NEW YORK — Aaron Judge became the quickest player in Major League Baseball history to reach 350 home runs, achieving the milestone in 1,088 games, which is 192 games fewer than Mark McGwire took. This record-breaking moment occurred during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium.
Details of the Record-Setting Home Run
Judge’s milestone came in the ninth inning when he hit a two-run homer to right-center field off Brad Keller, sending the ball well into the seats. McGwire had set the previous fastest pace, reaching his 350th home run in 1,280 games on June 2, 1997, at the hands of pitcher Brian Moehler. Before McGwire, Harmon Killebrew held the mark, reaching 350 home runs in 1,319 games.
Comments from Key Figures on Judge’s Achievement
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed admiration after the home run, stating,
“I just think he’s playing in a different league,”
highlighting Judge’s exceptional performance. Meanwhile, Judge acknowledged McGwire’s legacy, saying,
“Big Mac did a lot of great things in this game, and he’s definitely a legend,”
showing respect for the historic player he surpassed.
Judge’s Continued Excellence in the Current Season
Aaron Judge, who recently turned 33, started his career with the Yankees in 2016 at 24 years old. This season, he leads the majors with a batting average of .358, has hit 35 homers, and driven in 81 runs. Besides his record-breaking home run, Judge also hit two doubles in the same game.
Judge Reflects on Team Support and Recent Challenges
Despite the Yankees’ 5-2 loss to the Cubs, Judge emphasized the importance of his teammates, stating,
“Would have been great if we got a win today,”
and,
“I’ve been surrounded by a lot of great teammates, been on some good teams, so they really put me in the best position to go out there and perform at my best.”
The Connection Between Judge and McGwire
Mark McGwire ended his career in 2001 with 583 home runs, ranking 11th all-time. Although McGwire admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs in 2010 and remains excluded from the Hall of Fame, he has maintained contact with Judge. Judge revealed their relationship developed after his own injury, explaining,
“I think it started with when I broke my first rib,”
and,
“I think his son was kind of going through the same thing, so he was first asking me how did I heal? What do we do? So I kind of gave him some tips on that. And then we just kind of chit-chatted a little bit and kept in contact.”
Significance of Judge’s Milestone for Baseball
Aaron Judge’s record-setting pace to 350 home runs cements his status as one of the premier players in the league, highlighting both his power and consistency. Surpassing a benchmark set by legendary sluggers such as McGwire and Killebrew brings renewed attention to his career trajectory. With his leadership as the Yankees captain and ongoing strong performance, Judge’s legacy is poised to grow as the current season unfolds.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He has achieved three seasons with 50 or more home runs, joining only four other players in history with this record.
Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?
A. Aaron Judge was adopted on April 27, 1992, a day after his birth, by Patty and Wayne Judge, who were both teachers. He noticed he was adopted when he was about 10 years old because he looked different from his parents.
Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?
A. Aaron James Judge, born on April 26, 1992, plays professional baseball as an outfielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been selected as an MLB All-Star seven times and has won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award twice. Judge set the AL record for the highest number of home runs in a single season, hitting 62.
Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?
A. Aaron Judge has decided he won’t grow a beard, even though the Yankees have updated their rules about facial hair.