Aaron Judge is the new American League home run king

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge smashed his 62nd home run of the year on Tuesday to break the American League single-season record set by Roger Maris in 1961.

Judge clobbered the first-inning offering from Texas right-hander Jesus Tinoco over the left field wall to etch his name into the history books and give the Yankees an early lead at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Judge watched intently after he sent the 1-1 breaking ball soaring toward the outfield at 164 km per hour, the crowd standing in anticipation. The ball arrived 391 feet (119 meters) later into the glove of a lucky fan who cleanly snatched what will be a highly sought-after collector’s item, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

“For me, I’ve never tried to focus on a number,” Judge said after the game, which the Yankees lost 3-2.

Oct 4, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits home run number sixty-twoto break the American League home run record in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

“If I’m good enough, God willing, it will happen. Having that type of faith got me through this whole process.”

The popular 30-year-old’s teammates streamed out of the dugout and embraced him one-by-one after he crossed home plate to finally break the tie with Maris after failing to do so in the past five games, including one played earlier on Tuesday.

The outfielder was removed from the game in the bottom of the second inning as the AL East champions now look toward the playoffs. Asked what he will remember most about the home run chase that captivated a nation, Judge said it was the fans’ passion.

“It’s the constant support,” he said. “Seeing Yankee Stadium on their feet for every single at-bat, booing pitchers for throwing balls, I got a base hit the other night, and I was being booed for a single. It’s the little moments like that you look back on.”

Oct 4, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) rounds the bases after hitting home run number sixty-two to break the American League home run record in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The overall Major League Baseball (MLB) home run record belongs to Barry Bonds, with 73 homers hit for the National League’s San Francisco Giants in 2001. Bonds is among many of MLB’s great sluggers tainted by doping accusations during the so-called “Steroid Era.”

Judge, a California native who grew up rooting for the Giants and Bonds, has said he considers 73 to be the record. But Roger Maris Jr., the son of the late Roger Maris, said Judge’s accomplishment is different.

“Congratulations to Aaron Judge and his family on Aaron’s historic home run number 62!” Maris Jr. tweeted. “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!!”

Bonds, who never failed a drugs test, admitted in 2011 that he had used steroids but said his trainer led him to believe he was taking flaxseed oil and arthritis cream. He also holds the career home run record with 762. The Yankees play their final game of the regular season on Wednesday.