Aaron Judge’s influence on and off the diamond continues to grow — and now it’s stretching into candy aisles across America. The New York Yankees slugger, already one of Major League Baseball’s most recognizable faces, is now the centerpiece of a marketing campaign for Big League Chew, the iconic shredded bubble gum synonymous with dugouts and Little League dreams.
Big League Chew, first introduced in 1980, has long been a nostalgic treat for baseball fans. Its bright pouches and cartoon ballplayers have made it a staple for kids emulating their heroes. Now, with Aaron Judge’s towering presence on the packaging, the brand is doubling down on its connection to the modern game and its biggest stars.
For Judge, it’s a natural fit. The 2022 AL MVP and Yankees captain has built a reputation not just as one of the game’s premier power hitters but also as a player who connects with younger fans. His clean-cut image and larger-than-life performances make him an ideal ambassador for a candy brand that markets fun, youth, and baseball tradition.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Judge said in a statement about the partnership. “Big League Chew was part of my childhood — you’d see it in every dugout. To be on the pouch now is an honor, and I hope it brings back great memories for baseball fans and inspires the next generation.”
This isn’t the first time Big League Chew has featured real MLB players on its packaging — but it’s rare. For decades, the brand used generic cartoon ballplayers rather than actual stars. Judge’s deal signals a new era for the company as it tries to blend nostalgia with modern fandom.
The special edition pouches featuring Judge will hit stores ahead of the MLB All-Star break, giving kids and collectors alike a new reason to grab a handful of the sweet, shredded gum. Early designs show Judge mid-swing in his iconic Yankees pinstripes, the same uniform he’s worn while launching jaw-dropping home runs into bleachers from coast to coast.
Beyond the marketing value, this partnership highlights how Judge’s appeal goes far beyond Yankees fans. In an era when baseball has fought to keep young fans engaged, Judge’s personality, work ethic, and highlight-reel power have helped bridge the gap between generations.
For Big League Chew, the collaboration could help reinvigorate its brand at ballparks and in snack aisles, competing with newer candy options while tapping into the timeless allure of America’s pastime. For Judge, it’s one more example of how he’s becoming not just a superstar athlete but also a face of the game’s culture.
With Judge at the plate — and now on the pouch — it’s safe to say that baseball’s most iconic gum just hit
another home run.
