Aaron Judge officially tied Roger Maris’ single-season home run record by hitting his 61st home run on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
On Sept. 20, Aaron Judge hit his 60th home run of the season, bringing him just one short of tying Roger Maris single-season record of 61 by an American League player. Eight days later, Judge has finally joined Maris in the history books
In Wednesday’s game between the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, Judge took a full count and sent a pitch thrown by Tim Mayza into the left field bullpen to record his 61st home run of the season.
61 years since 61.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 29, 2022
Aaron Judge has written his name alongside Roger Maris in baseball's record books. pic.twitter.com/1V4Gums34C
Best tweets, memes after Aaron Judge hit 61st home run of season
There were a variety of reactions to Judge making history in Toronto, including from former Yankees stars Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia.
Yes!!! @TheJudge44
— Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) September 29, 2022
https://twitter.com/cc_sabathia/status/1575293949362716674?s=46&t=VaSvJhDFuNJv5BI4sz0Npw
Aaron Judge’s mom had the chillest reaction possible to No. 61. pic.twitter.com/bkgbV7Iayd
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) September 29, 2022
There's leverage, and then there's leverage. #AaronJudge #FreeAgency
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) September 29, 2022
the only thing that could have made Aaron Judge’s home run better was if it had come during a split-screen moment during a college football game 🥰
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 29, 2022
They announced 61 here at Somerset and everyone went crazy! #RepBX #AaronJudge
— Julian Guilarte (@JulianGuilarte1) September 29, 2022
I like Aaron Judge. Hope he leaves the Yankees so I can finally root for him.
— Mike (@ChiSoxFanMike) September 29, 2022
Aaron Judge hit #61 and Zach Hample didn't catch the ball.
— Schlasser (@UrinatingTree) September 29, 2022
Another victory for America.
AARON JUDGE‼️‼️‼️ @TheJudge44 pic.twitter.com/xPXEylSiRb
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) September 29, 2022
Congratulations to Aaron Judge on tying Roger Maris for the seventh most HR hit in a season.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) September 29, 2022
Congrats Aaron
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) September 29, 2022
The baseball was secured by Blue Jays bullpen coach Matt Buschmann. Judge’s home run actually hit the stands in left field, and two fans actually missed out on the chance to grab it before it dropped into the bullpen! Either way, it was an easy retrieval for the Yankees and Judge.
After hitting his 60th home run, there were some close calls (i.e. the tease by the FOX camera operator) in the games that followed. The game on Tuesday night, where the Yankees clinched the AL East title, Judge was walked four times after receiving a full count five times! His home run total did not increase, but his on-base percentage certainly did.
Now, Judge has finally moved alongside Maris for the single-season home run lead in the American League. Now, we all wait and see when he gets No. 62.