Aaron Judge Hits 300th Career Home Run, Sets Historic Pace
In a record-setting moment at Chicago's Guaranteed Rate Field, Aaron Judge notched his 300th career home run, solidifying his status as one of baseball's most prolific power hitters. The Yankee slugger's milestone came off a pitch from Chicago White Sox right-hander Chad Kuhl, adding yet another chapter to Judge’s storied career.
Reaching 300 home runs is no small feat, but Judge has done it faster than anyone in the history of Major League Baseball. The 31-year-old reached this benchmark in just 955 games, surpassing the previous record held by Ralph Kiner, who hit his 300th in 1,087 games. "If it comes with a win, it'll mean something. It's not what we play for. I just want to put us in a good position," Judge remarked after the game, always deflecting personal glory for the team’s success.
Not only did Judge break the record for fewest games to reach 300 home runs, but he also set a new standard for the fewest number of at-bats needed. Judge blasted his 300th homer in 3,431 at-bats, edging out the legendary Babe Ruth, who previously held the record with 3,830 at-bats. It's another accolade for Judge, who continues to rewrite the record books.
This season has been another stellar year for Judge, who has hit 43 home runs in just 122 team games. In comparison, he had 46 homers in the same number of games during the previous season and finished 2022 with an astounding 62 home runs. As of now, the Yankees have 40 games remaining in the season, giving Judge ample opportunity to add to his impressive tally.
Judge’s achievement also places him in exclusive company within the ranks of the New York Yankees. He is now the fourth player in the team’s storied history to record three 40-homer seasons, joining legends such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Mickey Mantle. The significance of this accomplishment underscores Judge’s exceptional talent and consistency.
Furthermore, Judge joined the 300 home run club as its 162nd member. Notably, he and Mark McGwire are the only players in Major League history to reach this milestone before accumulating 1,000 hits, highlighting their extraordinary home run prowess. Ryan Howard and Juan Gonzalez also reached 300 home runs in fewer than 1,100 games, putting Judge in an elite class of power hitters.
At 32 years old, Judge shows no signs of slowing down. Beyond his home run numbers, he leads the league this season in RBI, extra-base hits, and total bases, proving his overall value to the Yankees. His performance is not just about the long ball; it's about being a complete offensive force.
Across the league, Judge’s main competition in the home run race is Shohei Ohtani, who has 37 home runs this season. Ohtani’s remarkable dual role as both a pitcher and hitter continues to capture headlines, but Judge’s historic achievements have kept him in the spotlight.
Aaron Judge’s 300th home run is more than just a number; it's a testament to his hard work, consistency, and natural ability. As he continues to forge his legacy, fans and pundits alike can only watch in awe as he pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the game of baseball.