New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has once again etched his name into the record books, adding another remarkable milestone to an already storied career. On Saturday night, August 16, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Judge launched his 39th home run of the season, a thunderous shot that not only powered the Yankees to a crucial win over the Cardinals but also completed a rare feat: with that blast, Judge has now homered against all 29 other Major League Baseball teams.
For a player already considered one of the greatest home-run hitters of his generation, this achievement stands out as a testament to Judge’s consistency, power, and longevity. It’s not every day that a slugger can claim to have taken every opponent deep, but Judge, with his signature swing and towering presence in the batter’s box, has done just that. “He’s pretty good, folks. Pretty, pretty good,” as one commentator put it, capturing the awe that Judge’s performances inspire across the league.
The historic moment unfolded in front of a packed Busch Stadium, where Cardinals fans watched in amazement as Judge sent the ball soaring over the right-center fence. The home run was nearly robbed by Victor Scott II, who leaped at the wall but came up just short, the ball landing in the stands and sealing the fate of the game. The Yankees’ dugout erupted, and Judge’s teammates mobbed him at the plate, fully aware of the significance of the milestone.
But the night wasn’t just about Judge. The Yankees’ offense exploded in a powerful display, with Trent Grisham enjoying a career night by scoring four runs and Ben Rice driving in seven RBIs, matching his personal best. The Bronx Bombers secured a vital victory in the Players' Weekend series, sending a clear message to the rest of the league: they’re not just here to compete—they’re here to dominate. As the fireworks lit up the St. Louis sky, the Yankees celebrated not just a win, but a statement of intent for the rest of the season.
Judge’s journey to this milestone has been anything but ordinary. Earlier in the week, he had been in a bit of a slump following his return from the injured list. All four of his hits since coming back had been singles, and fans were beginning to wonder when the next big fly would come. On August 12, however, Judge stepped to the plate in the first inning and delivered—crushing a home run into the bullpen, his first since the layoff. YES Network’s Michael Kay called it instantly: “That’s not a single,” he exclaimed, as the ball rocketed off Judge’s bat.
That first-inning home run was just one of many this year. Judge has made a habit of striking early, tallying 14 home runs in the first inning alone this season—an astonishing 36.4% of his total 38 home runs at that point. With Judge consistently batting in the top three of the Yankees’ lineup, he’s often the first to set the tone for the game, and more often than not, he does so with authority. “That’s what Judge does, of course, the incredible, the remarkable, the amazing,” wrote The Sporting News, highlighting the slugger’s knack for delivering when it matters most.
Saturday’s home run against the Cardinals was special for another reason: it marked the last MLB team Judge had yet to homer against. His former teammate, Juan Soto, had completed this feat in 2024 while still with the Yankees, becoming the first of the duo to go deep against all 30 teams. While Soto may have gotten there first, Judge’s accomplishment is no less impressive, given his pursuit of home run titles and the immense pressure that comes with being the Yankees’ captain.
It’s worth noting that Judge’s quest isn’t quite finished. While he’s now homered against every opponent, there are still a couple of ballparks left on his personal checklist. He has yet to hit a regular-season home run at Wrigley Field and Nationals Park, although he did go deep at Nationals Park during the All-Star Game. For a player of Judge’s caliber, these are the kinds of challenges that keep him motivated and hungry for more.
As Judge continues to chase his 40th home run of the 2025 campaign, the race for the MLB home run crown remains fierce. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh currently leads the league with 46 homers, setting the pace in what’s shaping up to be a memorable season for power hitters. But with Judge heating up and the Yankees fighting their way back into the AL East race, the story is far from over. The Bronx Bombers have endured their share of struggles this year, but with Judge healthy and swinging for the fences, hope springs eternal in New York.
Judge’s leadership extends beyond his on-field exploits. As the Yankees’ captain, he sets the tone in the clubhouse, leading by example and keeping his teammates focused on the ultimate goal: winning another World Series title. His ability to deliver in clutch moments, especially in the first inning, gives the Yankees a psychological edge—opponents know that any mistake early on can be costly when Judge is at the plate.
Trent Grisham’s four runs and Ben Rice’s seven RBIs on Saturday night only add to the sense that this Yankees team is finding its stride at just the right time. The offensive outburst was a reminder of the depth and talent that manager Aaron Boone has at his disposal. With Judge, Soto, Grisham, and Rice all contributing, the Yankees’ lineup looks as formidable as ever.
For baseball fans, milestones like Judge’s are a cause for celebration. They serve as a reminder of the game’s rich history and the individual brilliance that can emerge in any given season. Judge’s achievement puts him in rare company, joining a select group of sluggers who have taken every team deep. It’s a testament to his skill, his preparation, and his relentless drive to be the best.
As the season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on Judge and the Yankees. Can he catch Cal Raleigh in the home run race? Will he add to his stadium checklist and complete the set? And most importantly, can he lead the Yankees back to October glory? One thing’s for sure: with Aaron Judge in the lineup, anything is possible. The baseball world will be watching, waiting for the next chapter in this unforgettable season.
For now, Judge can savor this latest milestone—a home run against every team, a mark of greatness that few will ever achieve. The Yankees, buoyed by their captain’s heroics and a resurgent offense, look poised to make a run. The story of the 2025 season is still unfolding, and with Judge at the heart of it, fans can expect plenty more fireworks before it’s all said and done.
