Aaron Judge, a fan of the San Francisco Giants, spent his formative years watching their games both on television and in person. He would often envision himself hitting majestic home runs, much like his idol Barry Bonds.
He gave his best Bonds impression in his first game here.
In a remarkable display of skill, Judge hit two home runs in his debut game in San Francisco, leading the New York Yankees to a 6-2 victory over the Giants on Friday night.
“I was rounding the bases when I took a moment to glance out at left field, and being someone who has sat in those bleachers a few times, it brought back some nostalgic memories,” Judge reflected. “This stadium holds a special place in my heart. I grew up as a Giants fan and always enjoyed attending games here. So, it’s pretty amazing to now be on the opposite side of the field.”
Judge was raised in Linden, just 100 miles away from where he currently plays for the Yankees. Although the Giants aggressively pursued him in free agency in December 2022, Judge ultimately chose to stay with his current team and inked a lucrative nine-year, $360 million deal.
During batting practice before the game, he had the opportunity to step into the batter’s box for the first time. Despite the boos that accompanied each at-bat, he felt completely at ease and in his element. It didn’t take long for him to showcase to both the Giants and their fans what they had missed out on when he chose to reject them in free agency.
“I was feeling a bit nervous since I didn’t manage to hit any home runs during batting practice,” admitted Judge. “Watching Barry and all those amazing players from the past made the field seem so much smaller in comparison.”
In the first inning, Judge hit a single before he crushed a three-run home run to left field in the third against Jordan Hicks (4-2). Later, in the sixth inning, he smacked another solo shot, bringing his total to a major league-leading 20 home runs.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed his admiration for the remarkable performance of the individual in question, stating that comprehending his actions can be quite challenging. He marvels at the individual’s unwavering consistency in both their personal and professional life, as well as their unique approach to their craft. Boone finds great pleasure in observing this individual in action, as it is an exciting experience for him.
In May, Judge has been on a tear, racking up an impressive 14 home runs and 12 doubles, resulting in 27 RBIs. These numbers are a testament to his incredible power and skill at the plate. To put it into perspective, his 26 extra-base hits in a single month are the most by any Yankees player since Joe DiMaggio’s 31 in July 1937. This kind of performance is a rare feat in the history of the game, with only eight players achieving such a milestone since World War II. Judge’s impact on the field is undeniable, and his extraordinary numbers speak for themselves.
According to research from ESPN Stats & Information, he has achieved a remarkable feat in MLB history by becoming the first player to achieve 35 career multi-homer games in fewer than 1,000 career games.
The Yankees’ recent success can largely be attributed to the impressive performance of Judge’s bat. In their last 18 games, the team has managed to secure 14 victories, solidifying their position as one of the top contenders in the league. In fact, their exceptional record has propelled them to become only the fourth team in history to reach an impressive 40 wins before the month of June. Judge’s influence on the team’s offensive prowess cannot be overstated, as his consistent hitting has been a key factor in their recent winning streak.
Marcus Stroman (5-2) received ample support from his team as he pitched a stellar game, allowing only two runs in 7⅓ innings. This performance earned him the win. The Yankees continued their impressive streak, matching a franchise record set in 1981. They have now had 18 consecutive starts where their pitchers have gone at least five innings and allowed three runs or fewer.
“He’s absolutely incredible,” Stroman exclaimed when asked about Judge’s performance. “It’s difficult to express in words, but his exceptional performance truly ignites momentum and motivation within the entire team. When he consistently delivers outstanding results, it inspires all of us to step up our game and contribute more to the team. Judge is undeniably focused and determined.”
Aaron Judge is currently leading the majors in home runs this season, hitting an impressive 20 homers. This achievement puts him in the same league as baseball legends Mickey Mantle in 1956 and Tino Martinez in 1997, both of whom also hit 20 home runs for the Yankees before June.
At the beginning of the month, Judge faced a challenging period with a .207 average in March and April, leading to concerns about his slow start. However, things have taken a dramatic turn since then.
Judge remained calm and composed while others may have been concerned.
“I can’t sit here and wallow in self-pity when things aren’t going as planned. We still have games to play and win. My focus is on staying consistent and doing whatever it takes to help the team come out victorious,” he stated following the impressive 8-3 triumph over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night. “It seems like every season I encounter a month where luck just doesn’t seem to be on my side. It was particularly challenging that it had to be in April, right from the start, especially considering the caliber of our team and how talented we are.”
According to ESPN Stats & Information, he accomplished an impressive feat by becoming one of only two players in MLB history to hit 14 or more home runs and 12 or more doubles in a single month. Albert Belle achieved this feat in August 1995.
Manager Bob Melvin praised Judge’s ability to be a formidable opponent when he’s in top form. According to Melvin, Judge has a knack for either fouling off good pitches or patiently waiting for the perfect one. When presented with a pitch he can handle, Judge knows exactly how to make the most of it.