For 61 years, Roger Maris’ home run record had stood at 61 home runs, set by the New York Yankee in 1961, untouched as the most homers hit in one season by any American League player. Now, finally , with a 62nd decisive shot off of Aaron Judge’s bat, a new record has taken its place. Aaron Judge, the 30-year-old standout outfielder for the New York Yankees, hit his 62nd home run of the season during a Tuesday night game against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.
For decades, the elder Yankee’s mark stood alone as baseball’s overall single-season home run record. Contemporaries like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron couldn’t touch it. Nor could many of the stars that followed: not Mike Schmidt, not Reggie Jackson, not Ken Griffey Jr. Fans in the stands erupted in cheers and his teammates gathered at home plate to meet him, offering hugs one after another. After breaking record, “It’s a big relief,” Judge said of making history, adding, “…it’s been a fun ride so far.”
