One of the biggest knocks on Aaron Judge’s career has always been his struggles in the postseason. But this October might be different. Through five games, his OPS sits at 1.024, similar to his career regular-season numbers. But the only thing missing had been the long ball… until now!

That changed on Tuesday night. Facing the Blue Jays’ Louis Varland in Game 3 of the ALDS, Judge finally broke through, turning on a 99.7 mph fastball up and in and launching it down the left-field line for a massive 3-run homer, tying the game at 6-6. It was the kind of clutch, signature moment Yankee fans have been waiting for, that it might’ve even given Knicks star (and noted Judge fan) Josh Hart a reason to celebrate, too.

“JUDGE!!!!” Hart shared his fanboy moment just after the Yankees’ captain’s missile.

Josh Hart isn’t exactly new to Yankee Stadium.

He’s the grandnephew of Elston Howard, the Yankees’ first African-American player who played catcher, first base, and left field. So Hart is often spotted in the stands during big Yankees games.

This postseason, with Judge starting a bit slow, Hart was waiting for his moment.

And it finally came just as the Yankees were on the verge of falling to the Blue Jays in the ALDS. Judge put on a show, going 3-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs, essentially a one-man highlight reel. Yankee Stadium exploded with chants of “M-V-P!” as he rounded the bases, the crowd buzzing with excitement and relief.

Evidently, it wasn’t just Hart soaking the show in, but the whole section of Bleacher Creatures was living every second of it.

Aaron Judge is no new to clutch moments

When the Yankees needed a hero, Aaron Judge once again delivered in his signature style. But it’s a story Yankees fans have seen before…

Remember the 2017 AL Wild Card Game against the Twins? The Yankees were down 0–3 before most fans even settled in. Then Judge crushed a two-run homer in the fourth inning that flipped the energy completely. It was the turning point that carried the Yankees to victory.

Tonight, the script felt eerily familiar.

The Yankees trailed 1–6 against the Blue Jays, staring down elimination, until Judge decided enough was enough. He sparked a furious rally, going on a tear that powered the Yankees to a stunning 9–6 comeback win. And it became his first true October moment of this postseason.

But as thrilling as the night was, fans know the job isn’t done. The Yankees faithful still carry the sting of last year’s World Series heartbreak. That dropped fly ball in Game 5 still haunts the Bronx. This time, though, there’s a different feeling in the air.

With Judge heating up and the team finding its rhythm, there’s renewed belief that this could finally be the year.

But for now, Judge gave the fans what they’d been waiting for… A performance that reminded everyone why he wears the captain’s armband, and why, when the Yankees need a spark, they look to Aaron Judge.