Aaron Judge introduces new vibe in Yankees’ clubhouse
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Follow UsAs the Yankees prepare for their first World Series appearance since 2009, they’ve added a fresh twist to their classic look. Despite being one of baseball’s most tradition-bound teams, known for their iconic granite-and-limestone stadium and timeless pinstripes that have remained virtually unchanged since 1936, the team has adopted a bold new accent: Statue of Liberty green.
Team captain Aaron Judge spearheaded this stylistic shift, explaining that the team wanted a new accent color that carried significance. The Statue of Liberty’s green, he noted, symbolizes both the city and the state, making it a fitting choice.
“Been kind of looking for a little accent color and I think the Statue of Liberty and what it represents in the city and the state, it’s a good one,” the Yankees captain said.
While the Yankees remain the sport’s most conservatively dressed club—still upholding George Steinbrenner’s 1976 grooming policy banning long hair and beards—the current roster showcases more personality than in previous years. Players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Alex Verdugo sport flashy chains, and Juan Soto‘s walk-up music features a dembow beat celebrating his trademark “Soto Shuffle.”
The mint green trend has spread throughout the team’s gear, from cleats to chest protectors, batting gloves, and sliding mitts, creating a visual nod to the city’s famous monument while adding a fresh look to the team’s iconic uniform.
Judge’s influence extends beyond fashion choices. Reliever Jake Cousins shared a story about his first day with the Yankees in Phoenix after being acquired on March 31. Arriving quietly, Cousins took a seat in the back of the team bus. When they reached the stadium, Judge, typically seated up front, waited for Cousins to exit, offering a welcoming hand. For Cousins, this gesture encapsulated Judge’s leadership and how he looks out for new teammates.
At 32, Aaron Judge leads the Yankees into the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers starting Friday, with a strong chance of clinching his second AL MVP Award. His journey with the Yankees began in 2013 when he was drafted, and three years later, he made his major league debut. His leadership role culminated in December 2022, when he was named the team’s first captain since Derek Jeter.
Judge attributes his leadership style to the veterans he observed early in his career. He places great emphasis on making new players feel welcome, believing that a comfortable environment directly influences performance on the field and fosters team success.
“I’ve been in the Yankees organization for a while and I just felt like that was what I saw the veteran guys do, and I just wanted to be a part of that,” Judge said. “I try to continue to do that to this day and try to show our younger guys the same thing, `How you doing around here?′ because the quicker we get these guys feeling comfortable with us, feel like they’re a part of this team, the better they’re going to be playing, the better they’re going to help us win games.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has praised the team’s unity, which began to take shape during voluntary workouts at the minor league complex in Tampa, Florida, months before spring training. That camaraderie has been vital in helping integrate new players, particularly since five members of the 26-man roster from the ALCS joined after spring training was underway.
The Yankees’ fresh aesthetic, featuring mint-green accents, has also sparked creativity among players. Notably, pitcher Nestor Cortes commissioned a custom glove from 44 Pro on April 26. The glove features the team’s popular mint coloring, with a navy torch and orange flame representing the Statue of Liberty, and “Hialeah Kid” stitched on the back to honor his roots. Cortes said his design was a nod to the team’s new color trend while paying tribute to New York’s iconic symbol.
After Cortes requested a custom glove, graphic designer Trey Miasek crafted a unique piece that Cortes debuted during a shutout against Baltimore on June 18. Benny Miller, Pro44’s glove product manager, pointed out the irony of the Yankees’ strict appearance policies on facial hair and piercings juxtaposed with their embrace of the mint green trend.
However, Cortes later disclosed that MLB officials barred him from using the glove, citing concerns that the flame design could distract batters.
The Yankees’ evolving aesthetic took another step with the arrival of Jazz Chisholm Jr. from Miami on July 27. Chisholm, co-owner of Absolutely Ridiculous Innovation for Athletes (ARIA), ensured his Yankees debut at Fenway Park the next day featured custom-colored gear. Ahead of the World Series, he commissioned two new gloves, one navy blue and the other metallic gold, each adorned with symbolic designs: 27 flames on one and 27 pennants on the other, honoring the Yankees’ 27 championships.
Chisholm’s influence has extended beyond the field, adding a jazz-infused soundtrack to Yankee Stadium. The team organist has incorporated jazz-themed tunes during his at-bats, including selections from the musical Chicago and Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” for foul balls.
Manager Aaron Boone is in awe of Chisholm’s effect on the team culture, especially his infectious energy and the seamless connection he’s built with his teammates.
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