NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 25: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a two-run home run in front of Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Yankee Stadium on September 25, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Mark McGwire’s rookie home run record of 49 had stood strong for nearly 30 years. But on Monday, a new record was set by – who else? – Aaron Judge, who homered twice against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium to become the first rookie in MLB history to hit 50 home runs.

Judge tied the record in the third inning with a two-run dinger off of Royals starter Jake Junis.

He wouldn’t have to wait long to write his name in the history books. In the seventh inning, Judge hit a solo homer off Trevor Cahill to reach #50.

Judge is one of two players this year, along with Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins, to launch 50 homers. He also becomes just the fourth different Yankee to hit 50 homers in a season, joining Roger Maris (once), Alex Rodriguez (once), Mickey Mantle (twice), and Babe Ruth (four times).

About Joe Lucia

I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.