Bleeding Yankee Blue: THREE YANKEE RIGHT FIELDERS

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

THREE YANKEE RIGHT FIELDERS

Source: CNN

Last night in Globe Life Field, it felt good to be a Yankee fan. I saw Aaron Judge's 62nd home run from the back of a Lyft. I was locked in to see his first at bat, hoping, praying this would be it. He didn't disappoint as he smashed one into the left field fences, claiming the American League single season home run record. A record that was set by a right fielder, broken by a right fielder and broken again by another right fielder. This season is something special and being a part of it, has been equally special to me.

"It's a big relief. I think that everyone can sit back down in their seats and watch the ball game, you know? No, but it's been a fun ride so far," Judge said. "Getting a chance to do this, with the team we've got, the guys surrounding me, the constant support from my family whose been with me through this whole thing ... it's been a great honor," reported ESPN.

After tying Roger Maris a week ago in Toronto, Judge's home run bat went silent through a series with the Baltimore Orioles at home and into two games against the Texas Rangers. But at his first at bat, Judge took Texas pitcher Jesus Tinoco deep in the nightcap of two games against the Rangers to reach No. 62.

The history making night was important to Yankee fans and baseball fans alike. Texas embraced the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishment as well, as they cheered, snapped pictures and finally Dallas native caught the historic home run ball. But Judge summed it up well with a quote that establishes just what this record means to baseball and Yankee lore. "Getting a chance to have my name next to someone as great as Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, those guys, is incredible."

Source: NY Times

Three right fielders playing for the Yankees upheld the AL home run record since Babe Ruth set the record in 1927. In 1961, Roger Maris hit 61 and in 2022, 61 years later, Aaron Judge hit 62. It is an incredible legacy of home run hitters, many of which we may never have witnessed live, but last night, we caught a glimpse of the trifecta, with Judge. It was not easy for Judge to get here. You get in your own head, when you have so many people wanting, wishing, hoping for you to accomplish this kind of historic goal. But Judge, persevered.

I am proud to have seen him come up through the minor leagues to the Yankees. I am excited every time I go to Yankee Stadium and sit in right field to catch a glimpse of him. And I am overwhelmed that I got to see him hit number 62. Three Yankee right fielders shared a historic record; but only one of them lead them all— #99 Aaron Judge.