Aaron Judge hits 500 extra-base hits in stellar career milestone

In the United States, Aaron Judge marked a significant milestone in his career by hitting his 500th extra-base hit during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 5, 2025. This achievement came with a powerful three-run home run in the first inning, contributing to a Yankees victory with a final score of 9-7. This remarkable event places Judge behind only two legendary players, Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig, in terms of speed to this achievement within the Yankees organization. Judge ended the game with three hits and four RBIs, solidifying his hot start to the season, as he has five homers and 15 RBIs in just six games thus far. The Yankees have seen a robust opening to the season, highlighted by Judge's performance which has been pivotal in leading the Yankees to a strong position early in the season. Judge’s impressive stats this season include a batting average of .417, showcasing his offensive prowess and setting a strong tone for the defending American League Champions. The game against the Diamondbacks was held at Yankee Stadium, where the crowd witnessed Judge's extraordinary talent and batting capability first-hand. In addition to Judge's accomplishments, other players like Trent Grisham and Jazz Chisholm Jr. also contributed with their home runs during the game, reflecting the team's overall offensive strength. Judge's career milestones continue to grow, as he also marked his 1,000th game recently, during which he matched Babe Ruth's record for the most home runs hit in the first 1,000 games. These achievements not only boost Judge’s individual legacy but also elevate the Yankees' status in the league. Both fans and analysts eagerly anticipate what more Judge will accomplish this season, considering his impressive start and the potential for breaking more records. This achievement occurs amid discussions about advancements in batting technology and new strategies within the sport, where players are constantly evolving their techniques to improve performance. The term 'torpedo bats' has emerged in the context of new bat technology, though Judge himself expressed hesitance towards adopting new tools, attributing his success to his own skills and past performances. Yankees manager Aaron Boone remarked on Judge’s consistent high-level performance, underscoring the tremendous impact he has on the team, and the excitement surrounding the passion and competition displayed early in the season makes for an engaging viewing experience.