We’re in a league where rivalries run deep and there’s rarely a moment of ease on the field. In the midst of it all, it just takes one goofy highlight to give the intensity of the game a playful pause. Such a highlight came to life at George M. Steinbrenner Field when the New York Yankees went up against the Tampa Bay Rays. Interestingly, it features the Yankees’ captain, Aaron Judge, and the Rays’ mascot, Raymond. Well, it’s fair to say it’s adorable enough to break the internet and leave everyone in stitches.
The Yankees have just shared an irresistibly cute glimpse from their game against the Rays on X. It featured the Rays’ blue fuzz mascot, Raymond, and the Yankees’ star Judge. Raymond, who’s widely adored in the Rays’ fanbase for his entertaining side, held a sign that said “Shoe shines $10,000” on the sidelines of the field.
Shoe Shines at the Ballpark.
Price: a firm handshake pic.twitter.com/K1JGSyrKET
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 18, 2025
True to his style, Judge took advantage of the shoe-shining service. Raymond goofily polished his shoes. Naturally, Raymond extended his big, fuzzy hands, expecting big bucks from the Yankees captain. Little did he know that Judge had a better offer in mind. Instead of paying Raymond with money, Judge offered him a priceless handshake, leaving Raymond visibly annoyed. This goofy sideline interaction was certainly the cutest clip on the internet today.
Raymond has been the life of the Rays for years. In early 1998, the Rays’ scouts were on a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. That’s when they spotted an odd-looking creature, who was lured to the Rays’ boat by the smell of hot dogs. Scouts were immediately amused by his playful nature. And just like that, they decided to make this goofball the mascot for the brand-new baseball team and named him “Raymond.” All he was entitled to was to eat as many hot dogs as he wanted and receive as many fun high-fives as he could handle.
As for Judge, besides showing his prowess, he has quite a list of playoff interactions with mascots. Once, he shared a playful moment with the Houston Astros‘ mascot, Mr. Astro, teasing him about his cameo in the movie “Toy Story.” Known for his cheerful character, Mr. Astro was humorously reminded by Judge of his past role as a “toy,” adding a lighthearted twist to the Yankees-Astros rivalry.
As soon as the Yankees shared the clip of Judge and Raymond, it won fans over, and they just can’t get enough of it.
Fans can’t get enough of Raymond and Judge
Fans have quite a mix of reactions to the goofy sideline incident. Some hilariously defended Raymond’s efforts and pointed out to Judge that he should have paid him. Meanwhile, others playfully labeled Judge ‘the king’ and implied that Raymond is lucky to polish his shoes.
There were some who believed that Judge, being one of the highest-paid players, should have given Raymond his fake $10,000. A fan jokingly stated, “He’s super rich; please just pay Raymond.” This reaction reflected on the funny irony of this silly situation. Judge, who wouldn’t mind spending $10,000, decided to offer Raymond his priceless handshake instead.
Then there were loyal Judge’s supporters who would go to any length to shine his cleats for free. One fan wrote, “I’d shine the king’s shoes at no cost.” This reaction brought all of Judge’s loyalists together. He isn’t just a fan favorite; he’s basically baseball royalty. When it comes to Judge, there are those who worship the ground he walks on.
Now, this reaction beats all the others. Aaron Judge? No—it’s Pookie Judge. From MVP slugger to being the Pookie of the fanbase, Judge can be it all. As one fan summed it up adorably, “He should be honored he got a handshake from Pookie Judge.” Here, the fan is absolutely right. It’s truly an honor to have Judge initiate a handshake. To say the least, it’s priceless.
Most of them still can’t get over this goofy interaction. One stated, “I’m still laughing at this.” It’s fair to mention that fans won’t be getting over it anytime soon. It doesn’t happen every day that we witness Judge interacting with a blue fuzzy goofball.
Another heartwarming reaction from Judge’s army, offering his service at all times: “I would shine my glorious king’s shoes for free.” It reminds us once again how admired Judge is and what roles he plays in the lives he has impacted with his remarkable performance. Most importantly, it’s his down-to-earth personality that has won hearts worldwide.
This was such a moment that it has assembled both Team Raymond and Team Judge. It has to be one of the most playful interactions of the season.
The post “Please Just Pay Raymond”: Aaron Judge Fleecing Rays Mascot in Hilarious Interaction Leaves MLB Fans in Stitches appeared first on EssentiallySports.
