Aaron Judge’s thrilling grand slam not only secured a dramatic win for the New York Yankees against the Boston Red Sox on Friday but also placed him in an elite category in Major League Baseball history.
Judge’s impressive performance makes him one of only three players to achieve over 50 home runs, 30 doubles, 120 walks, and 130 RBIs within a single season. This feat has previously only been accomplished by Babe Ruth, who did it twice in 1920 and 1921, and Barry Bonds in 2001. Now, Judge has made the list in the 2024 season.
In the Yankees’ comeback victory, which ended 5-4, Judge recorded 2 hits out of 4 at-bats, including his grand slam. His walk in the first inning marked his 120th of the season, and the grand slam contributed four RBIs, bringing his season total to 130.
At 32 years old, Judge is having another remarkable season, positioning himself for a potential second MVP award in three years. He is currently batting .321 and leads the league with 52 home runs and 130 RBIs.
After hitting two home runs against the Colorado Rockies on August 26, it seemed likely that Judge might surpass his own American League record of 62 home runs set in 2022. However, he entered a 16-game stretch without a home run, the longest of his career.
He broke that slump at an opportune time with his seventh-inning grand slam, which gave the Yankees a 5-4 lead. Following the Yankees’ victory and the Baltimore Orioles’ loss to the Detroit Tigers on Friday, New York widened its advantage in the American League East to three games. The Yankees aim to maintain their division lead as they face the Red Sox again on Saturday.