Aaron Judge's New Ralph Lauren Fragrances Campaign Is a Grand Slam: 'Pinch Me Moment' (Exclusive)

The dynamic athlete and face of the label's “Design Your Dreams” campaign talks fragrance, his sought-after hawk and what he's dreaming up next

Aaron Judge just scored a major beauty partnership.

On March 14, Ralph Lauren Fragrances launched the latest addition to its beloved Polo collection — Polo Est. 67 Eau de Toilette ($108) — and New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, 31, is the notable face of its global “Design Your Dreams” campaign.

There’s no better fit to represent the bold, fresh and powerful new scent — and its messaging, which celebrates “the power of dreaming through determination and grit” according to the label.

Like designer Ralph Lauren, the Bronx, New York-born style icon who got his start in 1967 designing his Polo ties out of a drawer in a showroom in the Empire State Building, Judge’s storied career is another example of an American dream come true.

The right fielder, who signed with the Bronx Bombers in 2013, made his MLB debut in 2016. Ever since, all eyes are on the 6’7”-tall athlete every time he’s on the field.

Related: Yankees' Aaron Judge Talks Playing Catch With His Dad as a Kid: 'He's Still the Hero in My Eyes'

An exceptional athlete, Judge has racked up tons of awards, including 2022 American League MVP. In the 2022-2023 season, when he set a new AL single season home run record with 62, everyone from President Joe Biden to Yankees Hall of Famer Derek Jeter congratulated him on the history-making achievement.

“In both the world of sport and the world of fragrance, it’s passion that sets things apart,” Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, said in a press release. “Aaron Judge’s genuine love for baseball embodies what I most believe in — a commitment to excellence and the art of doing what you love.”

Judge echoed the sentiment in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

“I always dreamed of working with Ralph Lauren,” the slugger says. “[So] it is such an honor to be the face of the campaign because it's all about following your dreams no matter what, which is something that I can truly relate to with my experiences in life and sports.”

Judge, a California native, adds that he’s always considered the Big Apple his “home” so “to be a part of two iconic N.Y.C. legacies coming together is a true pinch me moment,” he shares. “I’m really proud and excited for this chapter of my life.”

The pro athlete has always loved wearing cologne (“I feel like it gives me an extra boost of confidence when I'm headed out to the field or headed into a big meeting,” he says.) and this new scent — which is described as fresh and fruity with notes with of citrus, vetiver bergamot and even a hint of a sweet pineapple accord — is no exception. “[It’s] is very powerful and bright,” says Judge. “It has a woody and citrusy scent that really draws people in when they smell it.”

While Judge wears number 99 on the field, number 67, which is on the bottle as an homage to the year the company was founded, will now be special to him as well. “After this campaign, 67 will always remind me of the connection I have with the brand.”

Ahead, Judge speaks to PEOPLE about the campaign, fragrance and his Big Apple essentials.

PEOPLE: What is your first scent memory?  

Judge: Fresh cut grass. When I was growing up, every time I was dropped off for baseball practice or a game, the first thing I would smell was freshly cut grass.

PEOPLE: What does self-care mean to you? Walk us through your routine.   

Judge: Ice baths, meditating, good sleep, reading and staying hydrated are key to my self-care routine. It is very important to keep your mind and body healthy.

PEOPLE: You have one of the most sought-after haircuts in men’s grooming. What's it like for you to have so many men requesting "the Judge,” and what's the secret to the cut?

Judge: It’s funny how people have become interested in my haircut. There’s honestly no secret to this cut. It's a hawk going towards the back and short with a clean skin fade on the sides.

PEOPLE: What is your first memory of Ralph Lauren as a label? 

Judge: I’m not sure about a first memory — but a memorable one for me was having the first dinner with my family after being called up to the big leagues at The Polo Bar [Ralph Lauren’s restaurant] in N.Y.C. Who would have thought that just a short seven years later I'd be a part of the iconic brand.

PEOPLE: Did you get to meet Mr. Lauren during this experience? 

Judge: Yes, my wife [Samantha] and I got a chance to share a moment with Mr. Lauren and his son! We chatted about baseball and the Yankees ... plus a little fashion and how he’s built this worldwide brand.

Related: Tom Brady Meets with MLB Free Agent Aaron Judge Before Buccaneers Game: 'Gave Him My Best Pitch!'

PEOPLE: Any favorite memories of shooting the campaign?  

Judge: Samantha, [and dogs] Penny and Gus were all on set with me while shooting which was awesome to share with them. And to make it even more of a family event, the Ralph Lauren team gifted Penny and Gus their very own sweatshirts so we were all part of the Ralph Lauren family.

PEOPLE: Speaking of Gus and Penny, how old are they now and how are they spending their days?

Judge: Penny is two years old, and Gus is now one year old. They both spend most of their days playing with each other, going on walks around N.Y.C., and eating treats. Every once in a while, I like to take them to Yankee Stadium to run around the field when it's nice out.

PEOPLE: The global campaign tagline for Polo Est. 67 is "Design Your Dreams." That said: Did you ever dream of becoming the face of a fragrance? 

Judge: As a kid a lot of my favorite athletes became the face of a fragrance and I dreamed of one day getting a chance to do the same as them!

What dreams are you working toward now?  

Judge: I am always striving for greatness and when greatness calls, you answer. From making it into the MLB, playing for the Yankees, and becoming team captain, I hope that in this upcoming season I can help my team become the 2024 World Series Champions!

PEOPLE: We know you love the Yankees and Ralph Lauren. What other iconic New York City things can't you live without? 

Judge: Well, I have to go pizza here. And controversial or not, I am going to have to say Times Square. There’s something about the energy and the iconic N.Y.C. atmosphere that you really can’t get anywhere else.

Shop the fragrance here.

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