Yankees Fan Returns Aaron Judge His 60th Home Run Ball
Aaron Judge, a member of the New York Yankees, is having an outstanding season so far. Last night, he hit his 60th home run of the year, tying Babe Ruth’s record for a single season, and he is now just one away from breaking Roger Maris’ 1961 record for the Yankees and the American League, which stands at 61.
https://twitter.com/MarlyRiveraESPN/status/1572595043977887745?s=20&t=fkvaYy2E7zhDVoUtvD99Vgnbsp;
Fortunately for Judge, the baseball catcher seemed to be a genuinely nice guy and wanted to give Judge the ball right away.
Fan Meets Aaron Judge After The Game
The Yankees’ star Aaron Judge equalled Babe Ruth for the second-most home runs by a Yankee in a single season on Tuesday night with his 60th home run of the 2022 campaign.
Even though Judge still falls short of Roger Maris with 61 home runs in a season, his 60th home run was significant in and of itself.
https://twitter.com/MarlyRiveraESPN/status/1572418967318167553?s=20&t=JlqE6x-RHqByI5tvnYO6Ownbsp;
What transpired to the baseball that was thrown out in the left field?
Mike Kessler, a Yankees supporter, was fortunate enough to catch the ball while it was in the crowd. Following the game, the 20-year-old spoke with the New York Post to discuss his plans for the historic baseball.
Aaron received it back from me. Kessler said
Because it was the correct thing to do, according to Kessler.
https://twitter.com/MarlyRiveraESPN/status/1572419982868512769?s=20&t=znDoVqzQ9t98j4i_ecZX5Qnbsp;
The City College of New York student, who caught Judge’s stunning 9-8 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium, said, “I wouldn’t feel good to keep that from him.”
“It bounced off someone’s hand. I reached and grabbed it and just bear-hugged it. I just smothered it. It got off to the side. It was a mad pile”, he told the Post after the game.
Picture that Michael Kessler (to left of Judge) took with his friends and Aaron Judge, after catching the 60th home run ball (right).
(Pics via Kessler, @nypost) pic.twitter.com/II1gWGrWl1
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 21, 2022
In return, Kessler received a personalized bat and baseballs. The pals also got to meet Judge and take pictures with him. The American League MVP front-runner also engaged in a lengthy conversation with Kessler and his friends.
The fan who got Aaron Judge's 60th home run ball wanted Judge to have it.
A classy gesture 👏
(📸 @JohnstoneJD) pic.twitter.com/xBhjh8Yv04
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 21, 2022
He was really sincere, according to Kessler. Incredibly nice. He was everything I had anticipated. He presents himself and conducts interviews on television exactly as he does in person.
A fan had to get through this dogpile for Judge's 60th HR and only asked for an autograph in return 🙌 @BRWalkoff
(via @HonnyWags) pic.twitter.com/qne0FSMmLa
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 21, 2022
Kessler claimed to have supported the Yankees his entire life and that Judge was likely his favourite player.
Some people think that the 60th home run baseball might have ended up fetching anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000 at auction as a collection, but Kessler wanted Judge to own the historic ball.
FOR MORE MLB UPDATES-
Top MLB Betting Odds and picks for Tonight, September 21st, 2022
Baseball Player Props – Best MLB Prop Bets Today, September 20th