In a gripping matchup on Sunday, the New York Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-2, marking a significant moment not only for the series but also for Aaron Judge’s career. Judge, the reigning American League MVP, delivered a decisive 36th home run during the game, tying him with Babe Ruth for a legendary Yankees record.
Judge’s home run came in the eighth inning, a pivotal moment that helped push the Yankees ahead. His overall performance included one hit in four at-bats, a walk, and an RBI, demonstrating his continued power and consistency at the plate throughout the season.
Context of the Record: Power Hitters in Yankees History
By reaching 36 home runs within the first 100 games of the season, Aaron Judge matched Babe Ruth’s mark set on multiple occasions in the 1920s and 1930s. This milestone places Judge among the most illustrious power hitters in the history of the franchise, highlighting his exceptional ability to perform at an elite level.
This achievement adds Judge to an exclusive list of Yankees players who have hit 35 or more home runs early in a season, a group that features legends like Lou Gehrig, Roger Maris, and Mickey Mantle. These figures reinforce Judge’s status as a key figure in Yankees history and connect his performance to the storied legacy of the team’s power hitters.
Elite Company: The Yankees Home Run Leaders in Early Season Games
Judge’s 36 home runs in this season place him alongside other notable Yankees’ feats achieved in the first 100 games of a year:
41 – Babe Ruth (1921)
41 – Babe Ruth (1928)
40 – Roger Maris (1961)
39 – Mickey Mantle (1959)
39 – Aaron Judge (2022)
36 – Aaron Judge (2025)
36 – Babe Ruth (1920)
36 – Babe Ruth (1930)
36 – Lou Gehrig (1934)
35 – Lou Gehrig (1927)
35 – Roger Maris (1960)
Each player on this list has left an indelible mark on baseball, and Judge’s entry serves as a testament to his power and determination in the current season.
Looking Forward: Judge’s Pursuit of the Major League Lead
As the 2025 season progresses, Aaron Judge remains close to leading the major leagues in home runs, a title presently held by Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners. Every swing contributes to both the Yankees’ success and Judge’s growing legacy as one of baseball’s greatest sluggers.
His performance continues to excite fans and analysts alike, as his combination of strength, focus, and resilience keeps him at the forefront of the sport. Judge’s ability to honor the legendary players who preceded him, while carving out his own unique place in baseball history, makes this season especially captivating.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He is among only five players ever with three seasons of 50 or more home runs.
Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?
A. Aaron Judge was taken in by Patty and Wayne Judge, both teachers, on April 27, 1992, just one day after he was born. When he was about 10 years old, he noticed he looked different from his parents, which led him to realize he was adopted.
Q. Could Aaron Judge hit 400?
A. By Wednesday’s game in Anaheim, his batting average was .395. Although hitting .400 is nearly unattainable today, being so close this late in the season reveals a lot about the challenges opposing defenses face when Judge is up to bat.
Q. Is Aaron Judge biological?
A. Patty and Wayne welcomed Aaron into their family the day after he was born in Sacramento, California. Aaron, who became a Major League Baseball player, was part of a closed adoption. This means he never met his birth parents, and who they are remains a mystery.