Aaron Judge partnership helps Illinois youth baseball team get first big win of summer

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Aaron Judge’s new product won’t officially hit shelves nationwide until later this month, but the Illinois baseball team has gotten an early taste. And it may have helped start a memorable day.

There are certain traditions that connect all levels of baseball. Whether it’s a Little League field, a high school diamond, or Yankee Stadium, sunflower seeds have long been part of the game. That’s what made the Potters2029 baseball team’s latest opportunity feel a little different.

While Judge continues to build his legacy with the New York Yankees, the three-time American League MVP is also collaborating with DAVID Seeds on a new product called the “Judge Pack,” a limited edition bag of DAVID Jumbo Sweet & Spicy Sunflower Seeds that features Judge himself in the package.

Before the product began appearing in retailers across the country, one youth baseball team in Morton, Illinois, was chosen to be among the first to try it.

From Aaron Judge’s Dugout to Morton, Illinois

This summer, DAVID Seeds is partnering with general powerhouse and pinstripe icon, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees to bring baseball fans the Judge Pack, a limited edition that includes DAVID Jumbo Sweet Sunflower Seeds and the judge himself.

A new take on the grand-slam staple, for just $4.99, this big league snack will begin stocking supermarkets across the country (and stadiums) this month, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the All Rise Foundation to help inspire and empower children to lead, learn, and thrive.

“I am very excited to join the DAVID Seeds team,” said Jaji, now in his 11th season in New York. “DAVID Seeds has been a part of my game for as long as I’ve been playing baseball, and I’m glad we’re working together to help support great kids.”

The purpose of the partnership goes beyond baseball. Judge’s All Rise Foundation, launched by his mother in 2018, focuses on helping young people through education, leadership development and community initiatives.

That made the partnership feel more appropriate when entering the youth baseball dugout.

A Summer Starter to Remember

The Potters2029 team didn’t just notice the new Judge interaction early. They also opened their summer season with an outstanding performance.

Playing on Mike McDonald Field at beautiful Westwood Park in Morton, the 15U team cruised to a 12-2 victory against rival Washington2029, turning what was already a special day into an even better one. For a group of players who grew up watching Judge become one of baseball’s biggest stars, being selected as one of the original scouting teams added a unique connection to the game they love.

Head coach Will McMillan watched his team enjoy the experience while doing what every coach hopes to see in the opening days of summer baseball: players having fun, competing hard and finding success on the field. The scene could not have been more appropriate. A summer evening at one of the top baseball venues in central Illinois. A dugout full of young players. And a baseball brand tied to one of the game’s most recognizable names.

Dugout Review is In

Of course, no baseball product survives its initial testing without feedback from the dugout.

Early reviews have been positive.

Assistant coach Brayton Boss gave a detailed scouting report.

“I really enjoyed the seed,” Boss said.

Morton High School Class of 2029 pitcher, catcher and third baseman Jonah Knuppel agreed.

“I had good taste,” Knuppel said.

It’s easy. Be honest. It’s exactly the kind of review you’d expect from a baseball dugout.

More Than Just Another Approval

Judge has become one of the best-selling players in professional sports, but this relationship carries a deeper purpose than simply launching another product. A portion of every Judge Pack sold will support the All Rise Foundation, which helps create opportunities for young people across the country.

It’s part of Judge’s commitment throughout his career, which earned him the Roberto Clemente Award in 2023, one of Major League Baseball’s highest honors for community service and philanthropic efforts.

For DAVID Seeds, the partnership connects the iconic baseball snack with one of baseball’s greatest stars.

For the judges, it’s another chance to make an impact away from the field.

And for one youth baseball team in Morton, Illinois, it’s already become part of a summer memory they’ll likely remember for a long time.

Not every day starts with Aaron Judge.

Not every day ends with a 12-2 win.

For Potters2029, this happened to include both.

To find out more

For more collaborations, follow @DavidSeeds on social media and look for #gifted from @DavidSeeds for more opportunities. For Potters2029, you can follow along and see how Judge’s personal success has affected them through their account on X at @Potters2029Bsb.