N.Y. Yankees: Judge Gives The Babe A Little Nudge

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

Judge Poised to Preside Over First Post-Season

New York Yankees: Aaron Judge Puts Final Touch on Historic Rookie Season.

ICYMI: Judge Sets The Record Straight 

The Bronx Bombers regular season concluded Sunday, but not before Aaron Judge finalized his rookie season assault on the Yankees all-time record books.

The 25-year old right fielder connected for yet another home run in the 4th inning of Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Blue Jays.  A significant clout in more ways than one, his 52 home runs now stand as new single-season MLB record by a rookie.  Saturday's knock was also his 15th for the month of September, which is being reported to be the most home runs hit by a Yankee in a calendar month since Roger Maris hit 15 homers in June 1961.  Saturday's home run was also his 33rd hit at Yankee Stadium this season, which moved him ahead of Babe Ruth for most home runs hit by a Yankee at home.  Ruth hit 32 home runs at home in 1921, but back when the Yankees were still playing at the Polo Grounds.

Aaron entered the All-Star break batting .329 with 30 home runs.  But he struggled upon his return, registering at least one strikeout in 37 straight games, during which time his average dropped .041 down to an albeit still respectable .288 average.

He did not play in Sunday's season finale against the Blue Jays.  Therefore Judge ends the season tied with Mickey Mantle for the eighth most home runs hit by a Yankee in one season.

The Yankees rookie also finished the season on a 13-game hitting streak (17 for 44, .386), a seven game RBI streak, and having hit nine home runs in his final 12 regular season games.

All told, Aaron Judge ends the season slashing a nifty .284/.422/.628, with 114 RBI, and an 8.0 WAR.  He led the American League with 52 home runs, 128 runs scored, 127 walks, and struck out a league leading 208 times.  He finished a very close second to Nelson Cruz in RBI, and even closer to Mike Trout in slugging average.

All this makes him appear a lock for the Rookie of the Year award, as well as placing him among the top candidates for the league's Most Valuable Player.


*Aaron Judge ~ Yahoo Images