New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge skipped the BBWAA awards dinner Jan. 25, but he had a good excuse. He also had a really good stand-in. Judge could not make the trip to New York City for the ceremony because he and his wife are expecting their first child “any day.” Instead, Judge sent actor, comedian and Bronx native Tracy Morgan to stand in for him and collect the trophy for his 2024 American League MVP award.

Judge, who also won the AL MVP in 2022, also sent a video with his apologies. “I’m truly humbled to be accepting the 2024 MVP award. I want to start by apologizing for missing the award there this evening. However, my wife, Samantha, and I are expecting our first child any day, and unfortunately, could not make it. With that being said, I’m grateful for the understanding and support of the Baseball Writers’ Association and all of you attending tonight,” Judge said. “I want to thank God for surrounding me with you amazing people who have supported me every step of the way to my coaches, teammates, trainers, and the entire Yankees organization. I’m honored to share this award with each and every one of you. Your support, encouragement and hard work. That meant the world to me. Through spring training, 162-game seasons and the postseason, you experience incredible highs and lows together. And I’m honored that I was able to be surrounded by all of you in the process.

“To my family, I love you all so much. You continue to motivate and push me to be my best day in and day out,” Judge continued. “And to the fans, your energy and passion fuel me every day. Your support is always driving me to be the best version of myself. And it’s a privilege to be representing the greatest city in the world.” Judge revealed earlier in January that he and his wife were expecting a baby girl. Morgan, who starred on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, grew up two blocks from Yankee Stadium and worked there as a souvenir salesman.

“I loved working at Yankee Stadium,” Morgan said. “I loved the game and I loved it when I got to meet players like Mickey Rivers…..I thought that life would not get better than this when I met them. “And then I became a star and yeah, life became better,” Morgan said to big laughs.

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