WHY THE YANKEES WEAR SEA FOAM

I was curious about why the Yankees started flashing this turquoise, aqua type color on some of their gear this year.  Were you?  So I did some digging being the Yankee History Contributor of BYB and all.  Turns out the Yankees’ mint-colored gear craze has developed into a modern team tradition, a symbolic nod to their New York City roots and a testament to team unity. 

It all began with Aaron Judge, who first introduced the unique color in early April 2024, aiming to bring a fresh look and an extra touch of New York pride to his game-day accessories. What started as Judge’s personal homage to the Statue of Liberty quickly turned into a full-fledged trend, one that spread through the clubhouse as a marker of the team’s bond and spirit.

Judge first sported the mint-colored gear on April 13 in a game against Cleveland, showing up in seafoam batting gloves, an armband, and even a custom elbow guard. The color was carefully selected to mirror the iconic patina of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing strength, endurance, and the spirit of New York City. Judge’s mint look caught the attention of his teammates immediately. Soon, a wave of orders flooded in as players wanted to incorporate the mint color into their own gear, from gloves and cleats to armbands and even catching equipment.

As Judge’s teammates embraced the trend, the mint craze turned into a team-wide symbol of unity, each player adding his own spin on the look. Outfielder Alex Verdugo noted the contagious excitement in the clubhouse, saying, “Judge had it on all his gear, and we all liked it. So we started ordering to match.”

Then came players like Gleyber Torres, Giancarlo Stanton, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes Jr., Oswaldo Cabrera, and Austin Wells. For them, the mint color wasn't just about fashion; it was a subtle rallying cry, a way to unite as one New York team.

Oswaldo Cabrera said of it, “The mint means the Statue of Liberty. When I wear it, I feel so good.” Nestor Cortes took the customization to another level by ordering a mint glove from his manufacturer, 44 Pro, with a navy torch and orange flame on the webbing — a direct nod to the torch held by Lady Liberty herself.

For Judge, wearing the mint represents a personal tribute to the city he loves and its most iconic symbol. “It’s a little tribute to the city and what the Statue of Liberty stands for,” he explained. “I think it’s pretty cool.” His teammates share his sentiment, not only appreciating the look but also finding a new sense of camaraderie in wearing something meaningful together.

The Yankees’ mint accessory movement, led by Judge, has quickly become a defining chapter in their story. Not only does it bring a unique twist to one of baseball’s most traditional teams, but it also serves as a visual testament to their unity and pride in New York’s legacy. This mint gear isn’t just about standing out; it’s about standing together as a team and honoring the city they represent.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor