With 50 home runs in the books, it seemed like the blasts never stopped for New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge. So let’s rank them, right?
Do you remember all 50 home runs that Aaron Judge crushed this season? Or are you focusing more on the one non-homer that was ruled a triple early on in the New York Yankees’ season?You remember the big flies, the ones that cleared the fences and the ones that took your breath away, making you feel blessed to realize that Judge is on YOUR team.
It’s been a long time since there has truly been such a young and exciting player to don pinstripes. So naturally, the hype was high after Judge proved that his power was no fluke.
As a powerful hitter and impressive outfielder, Judge has been the total package, despite disappearing for two months. Regardless, he still managed to knock 50 home runs in his rookie season.
It’s hard to pick just five but we did just that. Take a look at the five best home runs that Judge crushed this season.
5. It’s Not About Distance…But It Is
I don’t care what anyone says. Long home runs off the bat of Judge are as exciting as getting loads of presents as a kid on Christmas morning.
This one was an absolute no-doubter, launched 495 feet, deep into the bowels of Yankee Stadium; where no home runs have ever been hit before.
But, of course, Judge does it because…well, he’s just Judge. This monster shot got fans on their feet and excited to see the Yankees add to their lead.
And no fielders even moved. They just knew they were witnessing history in the making. Might as well stop and enjoy the view.
4. Beating On The Orioles
Judge ended up turning his season into a personal vendetta against the Baltimore Orioles. That all started in Camden Yards on April 9.
Judge took a 2-2 pitch into the left-field seats to tie the game on the road and, ultimately, help propel the Yankees to victory when they needed it most.
Still, early on in the season, we witnessed Judge hitting clutch home runs — but we had no idea the distance that would come down the line. Regardless of how far this one traveled, Judge still had his clutch at-bat.
By the way, he finished the season out hitting ten more home runs against the Orioles alone. Ouch, babe.
3. The First Of Many
Judge hit his first grand slam this year and we were able to witness it at Yankee Stadium.
Judge showed off that opposite field power to give the Yankees the lead against the Oakland Athletics and prove that he is definitely a big-time threat at the plate.
You think it’s short over there in right field, Andrew Benintendi? Not when Judge is hitting BOMBS, my friend.
It took Derek Jeter until 2003 to hit his first grand slam. Judge got his out of the way in his first full season. Interesting…
2. Hometown Home Runs
West Coast games are incredibly difficult. Not only do they play until 2 AM Eastern Time, they also have to face some tough competition. Apparently, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were no match for the Judge.
With a runner on in the top of the eighth, Judge crushed an opposite-field shot to give the Yankees a 5-3 lead.
I mean, wow. The Angels may have Mike Trout but do you see what Aaron Judge just did? That’s pretty spectacular.
We are truly not worthy of this guy, who made it worthwhile to stay up far past our curfew on the East Coast.
1. Blast Off!
Finally, the best home run of the season for Aaron Judge. No, it didn’t give the Yankees a lead. It didn’t happen in the late innings. Instead, it was just an incredible display of power that makes it the top blast.
Judge took it to Seattle by crushing a three-run shot in the top of the fifth and ran around the bases like it was nothing.
Nothing? He practically launched the ball out of the stadium. That ball was crushed into orbit! And he’s just running around like it is just another home run.
When I look back, that is the one out of the 50 I am most impressed with. Just the distance and pure perfection of that swing brings tears to my eyes. How did we get so blessed to get to watch Judge every day?
Luckily, the season isn’t over yet. There is still time for him to crush some more bombs. But for now, we’ve got our list and we’re sticking to it.
We have Mr. October and Mr. November. Maybe Judge will soon be considered Mr. April, Mr. May, Mr. June and Mr. September. Just a thought.