Aaron Judge stands a pretty good chance of becoming the fifth player ever to hit 50 homers in three different seasons.
Mark McGwire, Babe Ruth and Sammy Sosa did it four times each and Alex Rodriguez three. Thus, Judge is in line to join Ruth as the only players to achieve this feat who are not tied to illegal performance enhancers.
It is another sign — regardless of your baseball morality — that Judge is climbing all kinds of lists. Next year, he will be playing in a 10th season, which will make him — when the time comes — eligible for the Hall of Fame. The key part of that previous sentence is “when the time comes” because it seems reasonable that Judge is going to extend his prime longer and mount a no-brainer case for Cooperstown, in case you think he is not there yet.
In real time, Judge is climbing — and climbing — another list. And that is where he fits in the all-time Yankees hierarchy. This list also will force you to confront thoughts about steroids and your view of the importance of championships — or lack thereof.
