A shocking moment rocked MLB when New York Yankees star Aaron Judge fired back at the league’s punishment for the team’s silence during Pride Month with a short but powerful five-word message: “We stand by our choices.”
MLB hit the Yankees with financial penalties and warnings after they ignored the league’s Pride Month social media campaign, the only team to do so. “We expect all franchises to adhere to the league’s values of respect, representation and unity. Silence during these moments sends a message — and it’s not a message we support,” MLB said in a statement. Judge, the face of the Yankees and a respected leader, has been steadfast in his statement, saying, “We stand by our choices.”
Fans praised Judge’s resolve, with one posting, “Aaron Judge is a classy guy. Baseball is about baseball — not politics or activism.” Others, particularly LGBTQ+ advocates, voiced their frustration: “Silence during Pride Month is not neutral. It’s a choice — and it hurts,” one fan lamented on Instagram.
The Yankees’ cautious stance on social issues isn’t new, but this year’s silence stands out amid MLB’s coordinated campaign. Insiders note that the decision came from executives, though Judge’s support shows the team’s unity.
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Still, Judge’s past social work—on racial justice, youth education, and military families—highlights his focus on community. “I respect everybody,” he added. “Always have. But I’m a baseball player. My job is to lead this team on the field—and that’s where my focus is.” His stance sees silence as a boundary, not indifference.
With no further comment from the Yankees or MLB, speculation about the league’s stricter policies is growing. Judge, however, remains focused on the game. The debate continues—follow me for the latest updates.