In 2022, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had a historic season. He broke Roger Maris’ single-season home run by blasting 62 homers while leading the league with 131 runs batted in.

It was one of the greatest offensive seasons fans have seen. Judge took home his first American League MVP Award, joining his fellow teammate Giancarlo Stanton.

All Rise for the MVP!

Aaron Judge is the 2022 AL Most Valuable Player! pic.twitter.com/CdbMQBOEgz

— MLB (@MLB) November 18, 2022

After accepting his MVP Award, Judge made more history. He became the tallest player to win the award, passing Stanton who won it in 2017 with the Miami Marlins. Stanton could not be happier for his teammate.

“Hey man, I am so happy for you. Just being able to watch you in center all year and seeing everything it took, from the good days to the bad days, and I’m just happy I was able to be a part of it,” said Stanton.

Sitting with his family, Judge acknowledged Stanton’s role in his stellar year. There was no denying the close relationship this duo had.

“I know I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for your help over the years, all the way back to 2018 when we got you,” said Judge. “I was always a fan from afar, but getting a chance to build our friendship and share these memories, share these moments, it’s been something special to do with you. Sorry for beating you out [for] the tallest MVP.”

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge took it game-by-game during his 2022 MVP season

If you were to ask Aaron Judge if he had his mind set on breaking the single-season home run record in 2022, he would have told you no. The Yankees slugger was focused on the game in front of him, not looking too far ahead.

“I was trying to grind out the year all year. I was focused on trying to win games for the Yankees and do whatever I can for that game tonight and win and wake up and do the same thing the next day” said Judge.

Now, Judge is the odds-on favorite to win the award again. If he does, he would join a short list of players with two MVP Awards including Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Bryce Harper.