Aaron Judge Voted AP Male Athlete of the Year

In a historic season for Major League Baseball, one player stands out above the rest. Former Fresno State slugger Aaron Judge has been voted The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year after hitting 62 home runs to break an American League record that lasted six decades. Judge’s stellar performance this season has earned him recognition from fans and players alike. He was named an All-Star for the first time in his career and finished second in MVP voting. His incredible display of power at the plate helped propel the New York Yankees to their first World Series appearance since 2009. Judge is only 25 years old, but he already holds several records in MLB history. He set a rookie record with 52 home runs, breaking Mark McGwire’s mark of 49 set in 1987. He also broke Babe Ruth’s single-season American League record for most home runs with 62, surpassing Reggie Jackson’s mark of 47 set in 1969. Judge is no stranger to success on the field either; he was a three-time All-American at Fresno State University before being drafted by the Yankees in 2013. He also won gold medals with Team USA at both the 2017 World Baseball Classic and 2018 Pan American Games. The AP Male Athlete of the Year award is one of sports' highest honors and it recognizes outstanding individual performances across all sports throughout any given year. Other notable winners include LeBron James (2013), Michael Phelps (2008) and Tiger Woods (1996). Judge joins an elite group as only one other baseball player—Ken Griffey Jr.—has ever won this award since its inception in 1931. Judge will be presented with his award at a ceremony later this month where he will be honored alongside other athletes who have achieved greatness over the past year such as tennis star Naomi Osaka, soccer star Megan Rapinoe and gymnast Simone Biles among others.