Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ powerhouse, achieved yet another milestone in his career as he hit his 50th homer of the season against the Colorado Rockies. The slugger made the significant connection in the first inning, sending a 0-2 changeup from Austin Gomber into the visiting bullpen in left-center to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead. This marked his 18th homer in the first inning this season, equalling Alex Rodriguez’s feat in 2001 for the major league record. Judge now stands alongside the likes of Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Babe Ruth as the only players in major league history with three 50-homer seasons.
Aaron Judge’s achievement is even more remarkable as he joins the elite company of players such as Rodriguez, Sosa, McGwire, and Ruth, who have also had multiple 50-homer seasons in their careers. Rodriguez had two 50-homer seasons for Texas in 2001 and 2002, as well as hitting 54 for the Yankees in 2007. Sosa, on the other hand, had four consecutive 50-homer seasons from 1998 to 2001, while McGwire replicated the same feat from 1996 to 1999, including his iconic 70-homer season in 1998. Ruth, the legendary Yankees player, had back-to-back 50-homer seasons in 1920 and 1921, followed by 1927 and 1928.
Back in 1927, Ruth reached the peak of his career when he hit 60 homers, setting an AL record that lasted until Roger Maris surpassed it in 1961 with 61 homers for the Yankees. Notably, Judge made history in 2022 by breaking Maris’ single-season AL record by hitting an impressive 62 homers. His consistent performance and ability to shatter records are a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the game. Judge’s swift journey to 50 homers in the 129th game is a reflection of his consistent prowess on the field, as demonstrated when he hit a home run in Anaheim against Angels reliever Ryan Tepera.
In conclusion, Aaron Judge’s remarkable achievement of hitting his 50th homer of the season solidifies his position among the greatest players in baseball history. His ability to match and surpass the records set by legends like Rodriguez, Sosa, McGwire, and Ruth showcases his exceptional talent and determination to excel in the sport. As Judge continues to rewrite the history books with his stellar performances, fans can’t help but marvel at his incredible feats on the field. With each swing of the bat, Aaron Judge cements his legacy in baseball and leaves a lasting impression on the game for years to come.
