Aaron Judge Makes History with 40 Home Runs
Aaron Judge, the star player from the New York Yankees, made baseball history on Friday night by hitting two home runs in a single game, bringing his total for the season to an impressive 40. Not only did Judge achieve this milestone, but he also became the first player to reach 40 home runs this season. This remarkable feat places him in an elite group of Yankee legends, including Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris, as the only individuals to hit 40 home runs by the end of July while wearing the pinstripes. Let’s dive into Judge’s incredible performance and the impact he has had on the Yankees’ success.
Judge’s Record-Breaking Season
With his two home runs on Friday night, Judge set a new team record for most multi-home run games in a season with a total of nine. This record-breaking achievement demonstrates Judge’s ability to shine when he gets into a groove. His powerful swings and consistent performance have left fans and fellow players in awe. Even Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole described Judge’s prowess as akin to using a magic wand. Before this season, the record for most multi-home run games in a season was held by Gleyber Torres, Alex RodrÃguez, Mickey Mantle, and Babe Ruth, with eight each. By surpassing this record, Judge solidifies his place among the greats and establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with.
The MVP Race Heats Up
As Judge continues to surpass expectations and break records, his chances of winning the 2022 AL MVP award are looking increasingly promising. With -200 odds, he is currently the betting favorite, while Shohei Ohtani from the LA Angels follows closely with +175 odds. However, trade rumors surrounding Ohtani’s future team add an extra layer of uncertainty to the race. Speculation suggests that Ohtani might be traded before the upcoming deadline, with the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves among the favorites to acquire him. Regardless of the outcome, Judge’s exceptional performance and impact on the Yankees’ success make him a strong contender for the MVP title.
Can Judge Surpass Ruth and Maris?
If Judge maintains his current pace and stays healthy throughout the season, he has the potential to finish with a staggering 66 home runs. Not only would this secure the team record, but it would also surpass Babe Ruth’s initial record of 60 home runs before the 154th game of the season. Roger Maris ultimately surpassed Ruth’s record by hitting 61 home runs in the final game of the 162-game season. Judge’s consistent power hitting and ability to deliver when the team needs him most make his pursuit of these records all the more intriguing.
Judge’s Dominance On and Off the Field
Not only is Judge impressive with his home run hitting ability, but he also showcases his skills on the defensive side of the game. In a game against the Kansas City Royals, Judge exhibited his exceptional reach and athleticism by robbing MJ Melendez of a potential home run. Stretching his 6-foot-8 frame to the limit, Judge made an incredible catch, denying the Royals a run. His contributions on both offense and defense highlight his value to the Yankees and further solidify his status as one of the game’s premier players.
Conclusion
Aaron Judge’s performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 40 home runs and a record-breaking number of multi-home run games, Judge has positioned himself among the all-time greats in Yankee history. His impact on the team’s success and his pursuit of Ruth and Maris’s records add excitement and anticipation to every game. As fans eagerly watch his every swing, Judge continues to defy expectations and leave a lasting legacy in the world of baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many home runs does Aaron Judge have this season?
As of now, Aaron Judge has hit an impressive 40 home runs this season, making him the first player to reach this milestone.
2. Who holds the record for the most multi-home run games in a season?
Aaron Judge now holds the team record for the most multi-home run games in a season with nine, surpassing previous record holders Gleyber Torres, Alex RodrÃguez, Mickey Mantle, and Babe Ruth.
3. What are Aaron Judge’s chances of winning the 2022 AL MVP award?
Aaron Judge is currently the betting favorite with -200 odds to win the 2022 AL MVP award. However, competition from Shohei Ohtani and potential trades could affect the outcome.
4. Can Aaron Judge surpass Babe Ruth’s and Roger Maris’s home run records?
If Aaron Judge maintains his current pace and stays healthy throughout the season, he has the potential to surpass Babe Ruth’s initial record of 60 home runs before the 154th game of the season.
5. How does Aaron Judge contribute defensively?
Aside from his impressive offensive performance, Aaron Judge showcases his defensive skills as well. He has made notable catches, like robbing opponents of potential home runs, demonstrating his athleticism and valuable contributions on both sides of the game.