BOSTON (AP) — Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees star, has passed a big milestone. He hit his 362nd home run, surpassing the legendary Joe DiMaggio on the Yankees’ all-time list. But Judge is clear: he’s not chasing DiMaggio’s famous 56-game hitting streak. With a chuckle, he said, “I think that one’s untouchable.”
Just a game after hitting two homers to tie DiMaggio, Judge sent a pitch from Boston’s Lucas Giolito soaring over the Green Monster. This 468-foot blast gave the Yankees an early lead in a crucial matchup against the Red Sox. The Yankees won 4-1, extending their lead in the American League East. Both teams are eyeing playoff spots, and every game counts.
Judge recognizes the weight of the records but emphasizes that winning is his priority. “I’m just trying to follow in their footsteps. I’m here to win,” he stated. In his 1,130 career games, he has reached 362 homers, while DiMaggio achieved his in 1,736 games during a 13-year career that included time away for World War II.
This year, Judge has been on a tear. He has hit four home runs in his last four games and currently boasts a batting average of .323, the highest in Major League Baseball. His recent homer was also the longest recorded at Fenway Park this season, according to Sportradar.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted, “That was a big shot in the arm for us.” Clearly, Judge’s performance is vital for the team’s morale and momentum.
Looking back, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Lou Gehrig all set high bars with their home run totals, but they also won multiple championships during their careers. DiMaggio clinched nine World Series titles. As for Judge, he’s still in pursuit of his first championship, focusing on helping his team win rather than dwelling on personal achievements.
In a world where personal milestones often steal the spotlight, Judge’s perspective is refreshing. “We can talk about the milestones at the end,” he said. For now, he’s all about team success, and that’s what truly matters.
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