History of Aaron Judge in Timeline
Aaron Judge is a highly accomplished American professional baseball outfielder for the New York Yankees. A seven-time MLB All-Star and three-time AL MVP winner, he holds the American League record for most home runs in a single season with 62. Noted for his exceptional size and power, standing at 6'7" and weighing 282 pounds, Judge is widely regarded as one of the premier power hitters and right-handed batters in Major League Baseball.
3 hours ago : Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado on MLB's Hot-Seat, Insiders Say
MLB insiders consider Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado as potential 'hot-seat' candidates. There is pressure on MLB teams and managers, according to sources.
1921: Babe Ruth's Home Run Record
In 1921, Babe Ruth set a single-season record for most home runs hit by a Yankees player at his home ballpark, which Aaron Judge surpassed in September of 2017.
1921: Historical Comparison of Home Run and Stolen Base Feats
On September 7, 2022, Aaron Judge became the fourth player in MLB history to hit at least 55 home runs and steal at least 15 bases in a season, joining Babe Ruth (1921), Sammy Sosa (1998), and Ken Griffey Jr. (1997–98).
1932: Record-Tying Multiple Home Run Games
On September 18, 2022, Aaron Judge equaled Hank Greenberg and Sammy Sosa's record of 11 multiple home run games in an MLB season, while also tying and surpassing Greenberg (1938) and Jimmie Foxx (1932) for the AL single-season record for most home runs by a right-handed batter.
1937: Joe DiMaggio Hit 40 Home Runs
In 1937, Joe DiMaggio Hit 40 Home Runs
1938: Record-Tying Multiple Home Run Games
On September 18, 2022, Aaron Judge equaled Hank Greenberg and Sammy Sosa's record of 11 multiple home run games in an MLB season, while also tying and surpassing Greenberg (1938) and Jimmie Foxx (1932) for the AL single-season record for most home runs by a right-handed batter.
1939: Ted Williams Walk Record
In 1939, Ted Williams set the rookie record for most walks in a season, a record that Aaron Judge surpassed.
1950: Al Rosen 100 Walks in a Season
In 1950, Al Rosen had 100 walks in a season. He was the first AL rookie to have 100 walks in a season since Al Rosen in 1950.
1953: Jim Gilliam 100 Walks in a Season
In 1953, Jim Gilliam had 100 walks in a season. He was the first MLB rookie since Jim Gilliam in 1953.
1956: Mickey Mantle Hit 40 Home Runs
In 1956, Mickey Mantle Hit 40 Home Runs
1956: Reference to Mickey Mantle's MVP Award
In 2022, after the season, Aaron Judge won the AL MVP Award and became the second Yankee player to win the award unanimously, following Mickey Mantle in 1956.
1957: Breaking AL Single-Season Record
In 2024, Aaron Judge broke the AL single-season record for intentional walks, overtaking Ted Williams' record of 34 set in the 1957 season.
1980: Joe Lefebvre Homers in First Two Games
In 1980, Joe Lefebvre also homered in his first two games, being the first to do so for the Yankees before Aaron Judge.
1986: Linden's League Title
In 1986, Linden High School, where Aaron Judge attended, won its first league title in basketball since 1986. This occurred the year Aaron Judge was named the Mother Lode League's Most Outstanding Player in basketball.
1987: Mark McGwire Hit 30 Home Runs Before All-Star Break
In 1987, Mark McGwire became the first rookie to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break, a feat that Aaron Judge matched.
1987: McGwire's 40 Home Runs
In 1987, Mark McGwire was the second rookie in MLB history to hit 40 home runs in a season.
April 26, 1992: Aaron Judge Born
On April 26, 1992, Aaron James Judge was born. He later became a professional baseball outfielder for the New York Yankees.
1997: Historical Comparison of Home Run and Stolen Base Feats
On September 7, 2022, Aaron Judge became the fourth player in MLB history to hit at least 55 home runs and steal at least 15 bases in a season, joining Babe Ruth (1921), Sammy Sosa (1998), and Ken Griffey Jr. (1997–98).
1998: Historical Comparison of Home Run and Stolen Base Feats
On September 7, 2022, Aaron Judge became the fourth player in MLB history to hit at least 55 home runs and steal at least 15 bases in a season, joining Babe Ruth (1921), Sammy Sosa (1998), and Ken Griffey Jr. (1997–98).
2001: First Inning Home Run Record
On September 12, 2024, Aaron Judge hit his 19th first-inning home run of the season, breaking a tie with Alex Rodriguez (2001) for the most home runs by a player in a single inning in a season.
2007: Home Run Streak Reference
In 2020, Aaron Judge had the longest home run streak by a Yankees player since Alex Rodriguez (September 4–9, 2007).
2010: Graduation from Linden High
In 2010, Aaron Judge graduated from Linden High School, marking the end of his high school career.
2010: Drafted by Oakland Athletics
In 2010, Aaron Judge was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 31st round of the MLB draft, but he chose to attend California State University, Fresno to play baseball for the Bulldogs.
2011: Freshman of the Year
In 2011, Fresno State shared the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) regular season title, won the WAC Tournament, and qualified for the NCAA Division I baseball tournament. Aaron Judge was named the WAC Freshman of the Year, earned All-WAC First Team and All-Tournament Team honors, and was selected as a Freshman All-American by Louisville Slugger.
July 2012: Bulldogs Joined Mountain West
In July 2012, the Fresno State Bulldogs joined the Mountain West Conference, marking a change in conference affiliation before Aaron Judge's junior season.
2012: Curtis Granderson's Yankees Strikeout Record
In 2012, Curtis Granderson set the Yankees record for strikeouts, which Aaron Judge later broke.
2012: Fresno State WAC Champions
In 2012, Fresno State repeated as WAC tournament champions, with Aaron Judge earning All-WAC First Team honors for the second consecutive year and another selection to the All-Tournament Team. He also won the 2012 College Home Run Derby.
2012: Mike Trout's Rookie of the Month Streak
In 2012, Mike Trout won four consecutive AL Rookie of the Month awards, setting the longest streak before Aaron Judge won three in a row.
2013: Drafted by Yankees
In 2013, Aaron Judge was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the MLB draft with the 32nd overall selection and signed with the team for a $1.8 million bonus. He was unfortunately sidelined for the 2013 season due to a quadriceps femoris muscle tear during a base running drill.
2013: All-Mountain West Conference First Team
In 2013, as a junior, Aaron Judge led the Fresno State Bulldogs in home runs (12), doubles (15), and runs batted in (36), earning All-Mountain West Conference First Team honors.
2014: Endorses Under Armour gear
In 2014, Aaron Judge endorsed Under Armour gear.
2014: Professional Debut
In 2014, Aaron Judge made his professional debut with the Charleston RiverDogs in the Class A South Atlantic League. He later advanced to the Tampa Yankees in the Class A-Advanced Florida State League in June, and played for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League after the season.
2015: Spring Training and Promotion to Scranton
In 2015, Aaron Judge was invited to spring training with the Yankees and began the season with the Trenton Thunder. After a strong performance, he was promoted to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in June and chosen to play in the 2015 All-Star Futures Game.
2015: Kris Bryant's Rookie Strikeout Record
In 2015, Kris Bryant set the rookie record for strikeouts, which Aaron Judge later broke.
2015: Statcast Adopted
In 2015, Statcast was adopted, leading to the measurement of home run exit velocities.
2015: Start of Statcast Tracking
Since Statcast began tracking exit velocity in 2015, Judge broke the record for the hardest-hit home run with a 121.1 mph blast on June 10, 2017, against the Baltimore Orioles; although later surpassed, it ranked fifth as of 2025.
August 13, 2016: MLB Debut with Yankees
On August 13, 2016, Aaron Judge made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees, hitting a home run in his first at-bat against the Tampa Bay Rays. The previous batter, Tyler Austin, also making his MLB debut, did the same. Judge became the second Yankees player to homer in each of his first two MLB games.
September 13, 2016: Placed on Disabled List
On September 13, 2016, Aaron Judge's debut season ended prematurely when he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a grade two right oblique strain.
2016: International League All-Star Team
In 2016, Aaron Judge was named to the International League All-Star Team, though he did not play due to a knee sprain. He played 93 games for the RailRiders.
2016: Yankees Miss Playoffs
In 2023, the Yankees missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
May 15, 2017: Sports Illustrated Cover and Tonight Show Appearance
On May 15, 2017, Aaron Judge appeared on the cover of the May 15, 2017, edition of Sports Illustrated with the title "All Rise". On that same day, Judge appeared on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon where he posed undercover in Bryant Park to ask Yankee fans questions about himself.
June 10, 2017: Record-Breaking Home Run
On June 10, 2017, Aaron Judge broke the record for the hardest-hit home run with a 121.1 mph blast against the Baltimore Orioles. Although later surpassed, it ranked fifth as of 2025.
November 6, 2017: Cover Athlete for MLB The Show 18
On November 6, 2017, Aaron Judge was named the cover athlete for MLB The Show 18.
2017: Signs endorsement deal with Pepsi
In 2017, Aaron Judge signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Pepsi.
August 9, 2018: Giancarlo Stanton Breaks Exit Velocity Record
On August 9, 2018, Giancarlo Stanton broke the exit velocity record previously set by Aaron Judge, launching a home run with an exit velocity of 121.7 miles per hour.
2018: Signs endorsement deal with Adidas
In 2018, Aaron Judge signed an endorsement deal with Adidas.
2019: 2019 Season Performance and Defensive Award
In 2019, Aaron Judge batted .272/.381/.540 with 27 home runs and 55 RBIs in 102 games. He had the fastest average exit velocity at 95.9 mph and led the league in defensive runs saved as a right fielder. Judge also earned the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award for his position in right field in 2019.
2019: Yankees Franchise Record for Team Home Runs
In 2019, Aaron Judge hit a home run that helped the Yankees set a new franchise record for team home runs in a season.
2019: Inducted into Linden Athletic Hall of Fame
In 2019, Aaron Judge was the sole inductee into the Linden Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding achievements in high school sports.
2020: 2020 Season Performance and Injuries
In the shortened 2020 season, Aaron Judge began with five consecutive games with a home run. On August 3, his home run streak ended. Judge was placed on the 10-day injured list twice in August due to a right calf strain. He finished the season with .257/.336/.554 with nine home runs and 22 RBIs over 28 games. In the playoffs, the Yankees lost to Tampa Bay in the ALDS.
December 2021: Marriage to Samantha Bracksieck
In December 2021, Aaron Judge married Samantha Bracksieck at a private ceremony in Maui.
2021: 2021 Season Achievements and Awards
In 2021, Aaron Judge finished the season batting .287/.373/.544 with 39 home runs and 98 RBIs. He won a Fielding Bible Award and his second Silver Slugger Award. On November 23, Judge was named to the First Team of the All-MLB Team and finished fourth in AL MVP voting.
2021: Reference to Previous Winner
In 2022, Aaron Judge won the Associated Press "Male Athlete of the Year", edging out Shohei Ohtani, who was the winner in 2021.
December 2022: Free Agency and Contract Negotiations
After the 2022 season, Aaron Judge became a free agent and declined the Yankees' qualifying offer. In early December 2022, he was pursued by multiple teams, including the Padres and Giants, before reaching a new deal with the Yankees.
December 20, 2022: Signing of New Contract and Captaincy Announcement
On December 20, 2022, Aaron Judge signed a nine-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees, breaking the record for the largest free agent deal in MLB history. The next day, he was named the 16th captain of the Yankees, the first since Derek Jeter.
2022: AL MVP Award and Recognition
Aaron Judge won the AL MVP Award in 2022, receiving 28 of 30 first-place votes. He was named to the All-MLB Team. His 2022 campaign is considered one of the best offensive seasons in major league history. He was also voted the Associated Press "Male Athlete of the Year" and Time Magazine Athlete of the Year.
2022: Contract Negotiations and Agreement
Before the 2022 Yankees season, contract negotiations between Aaron Judge and the Yankees were unsuccessful initially. On June 24, Judge avoided salary arbitration by signing a one-year, $19 million contract with additional bonuses for winning MVP awards.
2022: Appearance on Logic's Album
In 2022, Aaron Judge appeared on a 23-second skit on rapper Logic's 2022 album Vinyl Days named after himself.
2022: 2022 Season Leading Statistics
In 2022, Aaron Judge led the major leagues with 62 home runs, 133 runs scored, 131 RBI, and 111 walks, batting .311/.425/.686 with 177 hits and 16 stolen bases in 157 games. Luis Arráez had a higher batting average, denying Judge the AL triple crown.
2022: Adidas deal expires
In 2022, Aaron Judge's endorsement deal with Adidas expired.
August 2023: Signs shoe deal with Jordan Brand
In August 2023, Aaron Judge signed a shoe deal with Nike-owned Jordan Brand, becoming the fifth active MLB player to do so.
November 18, 2023: Jersey Retirement Celebration
On November 18, 2023, Aaron Judge was honored with a jersey retirement celebration at halftime of a Fresno State football game.
2023: 2023 Season Performance and Team Outcome
Despite missing 56 games in 2023, Aaron Judge hit 37 home runs. He slashed .267/.406/.613 in 106 games. The Yankees finished the regular season in fourth place and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
2023: 2023 Season Home Run and Injury
On 2023 MLB Opening Day at Yankee Stadium, Aaron Judge hit his first home run of the year. He went on the 10-day injured list after suffering a mild hip strain on April 26. Judge returned against the Oakland Athletics on May 9.
January 2024: All-Star Evening Gala
In January 2024, the ALL RISE Foundation hosted an "All-Star Evening" gala on Wall Street, raising nearly $800,000 for various youth programs in New York City.
March 2024: Ralph Lauren Fragrance Deal
In March 2024, Aaron Judge was named the face of a new Ralph Lauren fragrance, "Polo Est. 67 Eau de Toilette" and its "Design Your Dreams" ad campaign.
April 2024: Endorses Prime energy drink
In April 2024, Aaron Judge agreed to endorse Prime, an energy drink.
2024: AL Player of the Week and Month Awards
For the week ending June 9, 2024, Aaron Judge received his second AL Player of the Week award. At the end of June, Judge led the majors in home runs (31), RBI (82), and OPS (1.144). He won the AL Player of the Month Award again in June, for the second consecutive month.
2024: Guest Stars on Rubble & Crew
In 2024, Aaron Judge and his two pet dachshunds guest starred on an episode of Rubble & Crew, a PAW Patrol spin-off. His wife voiced their dog Penny.
2024: Slow Start and Improved Performance
In 2024, following an injury-interrupted spring training, Aaron Judge started slowly, hitting .180 through the first three weeks of April. By late April, his performance improved, with eight hits and three home runs.
January 2025: Birth of First Child
In January 2025, Aaron Judge and Samantha Bracksieck's first child, a daughter, was born.
April 14, 2025: Named Team USA Captain
On April 14, 2025, Aaron Judge was named captain of Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
December 5, 2025: Participates in 2026 FIFA World Cup draw
On December 5, 2025, Aaron Judge participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.
2025: Hardest-Hit Home Run Ranking
As of 2025, Aaron Judge's 121.1 mph home run on June 10, 2017, ranked fifth since Statcast began tracking exit velocity in 2015.
January 27, 2026: Cover Athlete for MLB The Show 26
On January 27, 2026, Aaron Judge was announced as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 26, becoming just the second player to appear on the game's cover twice.
2026: Participates in 2026 FIFA World Cup draw
In 2026, Aaron Judge participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.
2026: Announcement of Team USA Captain
On April 14, 2025, Aaron Judge was named captain of Team USA ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
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