Yankees’ Aaron Judge becomes fastest to 300 homers, matching Kiner’s 1,087 in 955 games | News, Sports, Jobs

New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge hits his 300th career home run, the fastest player to do so in MLB history, during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

By ANDREW SELIGMAN, AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — Aaron Judge noticed his teammates dancing in the bullpen as he passed first base. He also got a great reception as he crossed the plate.

Not only did he hit his 300th home run, the New York Yankees slugger reached that milestone faster than any other player when he connected against the Chicago White Sox during a 10-2 victory on Wednesday night.

“It is a great achievement,” said. “As I said a couple of days ago, I was hoping for a win. It was a big win for us. We were a little bit down, we couldn’t do much, so I was excited because it was a great moment.”

Judge hit his 955th home run in his game and 3,431st at-bat with a three-run shot in the eighth inning. The six-time All-Star and 2022 AL MVP lined a 3-0 sinker from Chad Kuhl into the White Sox bullpen in left field for his major league-leading 43rd homer.

The Yankees let loose when the ball sailed over the wall, jumping and raising their arms and hitting the dugout railing. After the game, DJ LeMahieu and Austin Wells doused Judge with a tub of water.

“That means a lot” The judge said. “These guys work with me every day. I know the effort they put in. They see what I do. That was very special.”

Ralph Kiner reached 300 home runs in his 1,087th game, and Babe Ruth did it in his 3,831st at-bat.

“Those are some guys that have done a lot of great things in this game.” The judge said. “A lot of those names get mentioned to people who don’t know baseball and they know who they are. It’s a special group to be in.”

Judge continues to surprise his teammates. Juan Soto believes Judge has a chance to surpass Barry Bonds’ 762 home runs.

“Why not?” Soto said. “I think he’s the guy who can literally break the record… I hope he’s healthy enough to do it and I’m going to enjoy it as much as I can as well.”

Chicago trailed 6-2 when interim manager Grady Sizemore intentionally walked Soto to get Judge, who had not homered on a 3-0 pitch since 2021.

“You all say how he’s hitting this week,” The judge said. “It makes sense. The guy hit three home runs yesterday, one to lead off the game today. Why wouldn’t you?”

Judge leads the majors with 14 intentional walks. Soto was intentionally walked for the first time this season after hitting three home runs on Tuesday and another in the first inning on Wednesday.

Judge wouldn’t say whether he thought the White Sox made the right decision, but either way, he made them pay.

“If they’re going to do that, you have to come and do those races,” said. “I was lucky to be able to do it there.”

Sizemore made the decision in his fifth game after replacing Pedro Grifol as manager. He said Soto’s four home runs prompted him to make the decision.

“You pick your poison. I’m not trying to get to the judge. I have an open base.” Sizemore said. “There is no easy solution or way out of that quagmire, but Soto has definitely been the hotter of those two hitters, although Judge has been hot as well.”

Judge, who hit an American League-record 62 homers in his MVP season, is batting .333 and leads the majors with 110 RBIs. His 300th came eight years and a day after he homered in his first major league at-bat.

“It definitely took us by surprise” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of the intentional walk: “But Aaron was ready to put together a big at-bat.

“I think he widened the area too much in the 3-0,” -the manager added playfully.

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