In 2022, Aaron Judge made baseball history by establishing an American League record of 62 home runs. He was later named the 16th captain in Yankees franchise history, and only the second since 1996, leaving his mark in pinstripes forever.
Well before the honor of captain was bestowed upon Aaron, he founded the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation in 2018, setting in motion the opportunity to make a difference in the communities that are near and dear to his heart, specifically San Joaquin County and Fresno County in California and the Bronx in New York. ALL RISE inspires children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging and encouraging them to reach unlimited possibilities. Over time, its goal is to honor those who have had a positive influence on these children, while creating a legacy to continue to guide future generations.
Through various programs and initiatives, ALL RISE has supported more than 2,000 youth in San Joaquin County, Fresno County and the Bronx. In 2023, Bridge2College and NYC Autism Charter Schools (NYCACS) both received support from ALL RISE through its mini-grant program, which to date has supported 26 community-based organizations, public and private agencies and faith-based organizations overall. In addition, the mission of inspiring youth to reach their dreams continues to be reflected via the foundation's Aspiring Leaders program. With an emphasis on the core components of leadership, citizenship, character development and community involvement, the Aspiring Leaders program aims to create a path for future generations to become responsible citizens in society.
In 2019, ALL RISE provided registration and transportation for 118 students in California to one of three leadership conferences: the Modesto Spring Student Leadership Conference, the Woodland Fall Student Leadership Conference for high school students and the Woodland Fall Student Leadership Conference for middle school students. In 2023, ALL RISE sent a delegation of 17 junior high school students from Linden Unified to attend the California Association of Directors of Activities and California Association of Student Leaders (CADA and CASL) Modesto Central Valley Spring Student Leadership Conference.
ALL RISE also focuses on establishing activities in an appropriate atmosphere to enhance the development of skills. Since 2018, Aaron has hosted multiple baseball ProCamps in California and New York. This year, local youth attended the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Baseball ProCamp at Fordham University in the Bronx where Aaron offered tips and hands-on instruction, fundamental baseball skills clinics and various contests.
Aaron and ALL RISE also partner with the #ICANHELP and the "I Can Help Delete Negativity" initiatives aimed at combating toxic behavior on social media by spreading positivity online. In 2020, he also represented Major League Baseball in The Real Heroes Project, a collaborative program that was created to recognize and celebrate healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Day in and day out, Aaron Judge exemplifies what it means to be an active and attentive member in his communities. His commitment to creating opportunities and pathways of success for future generations encompasses a true legacy of humanitarianism.