In a thrilling showcase of talent and resilience, Aaron Judge continues to dazzle baseball fans with his extraordinary performance, even as the New York Yankees faced a tough 5-2 defeat against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Despite the loss, Judge achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the fastest player in Major League Baseball history to hit 350 career home runs, achieving this feat in just 1,088 games. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses the previous record held by Mark McGwire by an impressive 192 games.

Judge's milestone home run came in the ninth inning, when he launched a two-run shot to right-center field. After the game, a visibly humble Judge reflected on his achievement, casually stating, "I honestly got nothing, to be honest. It would have been great if we got a win today, to do something like that." He went on to express gratitude for his teammates, saying, "I’ve been surrounded by some great teammates and been on some good teams that have really put me in the best position to go out there and perform at my best. So it’s really just a shoutout to all the teammates I’ve had over the years."

Judge's journey to this milestone has been nothing short of spectacular. In his first full season in the majors in 2017, he belted an astounding 52 home runs. He then set the American League record in 2022 with 62 home runs, breaking the longstanding record held by Yankees legend Roger Maris. Following that, he continued to impress by hitting 58 home runs in the 2024 season. Judge's consistency and power at the plate have not only secured his place in Yankees history but also in the annals of baseball.

His manager, Aaron Boone, expressed awe at Judge's achievements, noting, “Wow. I mean, I don’t know what to say about it. Because I just think he’s playing in a different league.” Boone took a moment to personally congratulate Judge in the clubhouse, acknowledging the significance of hitting 350 home runs in 200 fewer games than McGwire. Boone's comments underscore the respect and admiration Judge has earned from his teammates and coaches alike.

In terms of comparisons, Judge's rapid ascent to 350 home runs puts him ahead of other notable sluggers in baseball history. The next five fastest players to reach this milestone include Juan Gonzalez (1,298 games), Alex Rodriguez (1,301 games), Harmon Killebrew (1,319 games), and Albert Pujols (1,320 games). Except for Killebrew, who is enshrined in the Hall of Fame, the other players faced challenges due to performance-enhancing drug (PED) allegations, making Judge’s clean record even more impressive.

When asked about his relationship with Mark McGwire, who famously hit 70 home runs in 1998, Judge revealed that they had met and exchanged pleasantries. “I’ve talked to McGwire, oh yeah. We really didn’t talk much [about] hitting, just getting to know him a little bit,” Judge said. The respect Judge has for McGwire, a legendary figure in baseball, reflects his character and appreciation for the sport's history.

As the season progresses, Judge continues to lead not just in home runs but also in batting average, currently hitting an impressive .358 after going 3-for-4 against the Cubs. His 35 home runs this season have already set a record for the most home runs by a Yankee before the All-Star break, eclipsing his previous best of 34 from the previous year.

With his remarkable achievements and a bright future ahead, Aaron Judge is not just rewriting records; he is also solidifying his legacy as one of the greats in baseball history.