Aaron Judge Performs ‘Bonds-Like’ Showing at Oracle Park
In a Friday night game at Oracle Park, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees performed in his ex-team’s home stadium. The New York Yankees beat the San Francisco Giants 6-2 with Judge showcasing his true talents. And boy, did he showcase them.
The two-time MLB All-Star hit two home runs in his first-ever game at Oracle Park. He said it brought back fond memories of watching the Giants on TV and at the stadium, “It’s a special place. Grew up a Giants fan. Loved coming to games out here. So pretty cool being on the opposite side of the field.”
And that wasn’t the only impressive feat for Judge this month. In fact, Judge tied Mickey Mantle’s 1956 record for most home runs before June, and it’s only May. Talk about a smashing month. Judge’s consistency is what makes him such a valuable player. Despite a slow start to the season, Judge kept his cool and continued to contribute to the team in other ways.
But it seems the slugger has found his groove in May, with 14 home runs, 12 doubles, and 27 RBIs. He also joins Albert Belle as the only players in MLB history with 14-plus homers and 12-plus doubles in a single month. Not to mention, his 26 extra-base hits in May are the most by any Yankees player since Joe DiMaggio in July of 1937. And this is only Judge’s third full season in the majors.
His impressive showing has helped lead the Yankees to their amazing record, becoming just the fourth team ever to reach 40 wins before June 1st. But it’s not just his skill on the field that has his teammates and coaches raving. Judge’s consistency and level-headedness have been a valuable asset to the team.
His manager, Aaron Boone, said, “He’s just so consistent with who he is as a person, as a player and the way he goes about it. It’s just fun to get to watch it.”
Kosport Magazine’s Take
Aaron Judge may have grown up watching and idolizing the San Francisco Giants, but he’s sure making a name for himself in a Yankees uniform. His “Bonds-like” performance at Oracle Park only solidifies his rightful place as one of the best players in the MLB. Keep an eye on Judge this season, he’s just getting started.
