Some of the biggest storylines of the 2022 MLB season were focused on the most exciting play in baseball, the home run. Not only were fans treated to Albert Pujols and his quest for 700 career home runs, but also witnessed Aaron Judge break the AL record.
En route to his first career MVP award, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge set a new American League single-season home run record, launching 62. Not only did he set the AL record, but also the Yankees franchise record, surpassing Roger Maris in the process.
Congratulations to Aaron Judge on being named the AP Male Athlete of the Year 👏 He hit 62 home runs to break Roger Maris’ American League record this past season. https://t.co/ntcuOCVoGg
“Congratulations to Aaron Judge on being named the AP Male Athlete of the Year. He hit 62 home runs to break Roger Maris’ American League record this past season.” – ClutchPoints
While Judge was the MLB leader in long balls, there were several other players around the league launching baseballs over the fence. The league as a whole hit 5,215 total HRs, roughly 700 less than the 2021 season. However, fans were still treated to plenty of power throughout the year.
Of the top 10 power leaders in 2022, there are some familiar faces such as Aaron Judge and Mike Trout, but also some lesser-known sluggers such as Rowdy Tellez. Here is a list of the top 10 HR leaders from last season.
Power swings didn’t slow down in the postseason, with Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Rhys Hoskins all hitting six homers to lead the postseason. Harrison Bader finished the playoffs with five, while Manny Machado and Jeremy Pena each hit four.
“Bryce Harper rings the Bell and the FIGHTIN’S are 3 outs away from going to the NLCS @BarstoolPhilly” – Barstool Sports
A look at Aaron Judge’s historic 62 home run season
The New York Yankees superstar had one of the best offensive seasons in franchise history. Aaron Judge surpassed Roger Maris for the franchise and the American League’s single-season homer record with 62. The record-breaking season helped Judge win the American League MVP.
“The moment we knew Aaron Judge was winning AL MVP” – @HalToKBO
The debate leading up to the American League MVP Award showdown between Judge and Shohei Ohtani was fierce. Both camps defended their stars online, finding any excuse as to why the other player was undeserving of the award.
It turns out that it was only a tight race in the eyes of fans, as MLB voters favored the Yankees superstar. Aaron Judge received 28 out of a possible 30 first-place votes.
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