On Tuesday night, the New York Yankees were battling the Pittsburgh Pirates on the field in their stunning comeback win. Off the field, there was another battle. It was on the bleachers. Fans were jumping on one another to get hold of the ball that became historic with Aaron Judge’s 60th home run hit.
In the ninth inning of Tuesday’s victory over the Pirates, Judge launched the historic home run to left field. The slugger hit a sinker from Pirates’ Wil Crowe and the ball traveled 430 feet before landing in the bleachers. As soon as the ball hit the stand, there was a rush by fans to retrieve it.
A video posted on social media showed a large group of bleacher crowd piling on top of each other to try to retrieve the 60th home run ball from the bottom of the stand.
Mike Kessler, a 20-year-old student at City College of New York and who plays baseball for the school’s team, was the one who got the 60th home run ball. Later, an overjoyed Kessler told:
“It bounced off someone’s hand. I reached and grabbed it and just bear-hugged it. I just smothered it. It got off to the side. It was a mad pile.”
The group of students gave the ball back to the Yankees in exchange for meeting Judge, getting four autographed baseballs, and a signed bat. Had they kept the ball, it would have given them a chance to make a lot of money on the memorabilia market.
The 60th home run brought Judge within one of Roger Maris’ American League record of 1961 and also ensured the New York Yankees took an 8-5 lead.
After reaching No. 60 in a single season, the slugger now shares the second position with Yankee legend Babe Ruth for hitting the most homers for his team as well as in the American League.
Later, Kessler put a message for Judge.
“Try anything to return next year. You’re the club’s heart and soul.”
Judge’s home run started a rally that ended with Giancarlo Stanton‘s walk-off grand slam, giving the Yankees a 9-8 win on a wild and historic night in The Bronx.
Despite his 60th home run, Judge remains calm and focused. He told:
“I don’t think about numbers. You talk about Ruth, Maris, [Mickey] Mantle, the Yankee greats, you never imagine as a kid getting mentioned with them. It’s an incredible honor.”
Would you give away if you get the 60th home run ball? When Judge will have his 62nd home run?
