N.Y.-based clothing company Block Industries has "applied for a trademark" for the name of Yankees RF Aaron Judge’s cheering section at Yankee Stadium -- "The Judge’s Chambers," according to A.J. Perez of USA TODAY. Block Industries, which "counts baseball-focused apparel-maker 7th Inning Stretch among its brands," filed an application with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office on May 29. The company is "seeking to use 'The Judge’s Chambers' on sweatshirts, T-shirts and tops for men, women and children." Block Industries President Jeff Block said that he "expects to sell the apparel in August or September." The application "actually lists 'The Judges Chambers' as the trademark sought, but it's common for those seeking a trademark to leave off apostrophes and other symbols." If approved, the trademark would "cover the use of the apostrophe" (USA TODAY, 6/14).
THE NEXT BIG THING: In N.Y., Josh Cooper wrote Judge's 22 home runs "leads all of baseball and he has clearly become the sport's No. 1 sensation." Yankees fans in attendance on Monday chanted "MVP" on his behalf for the "majority of the game" (NYTIMES.com, 6/13). In New Jersey, Bob Klapisch wrote under the header, "Can Anyone Stop Aaron Judge?" The rookie has "not only become the early front-runner for the MVP, he could potentially win the Triple Crown and single-handedly carry the Yankees straight to the post-season" (Bergen RECORD, 6/13). ESPN.com's Buster Olney wrote, "Judge does not seem to have [Babe] Ruth’s larger-than-life personality, on or off the field; he is very understated and reflexively deflects attention." But for a sport and a team "searching for a breakthrough star, Judge has made quick inroads." He has "at least some elements of the formula that elevated Ruth into an icon" (ESPN.com, 6/13). In N.Y., John Harper wrote the unofficial home run record for a single season is still held by Roger Maris with 61 and "wouldn't it be something if Judge took a serious run at that?" Judge has "completely changed the feel around the Yankees, re-energizing a jaded fan base with his must-see at-bats and athleticism that is remarkable for someone 6-foot-7, 282 pounds." If he is in "serious pursuit of Maris come August and September, Judge would bring some of that feel-good vibe to the entire sport." In some ways, in fact, he could "make home run numbers matter again." As it is, the steroids era has "made us all numb to what was once the most prestigious of all records" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/13).
