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HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees at bat during the first inning in the game against the Houston Astros in game one of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 19, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees at bat during the first inning in the game against the Houston Astros in game one of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 19, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Aaron Judge, who left 2022 with 62 homers, an American League MVP award, a Hank Aaron award, and the establishment of being the new home-run king, remained the talk of New York and the entire world of MLB as his free-agency emerged. However, no one seemed to have forgotten his iconic 62nd homer that broke Roger Maris’ record. Business Cory Youmans caught the same ball. The ball recently reached its selling price… and the price didn’t skyrocket like we all thought it would.
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The last week of September, after Aaron Judge smashed his 61st homer against the Blue Jays, witnessed excited New Yorkers cheering for the outfielder every time he reached the box. However, after touching 61, Judge became a victim of pitchers letting him walk. And as a result, his quest for his 62nd round trip only continued to stretch.
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The Aaron Judge 62nd homer ball doesn’t prove to be great under pressure…
Finally, in the Yankees’ last season of 2022, Aaron Judge smashed his 62nd homer against the Texas Rangers. Businessman Cory Youmans, who caught the star slugger’s 62nd homer ball, received a buying offer for $3 million, a month after he caught the ball.
In October, Cory Youmans caught Aaron Judge's 62nd home run ball.
A month later, he turned down a $3 million offer for it — instead choosing to put it up for auction.
The bidding for it finally just closed… at $1.5 million. pic.twitter.com/Oz6asxAP3N
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) December 18, 2022
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Instead of going for that whopping $3 million, Youmans decided to put the ball up for auction. And as reported by Front Office Sports, the bidding for the future-Yankees captain’s ball sold for $1.5 million, half of what Youmans was set to get earlier.
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Naturally, everyone wanted that ball, someone even jumped in the pit to get it, but after Youmans got it and missed a great opportunity, fans were on their toes to roast Youmans. And that’s exactly what they did.
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Why not? It’s the AL/Yankees record and McGwire/Bonds have the steroids controversy
— Tony Kegger (@TonyKegger) December 18, 2022
That’s not betting on yourself that’s betting on other peoples value of it
— michiganplzwin (@samgager_) December 18, 2022
Herb. You’re funny. I haven’t heard that slang since ‘92 back home in NYC.
— Thomas Grenham (@tgisles2) December 18, 2022
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Should have taken the money when it was there.
— Eric Hovland (@EricJHovland) December 18, 2022
i mean 1.5 mil for catching a ball is still amazing. yeah it sucks he didnt get 3 mil…but think of the guy beside him who will forever go "i was one seat away from being an instant millionaire"…
— Amangrewal100 (@Amangrewal1000) December 18, 2022
It's called a reserve auction.
— scotty C (@scottyC90152819) December 18, 2022
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— lyss (@AlyssaPerrini) December 18, 2022
Not the worst pay out for catching a ball but yea he needed to consult someone who would’ve known better
— Pizza Sports Guy (@PizzaSportsGuy) December 18, 2022
Ironically or not, Aaron Judge’s home run ball succumbed under pressure and failed to get past the mere two-month gamble, unlike Aaron Judge, who fought against all the odds and proved his critics wrong in his free agency year.
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How did the $1.5 million 62nd homer ball affect the Judge’s 2023 offseason?
After the Houston Astros knocked out the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series, Aaron Judge’s free agency began. The outfielder had two blatant bidders – the Pinstripes and the Giants.

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BOSTON, MA – JULY 08: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees bats during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 8, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
A bidding war between the two teams commenced and reached its climax during the Winter Meetings. Ultimately, the Yankees proved their historic power and beat the Giants to capture Aaron Judge for a nine-year, $360 million contract. If not for his 62nd homer, his signing price would be significantly lower.
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All in all, what do you think about Cory Youmans’ greedy decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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