In 2022, Aaron Judge hit 62 home runs and shattered the historic mark of 61 home runs set by Roger Maris in 1961, a barrier that had stood for 61 years in the American League. The New York Yankees outfielder became the new home run king of the junior circuit, writing one of the most thrilling chapters in recent baseball history.
Roger Maris and His Lasting Legacy
Roger Maris, who played for the New York Yankees in the 1960s, set his 61-home-run mark in 1961, a season that became etched in American baseball lore. For more than six decades, that number was synonymous with offensive excellence in the American League. Maris won the Most Valuable Player award in 1960 and 1961, establishing himself as one of the great sluggers of his era. His record was revered and pursued, but never matched in the American League until Aaron Judge arrived with his devastating swing.
Aaron Judge’s Historic 2022 Season
Aaron Judge, born in Linden, California, had an extraordinary 2022 campaign with the New York Yankees. Beyond the 62 home runs, the right fielder batted .311 and drove in 131 runs, winning the American League Most Valuable Player award. His offensive production was so consistent that he led the Yankees to a winning season, though the team fell short of capturing the World Series that year. Judge’s pursuit of the record captivated fans across the nation, turning his chase into a national sporting event that transcended typical baseball coverage.
Context: Power Hitting in Yankees History
The New York Yankees have a storied tradition of power hitters dating back decades. Babe Ruth, who played for the team starting in 1920, pioneered the art of the home run. Mickey Mantle, another Yankees icon, also left his mark with 536 career home runs. More recently, Alex Rodriguez hit 696 home runs in his career, though most came outside the Yankees uniform. Aaron Judge joined this dynasty of power, but with a unique achievement: becoming the first to surpass the American League record in over six decades.
Comparison of American League’s Greatest Home Run Hitters
| Player | Home Runs (Single Season) | Year | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge | 62 | 2022 | New York Yankees |
| Roger Maris | 61 | 1961 | New York Yankees |
| Mickey Mantle | 54 | 1961 | New York Yankees |
| Lou Gehrig | 49 | 1934 | New York Yankees |
The Record’s Impact on Baseball Culture
Judge’s achievement resonated deeply within the baseball community, particularly among fans who grew up watching Maris chase Babe Ruth’s record in 1961. The new mark instantly became part of Yankees lore and American sports history. Judge’s pursuit and eventual breaking of the record demonstrated the enduring appeal of the home run in baseball, a stat that has captivated audiences since the sport’s earliest days. His name now stands alongside the greatest power hitters to ever wear a Yankees uniform.
FAQ
What is the all-time single-season home run record in Major League Baseball?
Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants holds the record with 73 home runs in 2001. However, his achievement has been questioned due to his association with performance-enhancing drugs. Judge’s 62-home-run mark is the highest in the American League.
Has Aaron Judge won other major awards since 2022?
Aaron Judge has remained one of the American League’s premier hitters, winning the Gold Glove in 2022 for his right field defense, in addition to his Most Valuable Player award.
When did Aaron Judge hit his 62nd home run in 2022?
Judge completed his 62-home-run season in the final games of the 2022 regular season in October, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end of the campaign.
