence at the event, held at International Grove, LLWS's equivalent of the Olympic Village. He wasn't the only one, though. DJ LeMahieu and Tim Hill met with the team at International Grove, while Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Jasson Dominguez, manager Aaron Boone and former player Nick Swisher spoke to the team at Bowman.
"Laterza noted that many of New York's MLB delegation who met with his team were 'very kind and considerate.' Cole was especially generous with his time, offering advice, perspective and inspiration to Staten Island's brightest young talents."
Given the blowback, perhaps the coach is right — and Judge will eventually make his way to greet the team he spurned.
