Yankees Respond to Little League Coach's Criticism of Aaron Judge

In a recent controversy surrounding the Little League World Series, Bob Laterza, coach of the South Shore Little League team from Staten Island, criticized New York Yankees star Aaron Judge for allegedly ignoring his players during the Little League Classic. Laterza expressed his disappointment, suggesting that Judge should acknowledge the young fans who idolize him, stating, "How about turning around or wave to New York and the kids that think you’re a hero? They are the ones who pay your salary." The Yankees organization quickly addressed Laterza's comments, defending Judge and the team's efforts to engage with young players. In a statement, the Yankees emphasized that their entire roster dedicated time to connect with Little Leaguers in Williamsport, including the Staten Island team. They praised their players for their commitment to creating a memorable experience for the young athletes and their families, highlighting that they even traveled with the Little League team to the field. The Yankees also noted that they typically invite the Metro champion to a home game, reaffirming their intention to extend that invitation to the South Shore Little League team. However, they expressed disappointment that the coach did not reach out to clarify the situation before making public remarks. The team concluded that a more constructive dialogue could have prevented the misunderstanding and public backlash.