In Major League Baseball, a total of 13,723 pitches exceeding 99 miles per hour were thrown over the past two seasons; however, none could match the brilliance of Aaron Judge’s remarkable hit. This season, the 33-year-old Judge has demonstrated an unprecedented threat, establishing himself as the most impactful hitter since Albert Pujols’ peak, and he stands out as the best player in nearly 18 years when it comes to facing fastballs.
One of the most thrilling moments occurred during a game at Fenway Park, where Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet was just two outs away from completing a shutout against the Yankees. This would have marked the first time in 69 years that the team achieved a complete game at this venue. However, facing the formidable Aaron Judge, weighing in at 285 pounds, he had to overcome a significant challenge.
In this showdown, Crochet primarily relied on his four-seam fastball to take on Judge, ultimately striking him out three times at crucial moments. As the game intensified, moving to a tense two strikes and three balls situation, Judge realized that the next pitch would be a fastball. Without hesitation, he swung the bat, sending the 99.6 mph fastball soaring an impressive 443 feet.
The Yankees are about to head to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays, and Coach John Schneider’s appreciation for Judge’s performance is clear for all to see. Just three weeks ago in their series, Schneider opted to intentionally walk Judge eight times, even though Judge was hitting an impressive .600 at the time. Despite this strategy, the Blue Jays were swept out of the series, clearly highlighting the threat Judge poses on the field.
The debate around MVP candidates is heating up, but Judge’s performance is strong enough to overshadow Cal Raleigh’s disappointing stats with the Mariners. Currently, Judge is batting at an impressive .350, joining the ranks of legendary players like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle as the only successful hitters yet to hit a home run this season. He’s on track to become the first player in history to hit over 50 home runs in a single season while also claiming the batting title, a record currently held by Ted Kluszewski.
Judge’s performance on the offensive front has become increasingly aggressive and mature, often contributing exceptional batting and slugging averages to his impressive statistics. Over the past four seasons, he has accumulated 193 home runs, and this season his batting average against fastballs has soared to .466, a record that other players cannot compete with and the best in nearly 18 years.
Although Judge is facing a relative decrease in the frequency and proportion of fastballs, his ability to cause damage in critical moments has become increasingly impressive. With fewer fastballs thrown his way, his slugging percentage is on the rise, showcasing his unstoppable potential on the offensive front. This year, head coach Aaron Boone has adjusted Judge’s role in the batting order to increase his opportunities at the plate, pairing him up with other hitters. Notably, Cody Bellinger’s resurgence in form has provided additional support for Judge, which is crucial for the Yankees’ rebuilding and development.
