Aaron Judge Joins the Ranks of Legends with Third 200 OPS+ Season by Age 33
Three of the most iconic names in New York Yankees history—Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Mickey Mantle—are about to welcome a new member into their esteemed fraternity. Aaron Judge stands on the brink of a remarkable achievement as he gears up for his third season with an OPS+ of 200 or higher.
This milestone places Judge in an elite category, making him just the sixth player in Major League Baseball history to accomplish this feat before his 34th birthday. The exclusive company he joins includes:
Babe Ruth
Lou Gehrig
Mickey Mantle
Ted Williams
Rogers Hornsby
The significance of this achievement is staggering. The players listed are not just legends; they are among the greatest hitters to have ever graced the diamond. With the last of them, Mantle, having retired over six decades ago, Judge’s ascension is a testament to his extraordinary talent.
Understanding OPS+ and Its Significance
For context, OPS+ is a statistic that adjusts a player’s on-base plus slugging percentage to account for the era in which they play. An OPS+ of 200 indicates that a hitter’s performance is twice as effective as the league average for that season. This metric encapsulates Judge’s dominance in a way that few have matched in the modern era of baseball.
At 6-foot-7, Judge’s physical presence on the field is undeniable, but it’s his performance that truly sets him apart. His ability to consistently outshine his peers mirrors a time when baseball was celebrated as America’s Pastime, further solidifying his place as a living legend.
As Judge approaches this historic milestone, he continues to captivate fans and critics alike with his exceptional skills and larger-than-life persona. In an era marked by powerful hitters, his performance stands as a reminder of baseball’s rich history and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
