It has finally happened.
In last night’s game between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers, Aaron Judge officially broke the record for the most home runs hit in a single season by an American League player.
With No. 62 on the season, Judge reached baseball immortality.
In the bottom of the second inning, Judge was ultimately pulled after having broken the record, with Oswaldo Cabrera taking his place in right field.
But as he walked off the field, fans of the Rangers and Yankees alike gave him a huge standing ovation, understanding the importance of what he had just accomplished.
Update: Aaron Judge takes his position in right field for the bottom of the second, then exits to a standing ovation before a pitch is thrown; Oswaldo Cabrera replaces him.
Judge ends the night with 62 home runs, the new American League record. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 5, 2022
Judge Gets Standing O In Texas
Fans all across baseball understand just how important Judge’s home run chase has been.
This is a guy who has dealt with injuries over the past several years, but came out this year ready to return to form and chase history.
The record of 61 home runs set by Roger Maris back in 1961 stood for a long time, and depending on how you look at it, it could be considered the all-time record, that is, if you don’t count Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa.
So you could make a case that Judge is now the legitimate home run king.
This has been a crazy ride for Judge, and it’s something we probably won’t see in baseball for a long time.
That’s why fans gave Judge such a huge ovation last night in Texas.
Even if you aren’t a Yankees fan, the home run chase has been historic and exciting to watch.
You have to appreciate just how important a home run chase is and what it means to break a record that has stood for 61 years.
Now, Judge is the king, at least in the American League.
NEXT: Gerrit Cole Made Yankees History Of His Own Tuesday Night
