A season ago, Aaron Judge embarked on an epic journey, hitting 62 home runs during the regular season and breaking Roger Maris‘ single-season American League record of 61.
Judge also helped carry the New York Yankees back to the ALCS for the first time since 2019.
But as the start of the 2023 MLB season nears, there is more the slugger and reigning American League MVP Award winner is hoping to accomplish.
Twice in his career, Judge has hit 50 or more home runs during a season.
Only three players have followed up a 60-homer season with at least 50 home runs the next year.
Those players are Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa.
Aaron Judge is trying to go where only three players have gone before in #MLB history, following up a 60-homer season with at least 50 HRs.
Babe Ruth: 60 in 1927; 54 in 1928.
Mark McGwire: 70 in 1998; 65 in 1999.
Sammy Sosa: 66 in 1998; 63 in 1999.
Sosa: 63 in 1999; 50 in 2000.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 28, 2023
This is an all-exclusive list featuring three of the best hitters in the history of the game.
Judge is attempting to become the fourth member of this exclusive club.
The 30-year-old had a season to remember in 2022 and helped guide the Yankees on another deep postseason run.
Whether or not he’ll be able to capture the AL MVP again is up for debate, but if he matches McGwire, Sosa, and Ruth, he’ll have a pretty good chance of securing his second straight MVP.
Ruth hit 60 home runs in 1927 and followed that season up with 54 in 1928.
After his 70-homer season in 1998, McGwire hit 65 homers in 1999.
Sosa accomplished the feat twice, except after hitting 66 homers in 1998, he put together another 60-plus home run season in 1999, hitting 63 that year.
He then homered 50 times in 2000.
Needless to say, Judge has a chance to be a part of history yet again.
NEXT: The Yankees Are Showing Off A New Infield Duo
