New York, July 12, 2025 — In a moment destined for the record books, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge hit his 350th career home run during Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs, reaching the milestone in just 1,088 games. This marks the fastest ascent to 350 home runs in Major League Baseball history, surpassing the previous record held by slugger Mark McGwire, who took 1,280 games to hit that total.
The ninth-inning blast at Yankee Stadium wasn’t enough to secure a win—the Yankees ultimately fell to the Cubs 5–2—but the moment was far from lost on the crowd or the baseball world. Judge, typically humble and understated, deflected the spotlight in post-game remarks, offering a brief “I got nothing” and instead shifting credit to his teammates and coaching staff. Yankees manager Aaron Boone was more emphatic, calling Judge’s achievement “a testament to his greatness,” and noting the staggering pace at which he’s rewriting the record books.
Judge’s 350th homer is emblematic of more than just personal success—it solidifies his place among the most prolific sluggers in baseball history and adds another chapter to an already storied career. In reaching this benchmark, Judge leapfrogs several legendary names in the annals of power hitting. For context, Alex Rodriguez reached 350 home runs in 1,301 games, Harmon Killebrew in 1,319, and Albert Pujols in 1,320. Even historic Yankees greats like Yogi Berra (358) and Joe DiMaggio (361) are now within reach as Judge climbs the franchise’s all-time home run rankings.
What makes Judge’s power surge even more remarkable is the context in which it has occurred. This season, he’s hit 35 home runs before the All-Star break—more than any Yankee has ever posted at this point in a season. The previous record was held by the legendary Lou Gehrig. Judge’s consistent ability to hit with power, even as opposing teams adapt and pitching becomes more analytically driven, reflects both his physical talent and cerebral approach at the plate.
His 2025 campaign builds on a stretch of unprecedented performance. In 2022, Judge broke the American League single-season home run record with 62, and followed that with another dominant showing in 2024, clubbing 58 homers while helping lead the Yankees to a deep postseason run. His combination of plate discipline, raw strength, and leadership on and off the field has made him the face of the franchise and one of the most respected players in the sport.
Analysts point to several factors that have contributed to Judge’s historic pace. Chief among them is his ability to stay healthy—a challenge in the early years of his career. Since being named team captain in 2023, Judge has maintained peak physical condition, crediting the team’s performance staff for helping him recover and train effectively throughout the grueling 162-game season. Equally important is his continued evolution as a hitter; where once he might have been vulnerable to high fastballs or low breaking balls, Judge has improved his ability to adjust to a variety of pitches and remains one of the league’s toughest outs in key situations.
Beyond statistics, Judge’s 350th home run resonates with fans because of what it represents: the durability of a franchise player in an era of roster turnover and short-term contracts. His loyalty to the Yankees and his continued excellence at the plate have made him a centerpiece for the team’s identity in the post-Jeter era. For younger fans, he’s become the icon of a new generation. For older fans, he recalls the power and grace of Bronx Bombers past.
Looking ahead, Judge’s trajectory suggests there’s still plenty of history left to make. With his 400th home run likely on the horizon in the next couple of seasons, and with Yankee legends like Mickey Mantle (536) and Babe Ruth (659) on the all-time list, conversations are already turning to where Judge might eventually rank among the greats.
For now, Saturday’s milestone is a moment of celebration and reflection. It’s a reminder that in a sport where longevity and consistency are hard-won achievements, Aaron Judge continues to make the extraordinary look routine. His 350th home run was not just a record—it was a statement, underscoring his place as one of the defining players of modern baseball.
