(Anaheim) Roger Maris held the American League single-season home run record for 61 years before Aaron Judge succeeded him. Now, the judge could lose him after just one year at the hands of Shohei Ohtani.
“Records are made to be broken,” Judge said on Wednesday, shortly before the New York Yankees took on the Angels in Los Angeles. It would be exciting for the sport if he hits more than 63. So let’s see what happens. »
Ohtani hit 35 home runs in 93 games in Wednesday’s game, a pace that would allow him to reach 60. He failed to add to his total as the Angels won 7–3.
Judge hit 62 home runs last year, one more than Maris did in 1961.
Ohtani set an Angels mark of 15 home runs in June and hit three home runs in five games after returning from the All-Star break.
The judge notes that the biggest obstacle is more mental than physical.
“Physically, Shohei can hit 100 home runs, 80 home runs. He has that kind of talent, as do so many other players in this league. But at times like this, it’s just about being able to mentally tune out the noise or lack thereof. »
Judge and Ohtani showed their power during a three-game series last year in Anaheim, when they both hit two long balls. Judge has been sidelined since June 3, when he tore a ligament in his right big toe.
In 49 games this season, Judge is batting . 291 with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs.
