The internet responded in big ways — including a shout-out from the president — as Aaron Judge hit home run 62 Tuesday night, breaking the American League single-season record.
The New York Yankees star blasted a leadoff homer against the Texas Rangers in Arlington that broke Roger Maris’ single-season record of 61 home runs.
“Congrats @TheJudge44 on home run 62. History made, more history to make,” President Joe Biden tweeted Tuesday night.
Congrats @TheJudge44 on home run 62. History made, more history to make.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 5, 2022
Biden was not alone in congratulating the 30-year-old slugger. Yankee great Derek Jeter took to social media to share his encouragement, adding, “Postseason next!!!”
Congrats @TheJudge44 on 62! Postseason next!!!
— Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) October 5, 2022
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was also quick to respond. “Congratulations to @TheJudge44 — keep making history for New York City,” he tweeted.
Number 62!
Congratulations to @TheJudge44 — keep making history for New York City. https://t.co/wvGOlMNOLL
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 5, 2022
Other words of praise came from various political leaders, athletes, and celebrities. NFL Super Bowl champ and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes included the full video of the historic home run.
Congrats @TheJudge44!! https://t.co/sjXZcjn9Zr
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) October 5, 2022
Judge, a four-time All-Star, passed the long-time record that stood for more than 60 years. Maris and fellow Yankee Mickey Mantle battled during the 1961 season to become the previous home run king, with Maris hitting 61 and Mantle finishing with 54. Yankee legend Babe Ruth set the prior record with 60 home runs in 1927.
Roger Maris Jr. also posted a tweet claiming Judge was the “clean” home run king.
“For the MAJORITY of the fans, we can now celebrate a new CLEAN HOME RUN KING!!” he tweeted.
Congratulations to Aaron Judge and his family on Aaron’s historic home run number 62! It has definitely been a baseball season to remember. You are all class and someone who should be revered. For the MAJORITY of the fans, we can now celebrate a new CLEAN HOME RUN KING!!
— Roger Maris Jr (@RogerMarisJr) October 5, 2022
Maris Jr. was likely referring to the three home run sluggers with more home runs than Judge in the National League. San Francisco Giants star Barry Bonds hit 73 home runs in 2001, the St. Louis Cardinals’ Mark McGwire hit 70 in 1998 (also 65 in 1999), and the Chicago Cubs’ Sammy Sosa had three seasons with 63, 64, and 66 homers.
Previous top home runs champs have been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs during their record-breaking years, with the top three National League home run kings not being inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame after the controversy.
The wait since Judge’s 61st home run extended since September 28 when he homered against the Toronto Blue Jays. Judge still has two more regular season games to potentially add to his total, offering baseball fans another opportunity to show their excitement.
In the meantime, one lucky fan will have to decide what he plans to do with the record-breaking baseball after he caught it on Tuesday night.
Dallas resident Cory Youmans snagged the home run into the glove he brought for the occasion. Youmans was later escorted by security and interviewed by WFAA-TV. So far, he hasn’t thought about what he will do with the unique collector’s item.
The fan who caught Aaron Judge’s historic 62nd HR when asked what he plans to do with the ball:
“I haven’t thought about it.”
(via @JoeTrahan)pic.twitter.com/Thqy2GIRGr
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 5, 2022
