Aaron Judge's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Aaron Judge.

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

1938: Record-Tying Multiple Home Run Games

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: 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.

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.

1997: Historical Comparison of Home Run and Stolen Base Feats

1998: Historical Comparison of Home Run and Stolen Base Feats

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: Alex Rodriguez Hit 30 Home Runs Before All-Star Break

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez became the first Yankee to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break, a feat that Aaron Judge later replicated as a rookie.

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).

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.

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.

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.

2015: Kris Bryant's Rookie Strikeout Record

In 2015, Kris Bryant set the rookie record for strikeouts, which Aaron Judge later broke.

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.

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.

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 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: 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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.