Aaron Judge Sets Record with 300th Home Run in Yankees’ Victory Over White Sox
In a thrilling game against the Chicago White Sox, Aaron Judge added another milestone to his illustrious career. As he rounded first base, Judge couldn’t help but notice his teammates’ jubilant celebrations in the bullpen. The New York Yankees’ slugger had just hit his 300th homer, achieving this remarkable feat faster than any player in the history of Major League Baseball. The Yankees secured a resounding 10-2 victory on Wednesday night, further elevating the significance of Judge’s achievement.
Judge’s reaction to his milestone was one of humility and excitement. “It’s a great achievement,” he remarked. “Like I said a couple of days ago, I was hoping it would come in a win. It came in a big win for us. We were down for a little bit, couldn’t get much going, so I was just excited it was there in a big moment.”
Record-Breaking Home Run
Judge reached this milestone in his 955th game and 3,431st at-bat with a powerful three-run drive in the eighth inning. The six-time All-Star and 2022 American League MVP launched a 3-0 up-and-in sinker from Chad Kuhl into the White Sox bullpen in left field, marking his major-league-leading 43rd homer of the season.
The Yankees’ dugout erupted in celebration as the ball soared over the wall. Players jumped up, raised their arms, and banged on the dugout railing in pure elation. After the game, DJ LeMahieu and Austin Wells showered Judge with a tub of water, a fitting tribute to the monumental achievement.
“That means a lot,” Judge said. “These guys grind with me every single day. I know the hard work they put in. They see what I do. That was pretty special.”
Historical Context
Ralph Kiner previously held the record for the fastest player to reach 300 homers, doing so in his 1,087th game. Babe Ruth reached the milestone in his 3,831st at-bat. Judge’s accomplishment places him among baseball’s elite, a fact not lost on him. “Those are some guys that have done a lot of great things in this game,” Judge said. “You throw around a lot of those names to people who don’t know baseball and they know who they are. It’s a special group to be in.”
Strategic Decisions and Their Impact
The game took an interesting turn in the eighth inning when Chicago’s interim manager Grady Sizemore made a strategic decision that would inadvertently set the stage for Judge’s historic homer. With Chicago trailing 6-2, Sizemore chose to intentionally walk Juan Soto, who had already hit three homers on Tuesday and another in the first inning on Wednesday, to bring up Judge.
“I was mad about the intentional walk, so that kind of fueled,” Judge admitted. “Usually 3-0, I’ll take a pitch, see a pitch, kind of pass it on to the next guy. But in that situation, if they don’t want to pitch to you, you got to come through.”
Intentional Walks and Their Consequences
Intentional walks are a rare occurrence for Judge, who leads the major leagues with 14 intentional walks this season. This particular intentional walk was only the second time in Judge’s career that the batter before him was walked intentionally. The first instance occurred during Judge’s rookie year on August 31, 2016, when Chase Headley was intentionally walked at Kansas City in the 13th inning.
“It locks you in, but I get why he did it,” Judge said of Sizemore’s decision. “The way Juan’s been swinging the bat and what he’s done in this series, four homers, driving the ball all over the park, I’d probably walk him, too, in that situation.”
Sizemore, in his fifth game as interim manager after replacing Pedro Grifol, explained his decision. “It’s pick your poison. I’m not trying to get to Judge. I got a base open,” he said. “There’s no solution or an easy way out of that jam, but Soto’s definitely been the hotter of those two bats, even though Judge has been hot, too.”
Judge’s Career and Achievements
Judge’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. The 2022 AL MVP, who set an American League record with 62 homers last season, is currently batting .333 and leads the major leagues with 110 RBIs. His 300th home run came eight years and one day after he homered in his first big league at-bat.
“Definitely caught us off guard,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of the intentional walk, “but Aaron was ready to throw up a great at-bat. I thought he expanded the zone a little bit too much there on 3-0,” Boone added playfully.
Home Run Metrics
Judge’s home run measured 361 feet, tied for his second-shortest this season, trailing only a 339-foot homer on May 19. Interestingly, this particular home run would not have cleared the fence at Yankee Stadium, highlighting the unique dimensions of different ballparks.
Joining an Elite Club
Judge is now the seventh player in Yankees’ franchise history to hit 300 home runs, joining an illustrious group that includes Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Alex Rodriguez. His ascent to 300 homers has been rapid; it took Judge 671 games to reach 200 career home runs, and just 284 games to go from 200 to 300.
Judge is the 162nd player in MLB history to reach 300 homers, and his total currently ranks 13th among active players. This achievement cements his status as one of the premier sluggers in baseball.
FAQs
What makes Aaron Judge’s 300th home run significant?
Aaron Judge’s 300th home run is significant because he reached this milestone faster than any other player in MLB history, doing so in just 955 games and 3,431 at-bats.
Why was Juan Soto intentionally walked before Aaron Judge’s homer?
Juan Soto was intentionally walked because he had been performing exceptionally well, hitting four homers in the series. Chicago’s interim manager Grady Sizemore decided to walk Soto to face Judge, who then hit his milestone home run.
How does Judge’s achievement compare to other MLB legends?
Judge’s accomplishment places him in an elite group of players. Ralph Kiner previously held the record for the fastest to 300 homers (1,087 games), and Babe Ruth reached it in his 3,831st at-bat. Judge’s rapid ascent to 300 homers is a testament to his exceptional talent.
How many intentional walks has Aaron Judge received this season?
Aaron Judge leads the major leagues with 14 intentional walks this season, underscoring his reputation as a feared hitter.
Who are the other Yankees players to hit 300 home runs?
Aaron Judge joins Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Alex Rodriguez as the only players in Yankees’ franchise history to hit 300 home runs.
Conclusion
Aaron Judge’s 300th home run is a testament to his extraordinary talent and work ethic. Achieving this milestone faster than any other player in MLB history, Judge has solidified his place among baseball’s elite. His contributions have not only propelled the Yankees to victory but have also etched his name in the annals of baseball history. As Judge continues to dazzle fans and teammates alike, his journey is a compelling narrative of perseverance, talent, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
