ESPN.Aaron Judge becomes 5th player in MLB history with….

**Aaron Judge Becomes 5th Player in MLB History with 60 Home Runs in a Single Season**

In a historic achievement for Major League Baseball, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees has joined an elite group of sluggers by becoming only the fifth player in MLB history to hit 60 home runs in a single season. This remarkable feat underscores Judge’s exceptional power-hitting prowess and cements his place in baseball history.

Judge reached this milestone during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. With his 60th home run, Judge not only propelled the Yankees to a crucial victory but also matched the legendary mark set by some of the game’s most iconic players.

The other four players who have hit 60 or more home runs in a single season are Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire. Ruth, known as the “Sultan of Swat,” hit 60 home runs in 1927, a record that stood for 34 years before Maris broke it with 61 home runs in 1961. Sosa and McGwire, both of whom played during the so-called “Steroid Era,” surpassed Maris’s mark in the late 1990s, with Sosa hitting 66 home runs in 1998 and McGwire hitting 70 in the same year.

Judge’s achievement is particularly notable in the modern era, where pitchers have become more specialized and defensive alignments more sophisticated, making it more challenging for hitters to achieve such high home run totals. Judge’s success in this environment speaks to his extraordinary skill and consistency at the plate.

Throughout the 2024 season, Judge has demonstrated a blend of raw power, plate discipline, and clutch hitting. His ability to drive the ball to all fields has made him a difficult opponent for pitchers, and his performance has been a key factor in the Yankees’ success this season. Judge’s home run count is a testament to his dedication, training, and natural talent.

Moreover, Judge’s achievement has significant implications for the Yankees and their quest for a World Series championship. As one of the team’s most important players, Judge’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has provided the Yankees with a major boost. His 60 home runs not only enhance his MVP candidacy but also highlight his value as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ lineup.

Fans and analysts alike have praised Judge for his accomplishment. Many view it as a return to the prominence of power hitting in a game that has increasingly emphasized pitching and analytics. Judge’s success resonates with the tradition of baseball excellence and provides a thrilling chapter in the sport’s rich history.

In addition to his home run milestone, Judge’s season has been marked by other impressive statistics, including a high batting average and on-base percentage. His performance is a reminder of the excitement and drama that baseball can offer, even in an era that often focuses on advanced metrics and player evaluations.

As Judge continues to chase records and lead the Yankees, his achievement of 60 home runs will be remembered as one of the defining moments of his career. It is a testament to his hard work and skill, and it ensures that his name will be forever etched alongside the greatest hitters in the history of Major League Baseball.