New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge put his name in the record books Wednesday when he hit his 300th career home run in his 955th game, becoming the fastest player in MLB history to reach the milestone.
Judge surpassed Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, who accomplished the feat in 1,087 games.
Player
Games
Aaron Judge
955
Ralph Kiner
1087
Ryan Howard
1093
Juan González
1096
Alex Rodriguez
1117
The 32-year-old slugged a three-run shot on a 3-0 pitch off White Sox right-hander Chad Kuhl in the top of the eighth inning. Kuhl intentionally walked Juan Soto ahead of Judge to try to set up a possible inning-ending double play. It was Judge’s 43rd home run of the season.
Judge also reached the 300-homer plateau in 3,431 at-bats, 400 fewer than Hall of Famer Babe Ruth’s previous record, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
Player
At-bats
Aaron Judge
3431
Babe Ruth
3831
Mark McGwire
3837
Ralph Kiner
3883
Following the game, White Sox outfielder Gavin Sheets had high praise for what Judge brings to the table, both on and off the field.
“Just a class act. That’s the guy you want representing Major League Baseball,” Sheets said, per MLB.com’s Scott Merkin. “Obviously, unbelievable player and incredible start to his career. But just a great person that models what it is to be a professional.”
Soto offered high praise of his own.
“I hope he breaks the home run record,” he told The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. “Why not? I think he’s the guy who can literally break the record. He’s been showing up all the time. I hope he has the health to do it. I’m gonna enjoy this as much as I can, too.”
Judge is enjoying another transcendent offensive season and is a heavy favorite to win his second AL MVP in three seasons.
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