The seventh-inning stretch at Yankee Stadium is synonymous with "God Bless America," a tradition established after the 9/11 attacks. For Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, this isn't just a routine; it's a deeply personal tribute.

In a recent interview, Judge shared that singing along is his way of honoring the veterans often recognized on the field. He expressed profound respect for their service and sacrifices, especially considering their age and the historical context of their military careers.

Judge isn't alone in this practice. Teammates like Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Higashioka, and Anthony Volpe also join in, creating a shared moment of respect within the team.

The Yankees currently use Robert Merrill's recording of "God Bless America," having moved away from Kate Smith's version in 2019 due to controversy surrounding some of her other songs.

Judge hopes fans will participate in the singing, emphasizing that the act of patriotism transcends political divides. He reflects on the sacrifices made by those who served, particularly during World War II, and connects it to the privilege of playing professional baseball.

For Judge, singing "God Bless America" is an extension of expressing gratitude to all those who serve, including police officers and firefighters. It's a public acknowledgment of service and sacrifice that he feels deeply.

Currently sidelined with a toe injury since June, Judge boasts impressive stats for the season, hitting .291 with a 1.078 OPS and 19 home runs. This follows his record-breaking 62 home runs last year, which earned him his first MVP award.