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Aaron Judge hits 62nd home run, America goes completely insane

With one swing of the bat, a baseball superstar saw the US lose its mind, including seeing a man jump from the stands.

Andrew McMurtryAndrew McMurtry
@AndrewMcMurtry
3 min read
October 5, 2022 - 1:22PM
Aaron Judge made history. Photo: Getty Images and Twitter
Aaron Judge made history. Photo: Getty Images and Twitter

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit his 62nd home run of the season to claim the American League season record — and send the US into an absolute frenzy.

Judge crushed the record breaking home run to beat the mark set by legend Roger Maris in 1961 for the all-time American League record, but it’s not the MLB record.

In fact Judge ranks seventh on that list, behind Barry Bonds (73) as well as Mark McGwire (70 and 65) and Sammy Sosa (66, 64 and 63).

However, the records have long been tainted as all three men have long been tainted by what’s known in baseball as the “Steroid Era” and all three have been rejected from the Baseball Hall of Fame.

So for many, Maris’ record was the one that was the true record to break.

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Judge, who equalled Maris’s record in Toronto last week, blasted a 391-foot bomb into the stands at the Texas Rangers’ Choctaw Stadium in the top of the first inning in Arlington.

The 30-year-old had been stuck on 61 homers since pulling level with Maris, failing to better the record during a weekend homestand at Yankee Stadium.

Two more fruitless appearances followed during Monday’s road opener against the Rangers, as well as the opening game of Tuesday’s double-header.

Aaron Judge has done it. Photo: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images/AFP
Aaron Judge has done it. Photo: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images/AFP

But Judge made no mistake as he led off the hitting in Tuesday’s evening game, crushing the third pitch faced from Rangers pitcher Jesus Tinoco.

The packed house went nuts as the commentator screamed: “Sailing into history, he’s done it, he has done it.”

As the ball went into the stands, a hopeful fan was seen leaping from the stands in case those clamouring for the ball dropped it.

The fans scrambled for the ball but it was caught by a Texan fan named Corey Youmans.

Media — and security guards descended to surround the man.

USA Today Sports’ Bob Nightengale posted: “Aaron Judge’s historic HR was hit in Section 31, Row 1, Seat 3. The fan is being taken by security to have the ball authenticated. It’s expected to be worth at least $2 million”.

The son of Roger Maris has also called for Judge to be crowned the greatest of all-time with all kinds of asterisks used in stats in the game.

“Baseball should consider making two separate home run records,” Maris Jr wrote on Twitter.

“PED home runs and home runs. Baseball’s commissioner established separate home run records in 1961. Babe Ruth was credited as the home run king with 60. Roger Maris was credited for his 61 separately under 162 games.”

Babe Ruth’s record was set in a 155 game season for the Yankees.

After Judge matched his father, Maris Jr. doubled down on his statement.

“I think it means a lot, not just for me,” he said.

“I think it means a lot for a lot of people, that he’s clean, he’s a Yankee, he plays the game the right way. I think it gives people a chance to look and somebody who should be revered for hitting 62 home runs.

“He should be revered for being the actual single-season home run champ. That’s really who he is, if he hits 62. I think that’s what needs to happen, I think baseball needs to look at the records, and I think baseball should do something.”

Judge’s teammates were thrilled. Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
Judge’s teammates were thrilled. Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

Social media went bonkers for the moment, with former stars, fans and even the president tweeting congratulations.

President Biden posted: “Congrats @TheJudge44 on home run 62. History made, more history to make.”

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

With AFP

Originally published as Aaron Judge hits 62nd home run, America goes completely insane

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/american-sports/mlb/aaron-judge-hits-62nd-home-run-america-goes-completely-insane/news-story/1db557ed9253ffe9d1ddd6377c2d7d02