BREAKING: In a thrilling moment for baseball fans, Aaron Judge hit his 358th career homer on August 27, 2023, tying with Hall of Famer Yogi Berra for fifth place on the New York Yankees’ all-time home run list. This milestone came during the Yankees’ 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox.
Despite the defeat, Judge expressed pride in reaching this significant achievement, stating, “Getting a chance to tie one of the greatest if not the greatest Yankee in homers is pretty special.” The slugger emphasized the honor of wearing the Yankees jersey, reflecting on Berra’s lasting impact on the franchise.
Judge’s homer, a towering solo shot off Martin Perez, registered an impressive exit velocity of 112.6 mph and traveled 426 feet. His performance included a double and a single, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the game. “Just missed the last one,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, highlighting Judge’s near-miss for another homer in the ninth inning.
With this achievement, Judge joins an elite group of Yankees legends: Babe Ruth (659), Mickey Mantle (536), Lou Gehrig (493), and Joe DiMaggio (361). This marks the first shift in the Yankees’ top five home run hitters since Mantle achieved his 203rd homer in 1957.
The Yankees are set for a challenging stretch, facing four playoff contenders starting with a three-game series against the Houston Astros on August 29. Judge, who just returned from a flexor strain in his right elbow, expressed eagerness for these high-stakes matchups, stating, “We want to play the best teams… this is what it’s all about.”
Judge, 33, recently signed a $360 million contract with the Yankees in December 2022. As he continues to build his legacy, fans and historians alike will be watching closely as he chases further accolades.
This significant milestone not only honors Berra’s legacy but also highlights Judge’s growing impact on the Yankees’ storied history. As discussions around his future and the team’s playoff prospects heat up, baseball fans everywhere will be eagerly following his journey.
