THAT TIME MARIS SURPASSED RUTH

Roger Maris's journey to breaking Babe Ruth's single-season home run record in 1961 was a feat laden with immense pressure, stress, and public scrutiny. His achievement of hitting 61 home runs in a single season came with a significant personal toll, as well as a polarized reception from fans, the media, and even figures within Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Yankees organization.  The pressure of the 1961 season was immense for Maris. As he approached Babe Ruth's iconic record of 60 home runs set in 1927, the stress manifested physically and emotionally. 

According to various accounts, Maris began to exhibit signs of extreme stress, including smoking more heavily and experiencing hair loss. Bob Costas, a renowned sportscaster, highlighted Maris's struggles, noting, "Maris’s hair started falling out in clumps during the stress-filled season".

Maris faced a considerable backlash from fans who revered Babe Ruth. Many were not ready to see Ruth's record surpassed, particularly by Maris, who was perceived as an outsider compared to the more popular Mickey Mantle. The tension was palpable, with fans booing Maris at home games and even sending hate mail. The New York Times reported that fans were particularly harsh, with some sending him threatening letters.

The reaction from Babe Ruth's family was mixed. Julia Ruth Stevens, Babe Ruth's daughter, expressed a bittersweet sentiment. In an interview, she acknowledged the significance of Maris's achievement but also the emotional attachment to her father's record. She said, "It was Dad’s record, and we were proud of it. But Roger deserved to be recognized for his great season."

Figures within Major League Baseball and the Yankees organization had varied reactions to Maris's pursuit and eventual breaking of the record. Ford Frick, the MLB Commissioner at the time, controversially declared that Maris's record would be marked with an asterisk if he did not surpass Ruth's record within the first 154 games of the season, as Ruth's record was set during a 154-game season, while Maris's was during a 162-game season . This decision added to the pressure and controversy surrounding Maris's achievement.

Mickey Mantle was a notable source of support. Despite the media playing up a rivalry between the two, Mantle openly supported Maris. In a documented quote, Mantle said, "Roger was a great player and deserved everything he got. I was rooting for him to break the record" .

Other players to speak out were Yogi Berra, "What Roger did was unbelievable. He worked hard and handled the pressure better than anyone could have expected."

Whitey Ford, and Al Kaline also spoke out in support of Roger. Whitey said, "Roger's accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and skill. It was an honor to be his teammate during this historic season."  Kaline said, "Breaking Ruth’s record is a monumental achievement. Roger showed tremendous courage and perseverance."

After breaking the record on October 1, 1961, Maris's feelings were complex. In various interviews, he expressed relief more than elation. Maris once stated, "It would have been a hell of a lot more fun if I had not hit those 61 home runs. All it brought me was headaches" . This sentiment highlights the toll the pursuit took on him and reflects the broader challenges he faced.

Roger Maris's breaking of Babe Ruth's single-season home run record stands as a monumental achievement in baseball history. However, the journey to 61 home runs was fraught with stress, public scrutiny, and a mixed legacy. Despite the challenges, Maris's accomplishment remains a testament to his resilience and talent, marking an indelible chapter in the annals of Major League Baseball. And finally, as you all know, in 2022, Aaron Judge did the unthinkable, breaking Roger's record of 61 home runs with a new number... 62. 

Judge said of the feat: "Breaking Roger Maris's record is an incredible honor. I have immense respect for what he accomplished and the challenges he faced. To be mentioned alongside him is something I'll cherish forever."

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

AARON JUDGE IS RED HOT. CAN HE CRUSH 62 AGAIN?

In the annals of baseball history, few moments are as electrifying as the crack of the bat that sends a ball soaring over the outfield wall. It’s a sound that reverberates through the stands, a melody that fans of America’s pastime know all too well. And in the grand symphony of baseball, Aaron Judge composed an unforgettable opus when he shattered Roger Maris's longstanding single-season home run record.

The year was 2022, and Aaron Judge was a man on a mission. Standing at a colossal 6’7”, Judge is an imposing figure, but it's his swing that commands the most attention. Each at-bat was a spectacle, and with every home run, the buzz grew louder. When he finally hit his 62nd home run, surpassing Maris's 61 set in 1961, the baseball world erupted. It was more than just a record; it was a statement. Judge had not only dethroned a legend but also cemented his place among the game's greats.

Judge’s feat was remarkable, not just for the number but for the pressure and scrutiny that accompanied each swing. With every game, every pitch, the eyes of the world were upon him, waiting to see if he could do what so many had attempted but failed. And Judge, with a calm demeanor and an undeniable talent, delivered in spectacular fashion.

What makes Aaron Judge’s swing so potent? It’s a blend of raw power, keen eye coordination, and an almost uncanny ability to read pitches. His approach at the plate is both methodical and explosive. The sheer force he generates is enough to send shivers down a pitcher’s spine, but it’s his precision that makes him truly dangerous.

Moreover, Judge's athleticism belies his size. He’s not just a home run hitter but an all-around player, contributing with stellar defense and a surprising agility for someone of his stature. It’s this complete package that makes him a constant threat, a player who can change the course of a game with a single swing.

As we turn our attention to 2024, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Aaron Judge do it again? Can he once more rise to the occasion and surpass the lofty heights of his 2022 season?

The short answer is: why not? Judge has shown time and again that he thrives under pressure. His work ethic is legendary, and his physical conditioning is second to none. If anyone can replicate such an extraordinary feat, it’s Aaron Judge.

However, repeating history is no small task. Opposing teams will undoubtedly be more prepared, pitchers will be more cautious, and the expectations will be sky-high. But Judge has never shied away from a challenge. He’s the kind of player who embraces the spotlight, who feeds off the energy of the fans and the gravity of the moment.

Moreover, the Yankees have bolstered their lineup, providing Judge with even more protection and opportunities to see quality pitches. With a strong supporting cast, Judge can focus on what he does best: hitting home runs and leading his team.

So, will Aaron Judge break his own record in 2024? It’s a tantalizing prospect. While the road will be tough, and the odds steep, Judge has the talent, the drive, and the experience to make another historic run. If he stays healthy and continues to refine his craft, we might just witness yet another chapter in the legend of Aaron Judge.

In the unpredictable theater of baseball, where legends are born and records are shattered, Aaron Judge stands as a towering figure—both literally and figuratively. Whether he breaks the record again or not, one thing is certain: every time Aaron Judge steps up to the plate, history is in the making. And as fans, we’re all lucky to witness the magic unfold.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

I HATE AARON JUDGE SPECULATION, BUT HERE IT GOES

You have a guy that just broke one of the most coveted records in baseball, the single season American League Home run record.  Judge bet on himself and is now in what is considered the biggest free agent market for him.  All eyes on him. He deserves that. He will get what he wants, within reason.  And the speculation about where he will go and what people think he will do is annoying and tired at this point. Read SPECULATION OF AARON JUDGE'S TEAM, YEARS IS ANNOYING & TIRED ALREADY, you will understand exactly how I feel.

But with that in mind, understand this; when it comes to common sense, you have to see how this should really shake down. First off, the home run record.  Think about this; in our lifetime and for some of you not, the home run record was broken by three New York Yankees.  

While the stadiums have been different over the years, and not all home runs are in our home stadium of the Bronx, Babe Ruth, Roger Maris and Aaron Judge are the guys.  That's historic, but part of Yankee history.  One would ask, "Why leave Aaron? You are part of that rich history.", while others will say, "Leave Aaron, you already broke the record. Time to move on."

Then think about this; What are Aaron's personal feelings about the Yankees organization?  Does Aaron Judge want to be there? You can suggest that he was slighted by the Yankees. You can suggest that they didn't believe in him before the season and low-balled him. That would be accurate because let's be honest, before this season Judge was not consistent and got hurt a lot.  

2022 was a fluke when it came to Aaron's consistency and health.  Now you will ask "Is this 2022 player the player the Yankees always wanted?" Of course, he is. But they made an initial offer at the beginning of 2022 to Judge pooling all the data from before this season began. THAT WOULD BE FAIR AND ACCURATE.  And so, we go back to his feelings. Is Judge butt hurt by that?  Maybe.  But did Judge make an argument for himself after that? Yes, he did.

Then, we need to think about what he really wants. Does Aaron want to move on? Change of scenery, more challenges?  You have some MLB exec telling Jon Heyman: "He's going to leave the greatest market to go across the country to a team where it's hard to hit homers? Come on."  Well, what does an MLB Executive really know about what an athlete wants? Think about that. 

You have a rich baseball player playing a kid's game.  He can come and go as he pleases; he can challenge himself in new ballparks, with new fans. OR... he can stay safe, appear complacent with his giant contract and be a Yankee till the end of his career and just get paid.  By the way, challenges in a new uniform or staying in the Bronx... this guy is STILL going to get paid.  And so, what does it matter where he goes?  Now if he loves New York and his heart is in New York, that's a different story, and I guess that's where we are.

I'll tell you one thing; Jacob deGrom didn't want to a be in Queens.  There have been rumors about that for years. The Texas Rangers came up with a good number for a guy that hasn't exactly been healthy in his career, but when the guy was on, he was on. But in the end, this was about deGRom getting out of Queens.  He was done with the Mets... it wasn't for him.  Last night Twitter was in a tizzy because people claimed the Mets didn't get a chance to make a final offer to deGrom before he signed with the Rangers.  2 things to think about knowing what you know now about deGrom's decision; The Mets don't HAVE to get that courtesy. Secondly, deGrom made up his mind.  When it comes to free agency, while the courtesy is sometimes extended to their home teams, it's ultimately up to the player, and in this case, deGrom wanted out of New York. Again, new challenges, new scenery, new fans.

We don't know what Aaron Judge is feeling. 

What we do know is his season in 2022 was historic. But at the end of the day this is a business.  The Yankees made a pitch at the beginning of 2022 based on Judge's inconsistency and injury report as a Yankee but took into his account his accomplishments as well. That low-ball number as some would call it believe it or not, was pretty damn accurate because 2022 didn't even happen yet. My opinion is it was not a low-ball, it was business, and it was totally fair.  

But what happened next was historic, and it catapulted Aaron into another payment bracket. And so, the Yankees made their reported offer of $300 million and 8 years. Totally fair.  Now, the Giants can come back with $310 and 8 years and if I'm the Yankees, I quickly counter with $314 and 8 and an maybe even figure out a 9th year with incentives. Maybe it's a coach, player gig. Maybe they add Captain to his resume as well, but if I'm the Yankees, that's my limit because there is no way Judge can stay as good as he was in 2022 for the rest of his career. Sure, that's a guess, but I'm right. 

If the Giants go higher than that... I will suggest the Yankees say goodbye.  Why? Because it's business, The Yankees are in it to win it, but they're not stupid. 

Now if Aaron Judge deep in his heart wants to break down in San Fran, go for it. If Judge wants to be beloved in the Bronx for the end of his career, at least he will know he's safe. Why? Because he came back home. Trust me, his first home game in the Bronx in 2023 will be a thunderous standing ovation. That will surely feed his ego.  

But this is what has been in the back of my mind for months. The booing and the lack of class from our fans.  Now, you're going to think I'm crazy, but this stuff matters.  Remember something about Judge. The Home run record gets broken, historic and outstanding right? But this guy goes into the playoffs and struggles and was literally booed out of Yankee stadium for his performance.  If I'm Aaron Judge, I'm thinking about that every day.  

Now he's not the type to be like "Well I broke the record, and you treated me like shit", but it will be in the back of his mind.  Now you can say "He's big boy, he makes millions, he can take it." But my point is, you just don't treat someone like that.  I mean if this guy just sucked all year and continued to suck in the playoffs, all bets are off. He's impersonating Hicks at that point.  But he didn't. He had a monumental season, and we still rode the guy for a bad playoff.  Hitting home runs is hard.  He did something heroic. Yankee fans are often stupid. The game's brutal sometimes and he no doubt knew he was blowing it in the playoffs. But booing players is RIDICULOUS, and trust me, that is in the back of Judge's mind throughout this entire process.

But look, this is all speculation and guesses, the thing I hate the most.  Yet, this is where my head's out today.  I know, I know, I'm speculating. Well, it's hard to not do, but it buys me another week so we don't have to write about this every single day on Bleeding Yankee Blue.  If I'm going to bring you my thoughts, I might as well bring it to you just once a week, right?

Final note, don't forget to do your Christmas shopping at the BYB store. Low prices, great quality, and right now still guaranteed for Christmas. I currently own a Harrison Bader fan club shirt and a Bleeding Yankee Blue throw back. Both t-shirts, but I'm gonna buy myself the G.O.A.T. 3 gray hoodie next!  Do some shopping, support BYB! Thank you. 

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.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

JUDGE IS THE YANKEES SINGLE SEASON HOME RUN KING!

 

Quick note just because it's timely. We have a new home run king in New York, and it's Aaron Judge.

AP writes:

"Aaron Judge hit his 62nd home run of the season Tuesday night, breaking Roger Maris’ American League record and setting what some fans consider baseball’s “clean” standard.

AARON JUDGE HAS DONE IT!

NUMBER 62 TO BREAK THE AL ALL-TIME RECORD! pic.twitter.com/LMgkTCzVvx

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 5, 2022

The 30-year-old Yankees slugger drove a 1-1 slider from Texas right-hander Jesús Tinoco into the first couple of rows of seats in left field when leading off the second game of New York's day-night doubleheader."

With that, Roger Maris Jr., whom I just really appreciate and admire, put this tweet out:

Congratulations to Aaron Judge and his family on Aaron’s historic home run number 62! It has definitely been a baseball season to remember. You are all class and someone who should be revered. For the MAJORITY of the fans, we can now celebrate a new CLEAN HOME RUN KING!!

— Roger Maris Jr (@RogerMarisJr) October 5, 2022

Say it again Roger... say it again.  

Congrats to Aaron. You are applauded. No one better!

CHASING #61

Source: The Athletic

Every night YES Broadcaster Michael Kay welcomes in the national audience who are waiting, like the Yankees fans are, for Aaron Judge to launch #61. I am lucky enough to have witnessed all of Judge's home runs this season. Each one of them, special. Each one of them, powerful and purposeful, as Judge, got his team off to a great start, single-handedly carried his team through the toughest days of August and now into the dog days of September. As we all wait for #61, let's take a look at some of his more memorable home runs in 2022.

Source: CBS Sports 

Judge blasted his first home run of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays' José Berríos, ironically the starting pitcher of Tuesday night's game. That home run came on April 13th and went 413 feet. "New York ended the first month of the season on a seven-game winning streak and Judge was a catalyst. Five of his six April home runs came in those seven victories." reported The Athletic. 

Judge started off May with a huge 453 foot home run against the Kansas City Royals and had one of the most impressive home runs in June against Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani, smashing a slider over the left-field wall at Yankee Stadium for No. 19 on the season.

Source: Sports Illustrated 

His longest home run of the season happened in Camden Yards on July 22. Judge drove a pitch from Tyler Wells 465 feet over the left-center-field wall. And how about some walk-off home runs? Judge has had three walk-off home runs this season, most recently on July 28 against the Royals. 

“You feel it pre-pitch, like walking up to the plate and the walk-up song plays and the crowd is gonna get crazy,” Judge said afterward, when asked about handling the pressure of a big moment. “Then once you step into the box and dig in and take a deep breath, it doesn’t go silent, but you just kind of lock it in," said Judge following his walk off home run against Houston on June 26th.

Source: New York Times

His bat went quiet along with his teams for a lot of August, but he picked up as the month rolled on and since September, Judge has been on a tear. He was on fire against the Yankees nemesis The Tampa Bay Rays, and launched some fiery bombers in Fenway, with his "10th multi-HR game of the season, tying him for third-most in a season in MLB history" on September 13th, reported The Athletic. 

Judge hit two against the Brewers (58 and 59) and on September 20th, Judge became the third-fastest player to reach 60 home runs. That electric night, last Tuesday night was against the Pittsburgh Pirates—his home run ignited a ninth-inning Yankee comeback in a must-win game. 

Source: New York Times

Judge is still chasing #61. And although he makes it look easy with what appears to be an effortless swing, his at bats are anything but easy. He is working 3-2 counts, mashing base hits and carrying his team in both batting average and RBIs. He is on the verge of a triple crown season, but he remains one home run short of tying Roger Maris. Judge is chasing history and eventually, he will get there. 

We have waited for a season like this for so long and we got it. The Yankees clinched the AL East in their victory against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. And for Judge, his 61st home run swing will come too—we just have to wait. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

MCGWIRE BACKS AARON JUDGE FOR THE YANKEES HOME RUN RECORD & BEYOND

It's not exactly a glowing endorsement. I mean Mark McGwire was a cheater... why should we care what he has to say, right? Well... he actually makes alot of sense here, and it's provocative, and that's why I'm sharing it with you all. In the end, Big Mac believes that Judge is on the right path to break Maris's home run record, but thinks he could even go further.

Clutch Points writes:

"McGwire stated that he believes that Judge would break Maris’ record this season, which isn’t exactly bold. But what is bold is that McGwire also predicts that Judge will be able to surpass Bonds’ number in the future, and he thinks that his desire to achieve that historic feat could influence which team he signs with in free agency this offseason.

“He’s definitely going to break Maris’ Yankee record, but I truly believe he’ll break Barry’s record, too. I think he’ll finish with at least 65 home runs this year, and then position himself to hit, get to 73 to 74 in the next five to eight years. I really believe he’ll have that opportunity. He’s going to get close to it, and say, ‘Where can I bunch in nine more homers?’ God willing that he stays healthy, he’s going to do that, too.’’

Now look, as a Yankee fan, my biggest wish is that the Yankees can turn their season around and win the whole damn thing this year. I think that would be great for New York.  At the same time, I want Judge to break Maris's home run record because it shares baseball history with a whole new generation of baseball fans. But Judge's record is not the priority... and even he will tell you that.

Look... after Maris, the whole home run record was tainted anyway. I don't consider McQwire, Sosa or Bonds as true home run leaders. I know the record books say otherwise, but as far as I'm concerned it's Maris.  But to wipe that whole steroids scandal clean and to show a clean record... I would love to see Judge break Bond's tainted record one day.  It would be good for baseball and great for the New York Yankees as we move forward in history.

Enjoy your Tuesday.

JUDGE WANTS WINS & A CHAMPIONSHIP MORE THAN A HOME RUN CROWN

You gotta appreciate Aaron Judge. He's a solid leader, he says the right thing. He leads by example.  Last night the Yankees lost another one, but Aaron Judge hit his 50th home run.  It's great for him, but he isn't as jazzed about it as we are.

Inside the Pinstripes writes:

"Judge couldn't shake the fact that his club came up short between the lines, dropping their third game in a row.

"I'll be thinking about a 4-3 loss," Judge said when asked what his 50th home run ball will remind him of down the road. "That's what I'll be thinking about. I wish it could have been a little sweeter with a victory."...

"Just another number. Wish we could have came away with the win," he said...

ALL RISE 🧑‍⚖️

Aaron Judge hits his 50th homer of the season!!#RepBX | #MLBNShowcase pic.twitter.com/ikXT26JPBP

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 30, 2022

"We've got a good group of guys in here that continue to show up every single day, putting the work in and I'm just trying to do my part and be a part of this team and do anything I can do to put ourselves in a good position going into the postseason," he said. "When you're showing up to work every single day, with the plan and mission to go out here and win the game, you don't get caught up in individual numbers, good or bad."

Judge is a true leader. And what's happened to him this year is important, with his personal achievements, but baseball players want a championship more, and that's what we're seeing with a guy like Judge. 

Sure if Judge can catch Roger Maris, that's wonderful for the Yankees and us fans, but let's not forget something very significant. In 1961, the Yankees won the championship. Roger Maris hit 61 and it was the perfect scenario.  I suspect if the Yankees don't win and Judge passes Maris, it's a strange feeling of achievement WITH failure and I get that.

I like the way Judge speaks to the press.  He's a solid leader.  

Let's go Yankees... turn this around.

COULD AARON JUDGE BE THE NEW HOME RUN KING?

The Yankees are on a nice roll, and we all want it to stay that way. There is a lot of hope and excitement for the rest of the season, and a lot of that has to do with Aaron Judge.

After this season, Judge will be a free agent and he's having one hell of a year before he becomes a free agent. So far nothing is standing in his way to earning a big pay day and breaking records on his way out. Or is there?

According to Chris "Mad Dog" Russo the Yankees may be in his way, you can check it out HERE if you want to catch up on his analysis. I must admit, it is an interesting take. I will leave it at that but he says the Yankees will never let him break the home run record.

"There is no chance. The Yankees won’t let him get near it. No chance he’s making it to 61 home runs. None...I think they’re worried. They’re paying him so much money. They’re worried about wearing a player out. They’re worried about somebody getting hurt. They’re worried about pitch counts, and overload as far as 162 games, but it’s a major problem with the sport."

Yikes!

Look, I don't care about him beating Roger Maris' record or getting close to Babe Ruth either. If he makes it there and is still productive and healthy while helping us get back to the World Series then that is icing on the cake for me. It is hard for me to imagine though. It would be nice to see though. What Yankee fan wouldn't like to see an epic record broken? That's something that sticks with us.

But what would be nicer to see is the Yankees continuing to win while staying healthy and winning a 28th title. That is the most important part after all. If the Yankees want to rest him at some point to make sure he is good for the postseason also....then I wouldn't be mad about that either, especially if it turns out to be the right move.

"Mad Dog" can think what he wants....at this point, I really don't care about records. I only care about a World Series championship. I'm tired of the drought.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

ROGER MARIS JR. & THE HOME RUN RECORD

Records are made to be broken. But when guys who make records die, and the steroid era comes barreling in full steam and breaks records, you really have to think about what the hell's going on here.

Roger Maris hit 61 home runs in 1961, one more than Babe Ruth. It was a stressful, exciting and crazy year for Mr. Maris who received threats and ripping because of the fact that at the time Babe Ruth was sacred in sports. But he did it because his abilities let him.

I have never felt as though that single season home run record was ever broken since Maris did it, meaning to me, Maris still holds the record. I'm probably the only one, but when you talk about steroids in the same conversation, it's clear that hitting the ball further is definitely part of the equation. 

In 1998, Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs, and Sammy Sosa hit 66. At the time, everyone knew what was going on. Even Roger Maris Jr. But do you think for a second he was going to expose that when the mic was in his face about his father's record and legacy? The guy was too classy. He was quiet. These days however he is talking. Why, because since the record was tainted by Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the record was broken again by Bonds with 73. At this point is was a ridiculous circus.

Now, with some seperation between that Bond record and the arrival of Aaron Judge, perhaps the record can be revisited with a legit New York Yankee who does it clean.

The Spun writes:

"Aaron Judge is currently on track to hit 63 home runs this year. If he manages to maintain this incredible pace, he'll break the New York Yankees' record for the most homers in a single season...

Earlier this week, Roger Maris Jr. spoke about his father's record. Believe it or not, he would be "very happy" if Judge breaks the record.

“You don’t want to see anyone get it, but I’d be very happy if Judge did do it,’’ Maris told the New York Post. “Dad always said records are meant to be broken. You don’t want to see Dad’s record go, but if it happened, I can’t think of a better guy to do it. He’s a great Yankee. To do it in New York, how cool would that be? "

For me, I'm not sure Judge can do it, but I hope he does. There are so many variables and situations that can knock him off the pace. Judge would have to be near perfect. Yes, I hope he does, but it's unclear right now.

I do love that Maris Jr. spoke out. I have always appreciated Roger Maris. I loved him as a Yankee. I think his story is wild and he in my opinion never got the true recognition of being a solid Yankee as he should. 

Anyway... I love this story, and yes, ultimately I hope it happens for Judge, for Jr and for the Yankees.

CAN AARON HICKS HIT 30 DINGERS?

Well... if Aaron Hicks is healthy for an entire season, I say absolutely. Here's the problem... he's never healthy. But damn I love his confidence. NJ.com writes:

"Hicks’ 27 homers in 2018 are by far a career high — his next-best total was 15 the year before — but he thinks he’s capable of blowing past that every season.

“It’s definitely going to rise,” Hicks said. “I definitely see myself hitting 30 plus. That’s what I want to do and that’s what I believe that I can do. If get 500 plate appearances, I’m definitely going to hit my mark with those numbers.”

And Hicks isn't the only one who's pumped about the season. Us Yankee fans are too. I was reading Twitter the other day. And Yes, it's such a sewer with a-holes like Aubrey Huff, but there's some good stuff too... Yankee fans expressing their true love for their team.

I saw one fan suggest Luke Voit will get 50 homers in 2021. And one fan even suggested that this is the year that Aaron Judge hits 62 homers beating the Yankees all time record of Roger Maris and his 61.  

with 5 extra starts in an incredibly wonky statistical year. is Luke Voit going to hit 50 homers for the yanks this year? because that was his rate last year. Still no Bauer on the list who will crush Snell this year. Also WAR isn't a fantasy number.

— Still Shaved (@StillShavedguy) January 29, 2021

And here's that Judge one:

Aaron Judge - 62 HR (2021)
Roger Maris - 61 HR (1961)
Babe Ruth - 60 HR (1927) pic.twitter.com/s4NtJZSdkp

— Dan Rourke (@DanAlanRourke) February 26, 2021

Nice! Listen... let's hope these predicts are right. I wanna see a monster season for my Yankees!!!

AARON JUDGE SHOULDER STORY IS JUST BEGINNING

Source: YES Network

It finally arrived.  82 degrees and sunny in Steinbrenner Field in Tampa as the 2018 Yankees mandatory pitchers and catchers reported to spring training ready to work.  Also ready to work is Aaron Judge, who has been in Tampa for over a week, readying himself for the season of a lifetime.  But the spotlight appears to already be on Judge and his shoulder following multiple crashes into the right field wall and an off season surgery.

Source: NJ.com

Yankee manager Aaron Boone shared his thoughts on Judge's progress during day one of spring training. "He's doing well," the skipper said. "We talk about managing individuals and getting individuals ready. We'll certainly be as cautious as we need to be in the early days,"wrote NJ.com.  Judge is expected to speak with reporters later today after the first official practice of the 2018 season.

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

Recall that Judge never drew any attention to his shoulder or blamed an injury for his hitting woes later in 2017 season. It is expected that he will thrill reporters with his rehab protocol and excitement for the upcoming season.  "The TV network most eagerly anticipating the 2018 Major League Baseball season is the Yankees' own YES Network, which will market telegenic young sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton as a modern-day Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris," reported Sporting News on Tuesday.

Source: USA Today

Judge who has never appeared to have cringed or cracked as pressure mounted will have a whole different kind of pressure following his Rookie of the Year win and being touted as a modern day Mickey Mantle.  But, if anyone on the team is up for the challenge it is Judge whose smile is contagious.  Hopefully his shoulder is as good as new and we can move past speculation to seeing Judge do what he does best- play with heart for the NY Yankees in 2018.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof