Aaron Judge moved into fifth place on the New York Yankees’ all-time home run list after hitting his 359th career homer during Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Judge surpassed Yogi Berra, who had held the spot with 358 home runs for nearly six decades. The achievement came in the first inning of a game that ended in a 12-2 loss for the Yankees.
“Passing Yogi, it’s pretty special,” Judge said. “All-time great Yankee, what he meant to this organization. Even when he was done playing, being around, the stories we heard. He’s the definition of a true Yankee. So anytime you’re on a list with a guy like that, it’s pretty remarkable.”
The top four names ahead of Judge are Babe Ruth (659), Mickey Mantle (536), Lou Gehrig (493), and Joe DiMaggio (361). This group has remained unchanged since 1957 and in its current order since 1966.
Judge hit his milestone home run off Casey Mize for his 44th homer of the season.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on Judge’s accomplishment: “I actually looked at it on the board, when they slid his name up ahead of Yogi, and Joe DiMaggio is next,” Boone said. “What Aaron’s done in this league and the seasons he’s had, he’s been in some rarified air, obviously.
“There’s been these impressive lists or names that he’s up next to, but when you see a career list like that with this organization and where he is now in the center of it — it’s pretty awesome.”
Berra was known for his wit as well as his achievements; when Johnny Bench broke one of his records in 1980, Berra famously sent him a telegram stating: “I always thought the record would stand until it was broken.”
Judge acknowledged Berra’s legacy last week after tying him: “The way Yogi played the game, what he meant to the pinstripes,” Judge said, “you know how much it meant, being a New York Yankee, to him. I feel the same way. I’m honored to wear this jersey. So it’s pretty cool to be on that list.”
With only two home runs separating Judge from DiMaggio’s fourth-place mark and several years likely left in his career with New York—having re-signed despite larger offers elsewhere—Judge could continue moving up among franchise legends.
Danny Mantle shared thoughts about watching Judge chase down these milestones: “Judge is my favorite player,” Mantle said. “The guy is incredible, and there’s no telling what he may do on any given night. It’s just a privilege to be able to watch him. I’ve said this several times: I wish my dad was here, because he would love this type of player.”
