Aaron Judge Launches Career Homer No. 359, Passing Yogi Berra on Yankees’ All-Time List
NEW YORK — Yankee Stadium erupted in a thunderous roar on Tuesday night as Aaron Judge added another chapter to his growing legacy. With one powerful swing, the Yankees’ captain crushed career home run No. 359, moving past the legendary Yogi Berra into sole possession of fifth place on the franchise’s all-time home run list.
The milestone shot came in the fourth inning against Detroit right-hander Reese Olson. With the count at 2–1, Judge uncoiled on a belt-high fastball, sending it soaring into the second deck in left-center. The ball left his bat at 112 mph and traveled an estimated 435 feet, a no-doubt blast that had the Bronx faithful on their feet before it even cleared the wall.
As Judge rounded the bases, the crowd’s cheers swelled to a standing ovation. Teammates greeted him at the plate with wide smiles and fist bumps, while the scoreboard flashed a tribute: “Aaron Judge – 359 Career Home Runs – 5th in Yankees History.”
“It’s an honor just to be mentioned alongside Yogi Berra,” Judge said afterward, tipping his cap to one of the game’s true icons. “He’s a legend, not just for what he did on the field but for what he meant to this organization and to baseball. To pass him is something I’ll never forget.”
Judge’s achievement underscores a career defined by consistency and power. Since debuting in 2016, the 6-foot-7 slugger has redefined the modern home run chase, setting the American League single-season record with 62 in 2022 and becoming the face of the Yankees’ offense. At just 32 years old, he now trails only Lou Gehrig (493), Mickey Mantle (536), Babe Ruth (659), and Alex Rodriguez (351 with the Yankees, but 696 overall) among the franchise’s greatest sluggers.
Manager Aaron Boone praised Judge’s blend of production and leadership. “Aaron represents everything you want in a Yankee,” Boone said. “The power numbers are historic, but it’s his presence, his work ethic, and the way he carries himself that make him special. We’re lucky to witness it.”
The home run also helped spark a much-needed 6–3 win for New York, which has been fighting to stay within striking distance in the American League East. Judge finished the night 2-for-4 with three RBIs, continuing a hot streak that has seen him hit .320 with eight homers over his last 15 games.
Fans lingered long after the final out, many holding their phones high to capture the postgame scoreboard montage of Judge’s greatest home runs. The captain took a curtain call, lifting his helmet toward the crowd and acknowledging the standing ovation.
“Moments like this are why you play in New York,” Judge said. “The fans, the history—it’s all part of something bigger than yourself.”
As the Yankees push toward October, Judge’s pursuit of more milestones promises to be must-see baseball. With his power swing and steady leadership, he continues to bridge the franchise’s storied past with its hopeful future.
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