Aaron Judge, the captain of the New York Yankees, has once again etched his name into the storied history of the franchise by tying Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio for fourth place on the Yankees’ all-time home run list. On September 11, 2025, in a game against the Detroit Tigers, Judge hit two home runs, bringing his career total to 361. This achievement comes just two days after he surpassed another Yankees legend, Yogi Berra, to secure fifth place.
The moment was highlighted not only by the home runs but also by the significance of the date, as it coincided with the 24-year anniversary of 9/11, evoking deep emotions for many in attendance, including President Donald Trump. Judge opened the game’s scoring with a powerful 413-foot home run in the first inning—a moment that Judge himself described as “surreal.” This shot marked his 18th home run of the season, tying a major league record for the most home runs in a season during this point of the calendar, a record he previously held.
In the third inning, Judge followed up with another explosive hit—a 434-foot home run, driving his total for the season to 46, tying him with Lou Gehrig for the second most in Yankees history behind only Babe Ruth. Over the last month, since returning from injury, Judge has demonstrated impressive form, hitting nine home runs in 33 games, and maintaining a league-leading batting average of .322.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared his admiration for Judge’s achievement, noting, “To be next to [DiMaggio] on the list… it’s impressive.” It’s clear that reaching this milestone not only speaks to Judge’s power and skill but also to his place within a lineage of Yankees greats, including Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Lou Gehrig—all of whom sit ahead of him on the all-time home run chart.
This trajectory has garnered attention not just from fans, but also from baseball historians who are keen to see how Judge’s career will unfold in the future. Tying a player of DiMaggio’s caliber is particularly momentous given DiMaggio’s legacy. He is not just a great hitter; he is a cultural icon who transcended baseball during his career in the 1930s and 1940s.
Numerous discussions have emerged surrounding Judge’s position among Yankees legends. His ability to connect with both fans and the history of the game itself has made him an invaluable figure. As Judge continues to chase history, conversation shifts towards his potential to surpass not just DiMaggio, but also the powerful Yankees lineup that includes Ruth, Mantle, and Gehrig.
The game itself ended with a decisive 9-3 victory for the Yankees, further propelling them in the competitive American League East standings. As Judge continues to perform at a remarkable level, his focus remains not only on individual milestones but also on the broader goal of leading the Yankees to a championship.
Moreover, Judge’s incredible resilience is evident in his ability to recover from injuries that plagued him in the previous seasons. His recent performance underscores the importance of health and consistency at the highest levels of competitive sports—a testament to his hard work and dedication.
In conclusion, the tying of Joe DiMaggio by Aaron Judge for fourth on the Yankees’ all-time home run list marks a significant achievement in the younger player’s career. It is a moment filled with nostalgia for baseball historians and fans alike. As Judge continues his ascent in the ranks of Yankees greats, one can only speculate on how high he will soar as he passionately pursues his goals. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Judge, not just as a player but as a captain leading his team and chasing down a legacy that few can hope to touch. The journey is ongoing, and for Yankees fans, every game adds a new chapter to a legacy that both honors the past and looks optimistically at a brilliant future.
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