- Judge achieves 500th extra-base hit in 999 games – 3rd-fastest Yankee behind DiMaggio (853) and Gehrig (869)
- 2024 start: .417 BA, 5 HR, 15 RBI through 6 games with 112+ mph exit velocities
- Yankees set MLB record with 22 HRs in first six games of season
When Aaron Judge launched a 112.1 mph rocket into the Yankee Stadium bullpen Thursday night, he etched his name deeper into franchise lore. The three-run blast marked his 500th career extra-base hit – a milestone reached faster by only two Bronx Bombers: Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig. At 999 career games, Judge's combination of power (320 HR) and precision (175 doubles) continues redefining modern slugging standards.
New York's captain shows no signs of slowing after his 2023 MVP campaign. Through six games, Judge leads MLB with 15 RBIs while maintaining a .417/.533/.958 slash line. His Thursday performance against Arizona featured a homer, double, single, and stolen base – the type of all-field dominance that leaves manager Aaron Boone marveling: I catch myself having ridiculous conversations about his at-bats because he keeps setting the bar so high.
The Yankees' early-season power surge sets a new MLB benchmark, with 22 home runs in their opening homestand – five more than any team previously recorded. This offensive explosion comes despite dropping consecutive games to the Diamondbacks earlier in the week. Big G [Giancarlo Stanton] reminded us this is our turf,Judge noted. You could feel the edge after those losses.
Three unique factors distinguish Judge's achievement: 1) Modern pitchers throw harder with more advanced scouting than in DiMaggio's era 2) His 6'7frame creates unprecedented leverage challenges for opponents 3) 86% of his extra-base hits (495/500) have come since 2017 – a testament to late-blooming development. Scouts note his improved opposite-field power, evidenced by Thursday's HR to right-center.
While individual accolades pile up, Judge remains fixated on team success after 2023's World Series near-miss. Last season's ending fuels us,he stated postgame. New York's bullpen struggles Thursday – highlighted by a seventh-inning grand slam allowed – underscore the urgency. As the Yankees head west, their $360 million ace Gerrit Cole's elbow recovery looms as the next hurdle in this championship pursuit.
Industry analysts highlight Judge's unique value: He accounts for 23% of Yankees' total bases this season while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. His $40 million AAV contract now appears undervalued compared to recent $50+ million deals for two-way stars. With New York's YES Network reporting 12% higher ratings in Judge-starting games, his cultural impact matches on-field production.