Staten Island Little League coach Bob Laterza had some harsh criticism for New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge after Sunday’s Little League Classic.
On Tuesday, the Yankees struck back.
The tragedy occurred during the New York Little League Classic game against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, which is part of the Little League World Series. A crowd of about 2,500 fans, mostly Little League players, their coaches and their families, turned out at historic Bowman Stadium to watch the Tigers beat the Yankees 3-2.
Among the fans in attendance was Laterza, who was there with his South Shore Little League team from the Staten Island borough of New York. His team was seated near the patio circle along the third-base line during the game.
When Judge spoke, Laterza was unhappy with how Judge was interacting — or not interacting — with his players. expressed his displeasure to SIlive.com of Staten Island in a complaint claiming that its Little League players pay the judge’s $40 million annual salary.
“Why don’t you turn around and say hello to New York and the young people who think you’re a hero?” Laterza asked. “They’re the ones who pay your salary.”
“They were disappointed. Maybe he’ll want to make up for it and come see them.”
On Tuesday night, the Yankees — who actually pay Judge’s salary — issued a response.
“Win or lose, we intend to invite them to Yankee Stadium,” the team said in a statement. “However, it would have been much better if the Staten Island coach had called us to understand the facts before reacting bitterly and publicly. Contacting us would have been the prudent course of action and would have set a good example for his young players. Aaron Judge always acts with kindness and respect.”
“The coach could learn a lot from him.”
Before Wednesday’s game, Judge said he had “no response” to Laterza’s comments.
“I’m not going to give him an answer because it’s about the children,” The judge said“That’s what it’s all about.”
Unsurprisingly, manager Aaron Boone stood by his star player and echoed Judge’s reluctance to address the comments, saying, “Aaron Judge is as good as it gets.”
The judge signed autographs and took selfies with Little League players
Judge did indeed act with kindness and respect during the festivities surrounding Sunday’s Little League Classic. According to the Associated Press, Judge signed autographs, posed for selfies and chatted with Little League players in attendance “from the moment he stepped off the plane until his final at-bat.”
He also exchanged gear with Little League players and wore a Little League cap at his postgame press conference.
“They make me feel like the Beatles,” Judge told reporters.
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