Yankees News: Thanks to “Segregation and Steroids,” Aaron Judge Launched Above Upper Echelon of MLB Legends, Including Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds

Hold onto your peanuts and Cracker Jacks—because the Bombers are shaking up baseball like a Bronx earthquake! Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ modern-day titan, isn’t just chasing records this season; he’s shattering them, leaving even legends like Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds trailing in his dust. But this isn’t just about raw talent; it’s a tale of how the shadows of segregation and the steroid era have inadvertently elevated Judge to unprecedented heights.

June was Judge’s month, a period of unprecedented power that saw him smash 31 home runs and amass 82 RBIs. The All-Rise is halfway to eclipsing his own American League single-season home run record of 62, a feat once deemed untouchable. But Judge, laser-focused on the “next day,” isn’t dwelling on past glory. His relentless pursuit of victory fuels a historic pace that’s electrifying the Bronx and setting the stage for a 100-win season. And this, Bronx fans, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Right now, social media is abuzz with comparisons between Judge’s 2024 performance and the iconic seasons of Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds. MLB analyst Sarah Langs’ tweet highlighting players with a 1.430+ OPS in a 50-game span places Judge among these all-time greats. Yet, as Jon Heyman points out in his borderline indigestible comment reflecting the truths of baseball’s bygone era, the specter of segregation and the steroid era looms large, proving Aaron Judge’s mettle to be even more dynamic than the greatest of all greats.

Judge’s impact transcends his awe-inspiring home runs. His 82 RBIs, defensive prowess, and ability to elevate his teammates make him a five-tool force to be reckoned with. San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin can attest to this, admitting, “When he’s hot, he’s tough to deal with.” And Judgey is on fire, leading the charge for a deep playoff run. Yet, amidst this individual brilliance, a humble narrative unfolds.

Despite leading in various offensive categories and flirting with a potential Triple Crown, Judge remains grounded. “It would be cool, but it’s not my focus,” he says of the Triple Crown, emphasizing his commitment to team success. His humility shines through as he deflects praise onto teammates like Anthony Volpe, Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, and rookie Ben Rice. But how does this humble giant stack up against the legends of the game?

All Rise for Aaron Judge: Shadows of the past propel present glory

The exclusion of black players before 1947 and the rampant PED use during the Steroid Era cast shadows on the statistical achievements of some legends, raising a really crucial question: How would the records of Ruth and Bonds look if they had competed in today’s integrated, PED-tested environment? But the story of the Judge-shaped eclipse pulling its primordial shadow over legends doesn’t just end there.

On a fateful night at Oracle Park, the All-Rise didn’t just hit two home runs; he shattered two longstanding records previously ruled by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. With 26 extra-base hits in May, Judge surpassed these Yankee icons, etching his name in the record books—his childhood dreams of hitting moonshots at Oracle Park becoming a reality, silencing doubters and inspiring awe.

Even before the arrival of June “Judge”ment, Aaron Judge’s May was more than just a hot streak; it was a symphony of power and precision. He joined an exclusive club of players with 25+ extra-base hits and 22+ walks in a calendar month, alongside legends like Ruth, Gehrig, Ted Williams, and Jimmie Foxx—also tying Mickey Mantle and Tino Martinez for the most home runs by a Yankee before June. But the captain’s impact extends beyond mere personal accolades.

Judge’s performance has ever since sparked a resurgence in the Yankees this year, who, after having won 14 of their last 18 games in May, became the fourth team in history ever to reach 40 wins before June 1st. Marcus Stroman, Yankees pitcher, marvels at Judge’s impact, stating, “He’s incredible; it’s hard to put into words.” But where does this leave Judge in the pantheon of baseball greats?

Judge isn’t just playing baseball; he’s redefining it. His dominance, fueled by the context of segregation and the steroid era, has propelled him above the upper echelon of MLB legends. He’s not merely chasing records; he’s shattering them, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. But the story is far from over. Will Judge surpass his own record of 62 home runs? Will he capture the elusive Triple Crown? Regardless of the uncertainty looming over these “what-ifs,” it is evident that Aaron Judge’s journey is proving to be a testament to talent, humility, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness. He’s not just a Yankee anymore; he’s a living baseball icon making a run for both the postseasons—and for a legacy that will reverberate through the ages.