Aaron Judge has once again captivated baseball fans with his extraordinary power, hitting his 50th and 51st home runs of the season on August 25, 2024, during a game against the Colorado Rockies. This remarkable achievement not only solidifies Judge’s position as one of the premier hitters in the league but also places him in elite company, marking the third time in his career that he has reached the 50-home run milestone.
Historic Milestones
Judge’s journey to 50 began in the first inning when he launched a slider from Rockies pitcher Austin Gomber over the left-center field wall, giving the Yankees a 2-1 lead. This home run was particularly significant as it made him the fifth player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs in a season three times, joining legends like Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Alex Rodriguez.
Just a few innings later, Judge added to his tally with a second home run in the sixth inning, contributing to a back-to-back-to-back home run sequence that also featured Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton. This display of power helped the Yankees secure a decisive 10-3 victory over the Rockies, further showcasing Judge’s ability to perform in crucial moments.
Aiming for Greatness
Currently, Judge is on track to surpass his own American League single-season record of 62 home runs set in 2022. With 51 home runs and over a month left in the season, he is not only leading the league in home runs but also in RBIs, with 121, and is hitting an impressive .333. As he continues to dominate at the plate, there is a growing anticipation among fans and analysts alike regarding the possibility of him challenging Barry Bonds’s all-time record of 74 home runs.
Legacy and Recognition
Judge’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, with former Yankees greats like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez expressing their admiration. Jeter remarked on Judge’s ability to uphold the legacy of the Yankees, while Rodriguez highlighted Judge’s unique physicality and talent, calling him a “one-of-a-kind player” in the game today.
As the season progresses, fans are rallying behind Judge, proudly proclaiming “All Rise!” in support of their star player. With each game, Judge continues to redefine expectations and inspire a new generation of baseball enthusiasts, making this season one for the history books.