Aaron Judge’s 350 home runs have been heard from coast to coast in the United States. In addition to reaching this figure, he marked another milestone in MLB history. This time, “The Judge” surpassed a veteran slugger with two World Series rings who once terrorized pitchers when he played for the Athletics and Cardinals.
Reaching 350 home runs usually takes about a decade, and no, winning championships is not a requirement. It took the powerful New York slugger 10 years to reach the mark, which he did during a recent loss to the Cubs that ended the Yankees’ five-game winning streak. According to Baseball Reference, Judge surpassed Mark McGwire in the number of games needed to hit 350 home runs. McGwire reached that milestone in 1,280 games. Judge? He did it in just 1,088.
Aaron Judge equals Mark McGwire in less time
McGwire, the former Athletics and Cardinals slugger, needed just over 10 years to get there, eventually reaching his 350th home run between 1986 and 1997. Judge also surpassed other legendary hitters, including former Yankee Alex Rodriguez, who needed 1,301 games to reach 350 home runs, and Albert Pujols, who got there in 1,320 games.
Despite how impressive his power statistics are, Judge also leads in some less flattering categories. After 10 years in MLB, he has already struck out 1,316 times, a high figure for someone who has not even played 10 full seasons. By comparison, McGwire struck out 1,596 times in 16 seasons, while Rodriguez accumulated 2,287 strikeouts in 22 years. At this rate, Judge could surpass both in the next decade.
Aaron Judge happy to reach 350 HR, but with a stain on the mark
Reflecting on the milestone and the defeat, Judge said: “It would have been fantastic if we had gotten a win today when you do something like that. But I’ve been surrounded by a lot of great teammates, I’ve been on some good teams… so it’s just a recognition of all the teammates I’ve had over the years.”
Now, Aaron Judge will have to focus on his participation in the Home Run Derby on Monday as well as the All-Star Game next Tuesday, July 15, where this summer’s Major League Baseball party will take place in Atlanta, Georgia.
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