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Rookie gets own rooting section

 
Aaron Judge will take his spot in front of the Judge’s  Chambers.
Aaron Judge will take his spot in front of the Judge’s Chambers.
Published May 23, 2017

NEW YORK — The verdict is in: Rookie slugger Aaron Judge is getting his own rooting section at Yankee Stadium.

Now in session, the Judge's Chambers.

Framed by faux wood paneling, covering three rows and fashioned to fit 18 fans wearing black judicial robes with the Yankees' logo on the front and his No. 99 on the back, this court opened on a rainy Monday night when New York hosted the Royals.

Section 104, just behind where Judge plays rightfield, was designed to look like a jury box, with proper lettering on a sign at the back.

Judge leads the majors with 15 home runs, most of them hit very far and very hard. The 6-foot-7 rookie was humbled when the team approached him with the concept. After all, this is a tradition-laden franchise that doesn't often do things to single out players, even Bronx Bombers.

"I was shocked, you know. I was surprised," Judge said. "I think it's going to be a pretty cool idea that the fans will like. It will be something the fans I really think will enjoy."

Unlike the King's Court in Seattle for ace RHP Felix Hernandez or the Mannywood area that once developed at Dodger Stadium for Manny Ramirez, people can't buy tickets in the Judge's Chambers.

Instead, a cross-section of fans will be chosen to sit there. At first, those wearing Judge jerseys and T-shirts inside the stadium likely will get picked, along with their families.

The plan is to branch out for community groups, charity organizations, Little Leagues, schools, hospitals and others to occupy the space.

Number of the day

125 Career home runs at Camden Yards by Orioles CF Adam Jones, breaking a tie with Rafael Palmeiro for the most all time

Quotable

"What was the reason for them to come out with something like that? The only thing that I can think of, to be honest with you, a lot of big guys from the Yankees were being caught. And no one from Boston. This was just something that leaked out of New York, and they had zero explanation about it."

David Ortiz, former Red Sox DH, suggesting the Yankees leaked his positive drug test from a 2003 survey that was supposed to remain anonymous

Extras

. The Braves granted former Rays 1B James Loney his release from Triple-A Gwinnett two days after they acquired 1B Matt Adams from the Cardinals.

. The Mariners recalled former UF C Mike Zunino and RHP Emilio Pagan from Triple-A Tacoma and optioned three players to help clear a spot for today's expected return of 2B Robinson Cano, who is on the disabled list with a strained quadriceps.

. The Twins placed RHP Phil Hughes on the 10-day disabled list with right biceps tendinitis.

. Giants CF Denard Span, a former Tampa Catholic standout, was out of the starting lineup with a sprained left thumb.

. Tigers RHP Anibal Sanchez, who has a 9.00 ERA in 11 games, was optioned to Triple-A Toledo.