Rob Issa, FISM News
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Aaron Judge is the American League’s new home run king.
The New York Yankees slugger slammed his 62nd home run of the season Tuesday night in Texas, breaking Roger Maris’ 61-year-old record. Barry Bonds holds the major league record with 73 homers set in 2001.
Judge connected on a 1-1 slider from right-hander Jesús Tinoco in the 161st game of the season.
Remember where you were when #AaronJudge made history. 6️⃣2️⃣ #AllRise pic.twitter.com/w4kbDJf5ZC
— MLB (@MLB) October 5, 2022
“There’s definitely a little pressure in there,” Judge said about breaking Maris’ mark with only one game remaining in the regular season for the postseason-bound Yankees.
The 30-year-old Judge had his wife and parents in the stands when he ended a five-game homerless streak.
“In my book, it’s just another day,” Judge said.
Judge’s Yankees teammates came out of the dugout to celebrate with him after he went deep in the first inning. They shared hugs and high-fives after he stepped on the plate.
“Very few people get this opportunity, a chance to do this,” Judge said earlier this week. “My teammates keep me humble and keep me under control.”
Judge has hit the seventh-most home runs in a single season in baseball history. Bonds, Mark McGwire (70 in 1998; 65 in 1999), and Sammy Sosa (66 in 1998; 64 in 2001; 63 in 1999) each hit more in a season. But, allegations of performance-enhancing drug use have overshadowed their home run totals. None of the three are in the Hall of Fame.
Roger Maris Jr. tweeted: “Congratulations to Aaron Judge and his family on Aaron’s historic home run number 62! It has definitely been a baseball season to remember. You are all class and someone who should be revered. For the MAJORITY of the fans, we can now celebrate a new CLEAN HOME RUN KING!!”
Congratulations to Aaron Judge and his family on Aaron’s historic home run number 62! It has definitely been a baseball season to remember. You are all class and someone who should be revered. For the MAJORITY of the fans, we can now celebrate a new CLEAN HOME RUN KING!!
— Roger Maris Jr (@RogerMarisJr) October 5, 2022
Only three American League players have reached 60 homers in a season and each did it for the Yankees. Babe Ruth hit 60 in 1927. Maris broke that mark 34 years later and it stood until Tuesday night.
The milestone ball was caught in the stands in left field by Cory Youmans of Dallas. Asked what he was going to do with the ball while being taken away with security to have the ball authenticated, Youmans responded: “Good question. I haven’t thought about it.”
The ball is expected to be worth at least $1 million in the memorabilia market.
“I don’t know where it’s at. It’d be great to get it back,” Judge said, adding the fan has every right to keep the valuable souvenir.
Judge has played 55 straight games while chasing the record. He had only one homer in the previous 13 games. The Yankees already clinched the AL East title and will have a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Judge leads the home run race by 16 over the Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber, who has 46. The 16-homer margin over the second-place hitter is the largest since Jimmie Foxx’s 17-homer margin over Ruth in 1932. Judge had a chance to become the first AL Triple Crown winner since Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera in 2012 but he trails Minnesota’s Luis Arraez, who is hitting .315. Judge is at .311.
Judge, who points to the sky to acknowledge the Lord after crossing home plate, is powered by his Christian faith. It’s the first word he uses to describe himself in his Twitter and Instagram bio.
“He put me in this position, blessed me with so many opportunities in my life,” Judge said during his rookie season, according to Sports Spectrum. “I just try to take a quick moment just to kind of thank Him. … It’s a blessing every time I step on that field and get that opportunity.”
Judge has said that 2 Corinthians 5:7 is his life verse. It reads: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
“It’s one of my favorite Bible verses,” Judge said. “(I) try to live my life by it, and always trust the Man above and what He’s got in store for us. We never know what’s around the corner, but if we have faith in Him, He will lead us in the right direction.”