The floods that lasted for days in Central Texas left thousands of people without power, water, and communication. Roads were cut off, supplies were difficult to access. Community kitchens began to run out of ingredients.
And then, on a rainy Monday morning, the sound of airplane engines rang out at a small civilian airport near the city of San Marcos, carrying hope in the form of 6 private planes.
What surprised people even more was the words engraved on each plane:
“Aaron Judge – Stand Tall, Stay Strong.”
Texans burst into tears. Not because the food had arrived. But because they knew: they had not been forgotten.
This special relief effort did not come from the Federal government, nor was it launched by a large charity. Instead, a group of loyal New York Yankees fans, philanthropists and New York businesses had quietly planned it.
When asked why Aaron Judge was named, one volunteer replied simply:
“Because Judge is more than just the Yankees captain. He is a symbol of resilience, of getting back up after being knocked down. And Texas needs that right now.”
Aaron Judge did not personally confirm his role. But according to a source close to him, he knew and allowed his name to be used because ‘if it helps someone live, I’m willing’.
The cargo list on the six planes was not all dry:
Rice, pasta, cereal
Baby food
Bottled water and basic medications
And most notably: hot packaged food from a Bronx restaurant chain – “gifted specifically for mothers who lost their kitchens”
The sight of people lining up, receiving their meals with red eyes was one of the most moving images on social media. Many shared the words printed on the food boxes:
“We don’t play here, but we care here – NYY ❤️ TX.”
Although not in Texas, Aaron Judge’s name was present on every box, shipping tag, and plane.
A child at a shelter saw the Yankees logo and exclaimed:
“That’s the New York Giant my dad always told me about!”
Local authorities said they had never seen such a well-organized, fast, and emotional campaign. One relief worker gushed:
“I’ve been doing this for 15 years. I’ve never seen a package with a handwritten note that said, ‘We believe you’ll get up. – NY Fans.’”
Aaron Judge didn’t pitch that game. The Yankees aren’t playing in Texas this week. But the six planes that flew overnight from New York to the flood zone — bearing his name — were the most beautiful home runs Texans have ever seen.