
Aaron Judge gets another Grand Slam and enters into the MLB history books.
New York Yankees star Aaron Judgehad a historic performance against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, he delivered a Grand Slam that helped the Yankees get that thrilling win but he did much more than that. With this achievement, Judge also became part of one of the most exclusive clubs in the MLB history books. Those types of records are only possible for most players once in a lifetime but Judge seems destined for great things in his career. There only exist three players in the league’s history to have a season with 50+ home runs, 30+ doubles, 120+ walks, and 130+ RBIs during a single season. Judge just made that list with his spectacular performance on Friday. It had to be against the archrival.
Which other players did Judge emulate?
In MLB history, there are only two other players with this achievement and one of them did it twice in his career, but he is amongst the most important athletes of all-time. The most recent before Judge accomplished it today is Barry Bonds, who did the same feat in the 2001 season while playing for the San Francisco Giants. The other one had to be Babe Ruth, who accomplished this feat in 1920 and 1921, when he was at the peak of his powers. For Judge, it’s still possible to reach this goal at least one more time as he still has a long career ahead of him. Judge finished the game in the Yankees’ comeback win with 2-4, the Grand Slam, and a walk.
The walk was his 120th of the season, and the RBIs his caused with the grand slam got him to 130. Judge is currently batting .321 while leading the major leagues with 52 home runs and 130 RBIs. Judging on how this season is going, he might even get to break his own record of 62 home runs in a single season. In 2022, Judge became the player with the most home runs in a single season if you don’t count the so-called MLB Steroid Era form the late ’90s and early ‘2000s. Watching that GRand Slam on television was electrifying, we can only imagine the atmosphere at Yankee Stadium. Must’ve been wild.
Judge’s grand slam, which came in the bottom of the seventh inning, propelled the Yankees to a 7-3 victory over the rival Boston Red Sox. With the bases loaded and two outs, Judge stepped to the plate and delivered a towering shot over the center field wall, much to the delight of the home crowd. It was his third grand slam of the season and the 16th of his career, pushing him into rarefied air among MLB’s all-time greats.
This latest feat places Judge in an elite group of players who have hit 16 or more grand slams in their careers, a testament to his incredible power and clutch hitting ability. The list includes some of baseball’s most legendary names, such as Lou Gehrig, Manny Ramirez, and Alex Rodriguez, cementing Judge’s standing as one of the premier sluggers of his generation.
A Historic Season for Judge
Aaron Judge’s 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular. After dealing with injuries earlier in his career, Judge has returned to form in recent seasons, delivering a barrage of home runs, game-winning hits, and unforgettable moments. His grand slam against the Red Sox was his 39th home run of the season, keeping him in the hunt for another 50-homer campaign.
The grand slam also bolstered Judge’s reputation as a clutch performer. Over the past few seasons, Judge has proven time and again that he thrives in high-pressure situations, especially when his team needs him most. Whether it’s a late-inning rally or a critical playoff game, Judge has delivered with stunning regularity, helping the Yankees remain competitive in the always-tough American League East.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised his star outfielder after the game, stating, “Aaron just keeps finding ways to deliver in the biggest moments. He’s a special player, and when he gets into the batter’s box in those situations, you know something amazing is going to happen.”
Climbing the Record Books
With 16 career grand slams, Judge is now tied with several iconic players in baseball history, including Hall of Famer Willie McCovey. But at the pace he’s going, it’s possible Judge could finish his career among the top five in career grand slams, a feat that would only add to his already impressive legacy.
Judge’s place in Yankees history is also becoming more secure with each passing season. The franchise is known for producing some of the greatest power hitters in the game, from Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle to Reggie Jackson and Alex Rodriguez. Judge, with his towering presence and prodigious home run power, is following in their footsteps and could eventually be remembered as one of the greatest Yankees of all time.
Looking Ahead
With a little more than a month left in the regular season, Judge has his sights set on leading the Yankees into the postseason. The team has battled through injuries and inconsistency throughout the year, but Judge’s performance has been a constant. As the Yankees make their final push for the playoffs, Judge will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success.
As Aaron Judge continues to rewrite the record books, one thing is clear: his combination of power, leadership, and ability to rise in big moments has cemented his place among the all-time greats. And with each grand slam, his legend only grows.
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