Aaron Judge sets tone with text, HR in Yankees' home opener

Judge's pregame text, home run set the tone for the Yankees in their 8-2 win over the Marlins.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:48pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the powerful, explosive motion of Aaron Judge's home run swing, capturing the raw energy and momentum of the moment.Aaron Judge's explosive home run swing sets the tone for the Yankees' dominant home opener victory.NYC Today

Aaron Judge's pregame text to his teammates about wearing suits to the home opener and his two-run home run in the first inning set the tone for the New York Yankees in their 8-2 victory over the Miami Marlins. Judge also reached base three other times, stole a base, and scored a run as the Yankees improved to 6-1 on the season.

Why it matters

As the Yankees' captain, Judge's leadership and ability to set the tone for his team both on and off the field are crucial to the team's success. The Yankees are looking to build on their strong start to the season and make another deep playoff run, and Judge's performance in the home opener was an encouraging sign.

The details

In the hours before the game, Judge sent a mass text to his teammates telling them to wear suits to the home opener, a directive he has given in the past to set a professional tone. Judge then backed up his words with his play, crushing a two-run home run in his first at-bat to give the Yankees an early lead they would not relinquish. He also reached base three other times, stole a base, and scored a run as the Yankees took an aggressive approach on the basepaths.

  • Late Thursday night, Judge sent a text to his teammates about wearing suits to the home opener.
  • In the first inning, Judge hit a two-run home run to give the Yankees an early lead.
  • In the sixth inning, Judge walked.
  • In the eighth inning, Judge singled and stole a base.

The players

Aaron Judge

The three-time American League MVP and captain of the New York Yankees, who set the tone for the team both on and off the field in the home opener.

Ben Rice

The Yankees' first baseman, who commented on how Judge's home run was contagious and got the whole team going.

Eury Perez

The Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher who gave up Judge's two-run home run in the first inning.

Will Warren

The Yankees pitcher who started the game and surrendered two solo home runs over 5 innings.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who commented on the team's strong 6-1 start to the season.

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What they’re saying

“That's what he does best. Coming out, swinging out the gate like that for us is huge. It's just so contagious and got everybody going.”

— Ben Rice, Yankees first baseman

“I've broken my wrist like that so that's always the main concern. But once you feel like everything's intact, you get to first and you keep going and doing your job.”

— Aaron Judge

“It's early, but you love the fact that you get off to this kind of start because wins are precious.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

What’s next

The Yankees will look to continue their strong start to the season as they face the Marlins again on Saturday.

The takeaway

Aaron Judge's leadership and ability to set the tone for the Yankees, both with his pregame text and his performance on the field, were crucial in helping the team get off to a 6-1 start. The Yankees' strong pitching and aggressive baserunning have been key factors in their early-season success.