Aaron Judge Makes Home Run History

ALL RISE! New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge made history when he hit home run No. 62 on Wednesday, Oct. 4, now making him the all-time leader in home runs in a single season in the American League division. 

Although Judge had to wait for five games since tying the AL division record on Sept. 28., and despite his preference to break the record in front of a home crowd at Yankee Stadium, the occasion couldn’t have been better scripted. Judge found himself in front of a nearly sold-out crowd at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. His mother Patty Judge sat alongside the former division record holder Roger Marris’ son, Roger Marris Jr., as Judge hit a ball deep into left field in the first inning, cementing his name in history. The Yankees dugout cleared to celebrate with No.99 at home plate, a moment that many baseball fans will remember, including Judge himself.

In a post-game interview with Tom Goldman from NPR on Oct. 4, Judge talked about the impact and importance of the support he received from his fans and many others, who itched to witness history in real-time. 

“The constant support,” Judge said to NPR reporters. “You know, they’re booing pitchers for throwing balls. You know, I think I got a base hit the other night, and I was getting booed for a single. You know, little moments like that, you look back on. That’s what it’s about for me.” 

With this home run, Judge surpassed former Yankee, the late Roger Maris for the most home runs in a single season in the AL Division that was set back in 1961. He is now seventh overall for that record in the MLB, trailing behind Barry Bonds (73), Mark McGwire (70 and 65), and Sammy Sosa (64 and 63). 

The 30-year-old’s historic run comes during his best season, as he is set in his prime and in contention for the Triple Crown. This also makes a case within the baseball community if he’s really the true holder of this title, as Bonds, Sosa and McGwire set these records when all three were linked to using banned substances. Despite those claims, the Yankee outfielder reiterated to news outlets that Bonds holds that honor. 

With moments this big, no one does it alone. Along with the support of Judge’s family, his mom Patty was in attendance for the historic night in Texas. He described her impact on his career and what her presence meant to him throughout this feat. 

“Having my mom here, it’s important,” Judge stated to reporters during a Sept. 28 postgame conference. “She’s been with me through it all, that’s for sure. From the Little League days, from getting me ready for school, taking me to my first couple of practices and games, being there for my first professional game, being there at my debut, and now getting the chance to be here for this, this is something special.”

Although the home run count ends at 62 for the regular season, Judge’s home run-hitting form can play a crucial role for the Yankees as they set their eyes on a run to the World Series at the end of October.