Aaron Judge slugged his 359th career homer, lifting the Yankees to a 1-0 lead with a full-count split-finger from Casey Mize that sprayed to right-center and traveled 412 feet at 110.6 mph. It was Judge’s 44th of the season, tying him with Yogi Berra for fifth on New York’s all-time list behind Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig and DiMaggio. The milestone comes as Judge returns to right field after elbow trouble, having flashed solid defense including a diving grab against George Springer.
The moment underscores Judge’s continued chase of historical Yankees feats and reinforces his fantasy value as a prime power hitter in a loaded lineup. Berra’s tie-in adds a rich historical context, while the team game flow shows New York maintaining its playoff push with Judge leading by example at the plate and in the field. Berra’s era-era comparisons amplify the magnitude, even as Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig and DiMaggio loom as the canonical marquee names above him.
Judge’s return to the outfield after July elbow strain marks a Full-Season rebound arc, and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively lately—like a diving catch on a Springer liner—signals durability for late-season fantasy rosters. The Tigers game adds a chapter to a season where every HR count matters for MVP and innings-eating performances, while the broader franchise history provides a backdrop for Judge’s ongoing significance in New York’s record books.
