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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Entertainment
Thomas Neumann

Baseball World Debates True Home Run King After Judge Hits No. 62

One thing is certain after Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge hit his 62nd home run of the season Tuesday—the American League has a new home run king.

The blast lifted Judge past another famous Yankees outfielder, Roger Maris, giving him sole possession of the AL record.

However, that mark was exceeded six times in the National League during the heyday of the steroid era. Barry Bonds set the MLB record of 73 in 2001. Mark McGwire hit 70 in ’98 and 65 in ’99. Sammy Sosa hit 66 in ’98, 64 in ’01 and 63 in ’99.

By being associated with performance-enhancing drugs, the feats of Bonds, McGwire and Sosa are discredited by some fans who view their accomplishments as tainted.

After Judge connected Tuesday night off Rangers pitcher Jesus Tinoco, some observers debated the identity of the rightful home run king on social media.

More MLB Coverage:

For more New York Yankees coverage, go to Inside The Pinstripes. 

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