In the rich history of the New York Yankees, there have been many legendary power-hitting duos, but the 2024 season has added a new chapter to that storied legacy. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have become the third Yankees pair to each hit 40 or more home runs in a single season, with Judge smashing 53 and Soto reaching 40. This remarkable feat places them among the greats of Yankees lore, joining two legendary pairs: Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.
The first duo to achieve this milestone was Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, who did so three times in 1927, 1930, and 1931, solidifying themselves as two of the most dominant hitters in baseball history. Their power surge in 1927 was part of one of the most iconic seasons in baseball history, often referred to as “Murderers’ Row,” when Ruth crushed 60 home runs and Gehrig added 47.
Decades later, in 1961, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle followed in their footsteps. That season, Maris famously broke Ruth’s single-season home run record by hitting 61 long balls, while Mantle contributed 54, making them another unforgettable pair in Yankees history.
Now, Judge and Soto have cemented their place among these legends. Judge, continuing to show why he’s one of the most feared sluggers in the game, leads the team with 53 home runs. Soto, in his first season in pinstripes, has proven to be a crucial addition to the Yankees’ lineup, rounding out the power duo with his 40 home runs.
This achievement underscores the Yankees’ long-standing tradition of power-hitting excellence and further adds to the franchise’s reputation for producing or acquiring some of the game’s greatest sluggers. Judge and Soto’s powerful presence not only fuels the Yankees’ playoff push but also solidifies their names alongside two of the most iconic duos in baseball history.
As this season unfolds, fans are left wondering: could this dynamic pair lead the Yankees to yet another World Series title, adding to the team’s legendary history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Judge and Soto have already made their mark on Yankees history.