The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox rivalry, one of the most storied in sports history, added another electrifying chapter this past weekend at Yankee Stadium. Rooted in over a century of tension, sparked by the infamous sale of Babe Ruth, this fierce competition has seen countless Hall of Famers clash in unforgettable battles. The latest installment, a three-game series culminating in a Sunday Night Baseball showdown on ESPN, did not disappoint, with a historic announcement stealing the spotlight.
While the Red Sox took the series two games to one, the offensive firepower from both teams was on full display, combining for an impressive 50 runs. However, the weekend belonged to two sluggers: Yankees’ reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge and Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers. Their performances on Sunday night etched their names into the Yankees-Red Sox history books in a way few could have predicted.
During the Yankees’ 11-7 loss on Sunday, Judge launched two home runs—a two-run shot in the first inning and a solo blast in the ninth. Devers answered with a solo home run in the ninth as well. These ninth-inning homers were significant: they marked the 30th home run for each player against their rival team, placing them among the fastest to reach this milestone in the storied rivalry. MLB quickly announced the achievement, cementing their place in history.
Judge reached his 30th home run against the Red Sox in just 107 games, second only to Babe Ruth’s 95 games. Devers, meanwhile, accomplished the feat in 113 games, trailing only Manny Ramirez’s 102 games. This rare milestone underscores the dominance of both players in one of baseball’s most heated matchups.
Aaron Judge and Rafael Devers add to the history of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. pic.twitter.com/ZNjDrGSTAo
— MLB (@MLB) June 9, 2025
Judge’s two home runs (Nos. 22 and 23 on the season) keep him second in MLB, behind only Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (26). Devers’ homer was his 14th of the year, but he edges out Judge in RBIs with 57 to Judge’s 55. Their performances electrified the sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd, many of whom came to see Judge launch baseballs into the stands.
The series showcased the offensive prowess of both teams, but it was Judge and Devers who stole the show with their historic contributions. As the Yankees and Red Sox prepare for their next clash—a three-game series at Fenway Park starting Friday, June 13—fans are already buzzing with anticipation for the next chapter in this legendary rivalry.