Aaron Judge’s No. 99 jersey is absolutely flying off the shelves, snagging the second spot for most popular MLB jersey this year, right behind Shohei Ohtani. That’s a serious statement of his star power, even this late in the regular season!
Judge’s #99: The American League King
Since Opening Day back in late March, Judge’s gear has absolutely dominated, completely outstripping every single other player in the American League. We’re talking sales of Nike jerseys across the entire Fanatics network, including the big one, MLBShop.com. That kind of pull just screams superstar status, right? He even left former Yankee and now crosstown rival Juan Soto in the dust. Soto’s jersey is still pulling strong at tenth overall, which is pretty good! But Judge? He’s clearly still the undisputed king when it comes to fan apparel. The guy’s a walking legend, and the sales numbers prove it.
More Than Just a Number
And that iconic No. 99? It’s not just a random pick, by the way. Judge has rocked it ever since his very first spring training back in 2016, when the number was assigned to him. Talk about making a number your own! It’s got a bit of history in the franchise too, though. Only two other guys had ever shared it before him: Brian Bruney, a relief pitcher from way back in 2009, and Charlie Keller, the legend also known as “King Kong,” who first sported the number way, way back in 1952 during his final season. Judge has truly etched that number into the team’s lore, making it synonymous with sheer power and leadership. It’s wild to think about that legacy.
Wild Card Worries and Spiking Sales
Now, here’s where things get absolutely nail-biting, folks: Judge’s availability for the upcoming Wild Card Series is, and this is the kicker, in question. Can you believe it? You know what that means for fan support, though. Jersey sales are absolutely, without a doubt, going to spike as folks rally behind their captain! Postseason baseball kicks off next week, and if you’re anywhere near the Bronx, wandering around the streets or even just hitting up Billy’s Sports Bar, expect to see a literal sea of No. 99 pinstripes. Fans are already fired up, ready to back their guy and hoping he’s healthy, no matter what. The atmosphere is gonna be insane.
So, the regular season is definitely winding down, and the stakes for the postseason are through the roof. With Judge’s status up in the air, every pitch, every at-bat, and every game from here on out means everything for that squad. You can bet fans are holding their breath, crossing their fingers, and ready to see what their captain brings to the table for October baseball. It’s gonna be a wild ride, and everyone’s watching.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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