Yankees’ powerhouse slugger, Aaron Judge, continues to solidify his place in baseball history by hitting his 50th home run of the season. This remarkable feat, achieved during the Yankees’ 10-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, makes Judge only the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to have three 50-homer seasons. His incredible performance has once again captivated fans and reaffirmed his status as one of the game’s elite players.
Reaching a Historic Milestone
Aaron Judge reached his 50th home run in the Yankees’ 131st game of the season, showcasing his consistency and power at the plate. This accomplishment comes just two years after Judge set the American League single-season home run record by hitting 62 homers, surpassing Roger Maris’ long-standing mark. Notably, in that historic season, Judge also reached 50 homers by the Yankees’ 129th game, underscoring his unparalleled ability to dominate the game.
Judge’s 50th homer came in the first inning off an 0-2 changeup from Colorado’s Austin Gomber, sending the ball soaring into the Rockies’ bullpen beyond the left-center field fence. This shot gave the Yankees an early 2-1 lead and etched Judge’s name alongside baseball legends like Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Babe Ruth—each of whom has also achieved three 50-homer seasons.
A Legacy Among Legends
Aaron Judge’s achievement places him in elite company. Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa each recorded four 50-homer seasons, with Ruth famously hitting 60 homers in 1927—a record that stood until Maris’ 61 homers in 1961. Judge’s record-breaking 62 homers in 2022 now stand as the benchmark in the American League, further cementing his legacy.
Not only is Judge’s power impressive, but his ability to consistently perform in high-pressure situations makes him invaluable to the Yankees. This season, Judge has hit 18 home runs in the first inning, tying Alex Rodriguez’s single-season record for first-inning homers, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. With an average of one home run every nine at-bats, Judge is on pace to reach an astonishing 63 homers this season.
The Yankee Captain’s Unwavering Drive
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his admiration for Judge, highlighting his relentless pursuit of excellence. “We’re running out of superlatives to describe what we’re seeing, especially in this era where hitting is so challenging,” Boone said. “It’s just fun to watch him, not just for his talent, but for the kind of teammate and person he is. His desire to improve every year is what sets him apart.”
Judge’s 51st homer came later in the game, a line-drive shot off rookie Jeff Criswell into the right field seats. The Yankees’ captain acknowledged the crowd with a curtain call, a moment orchestrated by Boone. “The fans were pumped up, and it was great to give them something to cheer for,” Judge reflected.
A Trio of Power
Judge’s second home run of the game was part of a back-to-back-to-back home run streak, with teammates Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton also going deep. This power display marked the first time since September 2020 that the Yankees hit three consecutive homers, demonstrating the team’s explosive potential.
Gleyber Torres also contributed to the offensive onslaught, scoring on Judge’s first homer and adding a three-run drive in the eighth inning. Judge has now homered seven times in his last six games and has 47 homers in his last 102 games, a testament to his extraordinary consistency.
“It’s unreal,” Stanton remarked. “He does something special every day.” Judge’s 39th career multi-homer game and fifth this season further highlight his dominance.
As the season progresses, Aaron Judge remains laser-focused on the Yankees’ goals. “It’s a great accomplishment, but there’s still more to be done,” Judge emphasized. “This team’s got a big mission in front of them, and we’re all focused on that right now.”
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