New York Yankees star Aaron Judge launches 62nd home run, sets AL's single-season record

Aaron Judge finally connects on his 62nd home run, passing Roger Maris for most homers in a single season in AL history.

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge launched his 62nd home run of the season Tuesday on the road against the Texas Rangers, breaking the AL's record he shared with Roger Maris.

After depositing a Tim Mayza sinker into the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen to tie Maris' mark last Wednesday, Judge went without a home run during the Yankees' final regular-season homestand -- a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Back on the road, Judge, who had gone 2-for-9 with two singles in two games against the Rangers through Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader, took Texas pitcher Jesus Tinoco deep in the first inning of the nightcap to reach No.

The Yankees gathered to meet Judge at home plate after the home run, and he took off his helmet as he walked back to the dugout to acknowledge the fans.

Judge struck out in the second inning, and was removed from the game when the Yankees next took the field, again drawing a standing ovation.

Only Barry Bonds (73), Mark McGwire (70, 65) and Sammy Sosa (66, 64, 63) are ahead of Judge on MLB's single-season home run list.

But while Judge holds the AL record, Maris Jr.

said this week that he believes Judge should be recognized as the true "home run king.".

Bonds surpassed McGwire in 2001, with baseball's official single-season record of 73 home runs.

"And I think it gives people the chance to look at somebody who should be revered for hitting 62 home runs, and not just a guy who hit it in the American League, but for being the actual single-season home run champion.

New York manager Aaron Boone said he feels privileged to have had a front-row seat to baseball history.

"The history of this game is one of its calling cards," Boone said.