New York — A sad day at Yankee Stadium. Aaron Judge, captain of the New York Yankees, couldn’t hide his emotions when sharing the passing of movie legend Robert Redford, who died on September 16 in Utah at the age of 89.
But to Judge, Redford was more than just a Hollywood star — he was also a life inspiration. Redford’s image in the 1984 film The Natural, as Roy Hobbs, became a great motivation whenever Judge felt pressured or thought of giving up his baseball career.
“Every time I stand on the field and want to quit, I think of Roy Hobbs, I think of Robert Redford,” Judge wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of Redford as Hobbs. “He taught me that no matter how hard things get, there is always an opportunity to come back and shine.”
The Natural tells the story of Roy Hobbs, a natural baseball talent whose career was interrupted but returned to stardom. For Judge, Hobbs symbolizes perseverance, faith, and never-ending desire. “That image is my biggest motivation,” Judge said, his voice trembling at yesterday’s press conference.
The connection between Judge and Hobbs extends beyond the screen. Tomorrow, in their next game, the Yankees will wear special jerseys commemorating Redford, with the number 9 — Hobbs’s legendary number — embroidered on the sleeve. Judge will be at the helm, as a direct tribute to his inspiration.
In addition to being an actor, Redford is also the founder of the Sundance Institute, where he nurtures a generation of young artists and inspires them through his work. “He not only changed cinema, but he changed the lives of so many people, including me,” Judge emphasized. “I carry him with me every day on the field.”
During the memorial service at Yankee Stadium, Judge paused on the field and looked up at the stands, where Roy Hobbs’ image was projected on a giant screen. His eyes welled with tears. “Thank you for giving me hope when I thought I had lost everything,” he whispered.
Robert Redford’s death was a huge loss for both the film and sports industries, but for Aaron Judge, his legacy lives on—in every hit, every run, and in the hearts of those who looked to Hobbs for inspiration.
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