HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 30: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees at bat against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 30, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Listen to John Sterling’s radio call of Aaron Judge’s 61st home run (Video)
Blue Jays fans miss out on Aaron Judge’s 61st home run ball by narrowest of margins (Video)
Aaron Judge officially tied Roger Maris’ single-season home run record by hitting his 61st home run on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
On Sept. 20, Aaron Judge hit his 60th home run of the season, bringing him just one short of tying Roger Maris single-season record of 61 by an American League player. Eight days later, Judge has finally joined Maris in the history books
In Wednesday’s game between the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, Judge took a full count and sent a pitch thrown by Tim Mayza into the left field bullpen to record his 61st home run of the season.
Best tweets, memes after Aaron Judge hit 61st home run of season
There were a variety of reactions to Judge making history in Toronto, including from former Yankees stars Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia.
the only thing that could have made Aaron Judge’s home run better was if it had come during a split-screen moment during a college football game 🥰
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 29, 2022
I like Aaron Judge. Hope he leaves the Yankees so I can finally root for him.
— Mike (@ChiSoxFanMike) September 29, 2022
Aaron Judge hit #61 and Zach Hample didn’t catch the ball.
Another victory for America.
— Unmistakable Latin Flavor (@UrinatingTree) September 29, 2022
Congratulations to Aaron Judge on tying Roger Maris for the seventh most HR hit in a season.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) September 29, 2022
The baseball was secured by Blue Jays bullpen coach Matt Buschmann. Judge’s home run actually hit the stands in left field, and two fans actually missed out on the chance to grab it before it dropped into the bullpen! Either way, it was an easy retrieval for the Yankees and Judge.
After hitting his 60th home run, there were some close calls (i.e. the tease by the FOX camera operator) in the games that followed. The game on Tuesday night, where the Yankees clinched the AL East title, Judge was walked four times after receiving a full count five times! His home run total did not increase, but his on-base percentage certainly did.
Now, Judge has finally moved alongside Maris for the single-season home run lead in the American League. Now, we all wait and see when he gets No. 62.
