Andrew Collins
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge broke the American League (AL) home run record on October 4 versus the Rangers. Judge’s 62nd home run edged out the previous record 61 held by Rogers Marris.
Although on paper Judge’s 2022 season is ranked 6th all-time, many consider it the record. Three athletes have produced more home runs in a season than Judge; Sammy Sosa (63, 64, 66 HR), Mark Migire (65, 70 HR), and Barry Bonds (73 HR). Even though they all recorded more home runs than Judge, they were all under the use of illegal substances.
“In my book, I count it as the home run record. Judge hit all 62 home runs completely clean. I believe the steroid factor needs to be taken into full consideration, I mean if the MLB isn’t letting players that took performance-enhancing drugs into the Hall of Fame then why should we count their records? Judge’s season was unbelievable. I expect them to make it to the World Series.” NHS sophomore Jeremy Barber said.
Currently, Judge is the heavy favorite to win MVP. Los Angeles Angels' pitcher and outfielder Shohei Ohtani is currently second at +3500, which is nothing compared to Judges’ -30,000. With Judge’s play this year there is no doubt he deserves MVP. Many feel Judge’s value to the Yankees is incomprehensible. Without him, many believe the Yankees would be fighting for a playoff spot. Even with his production on the field, Judge's value off the field is just as important, his influence on his teammates and the fans is huge for the organization.
“Right Now Judge is creating a path that not many players can replicate, in my opinion, he is the clear MVP. He truly deserves it more than anyone else. He has outperformed everyone else in the league by a mile. The next closest candidate is Shohei Ohtani, who has had a spectacular season, but in the end, I think Judge is the clear frontrunner.” NHS sophomore Mikey Quesenberry said.
Judge and the Yankees finished the season with a 99-63 record, making them the two seed in the AL. The only team seeded above them is the Houston Astros who finished with a record of 106-56. The Yankees are looking to make it back to the World Series for the first time since 2009.
“The only team standing in Judge and the Yankees' way of winning the World Series is the LA Dodgers. The Astros are a great team by all means, but the Yankees are just the more dynamic team. If they end up playing the Dodgers in the World Series it will be a very close series, but if the Yankees are fully healthy I believe they can pull through and win it.” NHS sophomore Wes Keyes said.
The Dodgers, who were the favorite to win the World Series, were upset by the San Diego Padres in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Padres advance on to play the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS, who upset the Atlanta Braves. On the other hand, the Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians in the divisional round of the playoffs, advancing them to the American League Championship Series (ALCS). In the ALCS they will face off against the Astros. When they played in the regular season the Astros won five of the seven games. The Astros are the slight favorite in the series.