The New York Yankees star Aaron Judge is now in sole possession of the American League’s record for most home runs in a single season. Judge launched his 62nd home run in a 2-3 loss to Texas Rangers on Tuesday night, breaking a tie with Roger Maris.
Judge hit the record-tying 61 home runs last week against the Toronto Blue Jays but then had a five-game stretch without a homer. However, the 30-year-old needed only one inning to get to the magical number against the Rangers.
“It’s a big relief. I think that everyone can sit back down in their seats and watch the ballgame, you know? No, but it’s been a fun ride so far,” Judge said after the game via ESPN. “Getting a chance to do this, with the team we’ve got, the guys surrounding me, the constant support from my family whose been with me through this whole thing … it’s been a great honor.”
Besides owning the AL record, Judge is also sixth on the MLB’s all-time list for most single-season home runs. At the top of the list are Barry Bonds with 73 homers in 2001, Mark McGwire with 70 homers in 1999 and 65 in 1998, and Sammy Sosa with 66, 64, and 63 homers in 1998, 2001, and 1999 respectively.
Aaron Judge is close to walking away with a Triple Crown in AL this season, being first in home runs and RBIs (131). His .311 batting average is only second to Minnesota Twins’ Luis Arraez, who has .315 for the year.
