Aaron Judge Ties Maris Record, Could Go After Bonds Record Of 73

It was bound to come and so it did for Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.

The 30-year-old tied Roger Maris with 61 home runs in a season, after hitting a tiebreaking, two-run drive for the Yankees in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday (Sept. 28).

Judge drove a 94.5 mph belt-high sinker with a full count from left-hander Tim Mayza over the left-field fence at Rogers Centre, something that also put the Yankees ahead at the time, 5-3.

The ball, something that Judge eventually gave as a gift to his mother, dropped into Toronto’s bullpen. It was picked up by Blue Jays bullpen coach Matt Buschmann, who later turned it over to the Yankees.

After Judge’s record-tying home run, his mother (Patty), and Roger Maris Jr. hugged from the front-row seats. Also, the four-time All-Star appeared to point toward them after rounding second base, then was congratulated by the entire Yankees team, who gave him hugs after he crossed the plate.

The homer also moved Judge past the 60 home runs that Babe Ruth had in 1927. Maris broke this in 1961 with all three ironically reaching those numbers as a member of the Yankees.

Barry Bonds holds the big league record of 73 for the San Francisco Giants in 2001.

The now-treasured ball is bound to attract buyers, particularly collectors. Unfortunately, most may not be able to barter for it with Judge handing it to his mother outside Rogers Centre’s visiting clubhouse shortly after the final out of Wednesday’s 8-3 victory over the Blue Jays.

“She’s been with me through it all,” Judge said. “From the Little League days, getting me ready for school, taking me to my first couple of practices and games, being there for my first professional game. My debut, and now getting a chance to be here for this -- this is something special, and we’re not done yet.”