NEW YORK – MLBBro Aaron Judge added to his legacy on Sunday by winning the American League batting title, the first in his career. His .331 batting average was 20 points higher than Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette and Athletics infielder Jacob Wilson – both at .311. 

 

Aaron Judge Hit 53 Homers: Most By A Batting Champion In MLB History

Judge’s 53 home runs are the most in Major League history for any player to win the batting title. Judge not only won the batting title, but he also led the Major Leagues on-base and slugging percentage. The last player to accomplish that feat was Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera in 2012.  

After the Bronx Bombers won their final game of the regular season – 3-2 over the Orioles –   manager Aaron Boone gave Judge the game ball.  The skipper then told him that his name will be in the company of Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew and Wade Boggs – players who won the batting title over the years. Judge is the first member of the Yankees to lead the league in hitting since DJ LeMahieu in 2020. 

 

“It’s pretty cool being on that list,” Judge said. “I already received a text from DJ LeMahieu which is pretty cool. It’s special, but there is more work to be done.”    

 

  

It’s amazing that Judge won the batting title. After coming off the Injured List on Aug. 5, Judge went into a slump during the month, hitting .241 with six home runs. However, he finished the season on fire and had a slash line of .370/.527/.765 with 10 homers. 

 

“He really helped carry us down the stretch this final month, so I’m excited for him, Boone said.

 

As his custom, Judge focused more on his teammates than what he accomplished this season. 

 

“I’m just trying to do my job. That’s what it comes down to, especially with this team,” he said. “The guys we went out and [acquired] Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt. And seeing what Ben Rice has done, I have to get on base for those guys. I try to drive the ball anywhere I can. I kind of let them do the rest.”

 

Judge has evolved as a hitter dating back to when he was A.L. Rookie of the Year in 2017. How much has he changed in the batter’s box?

 

“There are a lot of different ways, but I think the biggest thing is playing more games, getting more experience, understanding game situations in what the team needs,” Judge said. “I can sit there and chase numbers, but I’m just trying to do what I can to help our team win as many ballgames as we can and to win the World Series.” 

Aaron Judge Looks Forward To Dangerous Red Sox In Wild Card Series 

 

While Judge cherishes what he has accomplished with the stick, Judge has his mind on the Red Sox, who will play the Yankees in the American League Wild Card Series starting Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. The Red Sox won the season series, 9-4.   

 

“It’s a ballclub with a great lineup, obviously good starting pitching, good back-end of the bullpen,” Judge said about the Red Sox. “We had some battles with them all year. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be another fun series.”