Aaron Judge Sets New Home Run Record: Breaks 350 HR Milestone in Record Time
The excitement around Aaron Judge continues to grow as he shatters home run records. This past Saturday, despite the New York Yankees’ 5-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs, Judge became the fastest player in Major League Baseball history to reach 350 career home runs. He achieved this in just 1,088 games, outpacing the previous record held by Mark McGwire by an impressive 192 games.
Judge’s Historic Achievement
- Two-run homer: Judge launched his historical home run during the ninth inning, securing his place in baseball history.
- Speedy ascent: He reached the 350 home run mark significantly faster than McGwire, who reached the milestone in 1,280 games.
Judge Reflects on the Milestone
After the game, Judge expressed mixed feelings, stating, “I honestly got nothing, to be honest. It would have been great if we got a win today, to do something like that.” He credited his success to his loyal teammates, saying, “I’ve been surrounded by some great teammates and been on some good teams that have really put me in the best position to perform at my best.”
A Look Back at Judge’s Career
Aaron Judge’s journey to this milestone includes several remarkable seasons:
- 2017: Hit 52 home runs in his first full MLB season.
- 2022: Set the American League record with 62 home runs, surpassing Yankees legend Roger Maris.
- 2024: Hit 58 home runs, continuing his consistent performance.
Manager Aaron Boone Weighs In
Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Judge, saying, “Wow. I mean, I don’t know what to say about it. The fact that it’s 200 games faster than McGwire is just a testament to his greatness.” Boone acknowledged the significance of hitting 350 home runs in such a short time frame.
The Home Run Leaders
Judge’s achievement is even more remarkable considering the players that follow him on the fastest to 350 list:
- Mark McGwire – 1,280 games
- Juan Gonzalez – 1,298 games
- Alex Rodriguez – 1,301 games
- Harmon Killebrew – 1,319 games
- Albert Pujols – 1,320 games (not yet eligible for Hall of Fame induction)
Interestingly, only Killebrew is in the Hall of Fame among this group, while the first three have faced scrutiny due to PED allegations.
Judge’s Connections to Past Legends
When asked about his interactions with Mark McGwire, Judge shared, “I’ve talked to McGwire. We really didn’t talk much [about] hitting, just getting to know him a little bit.” Judge described his admiration for McGwire, calling him a "legend."
Current Season Performance
As of now, Judge’s batting average stands at an impressive .358, following a standout 3-for-4 performance. His 35 home runs this season are now the most by a Yankee before the All-Star break, breaking his previous record of 34 from the last season.
Conclusion
Aaron Judge’s historic milestone of 350 home runs cements his status as one of baseball’s elite players. With each game, he continues to inspire and engage fans, while setting records that may stand for years to come. For the latest updates on Aaron Judge, follow more coverage on MLB.com or ESPN.
