LINDEN — A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E spells attitude.

To Linden hometown hero Aaron Judge, 2017’s American League Rookie of the Year, having a positive one is about the most important thing a person can express, not only in sports, but in life.

“For me, it’s always about having a good attitude. Treat your teammates with respect, put them first and do everything you can for the team — and your team will do pretty well,” the 26-year-old professional athlete told about 200 Little Leaguers from the Linden area Sunday during his first Aaron Judge All Rise Foundation Baseball ProCamp.

The four-hour camp at Judge’s alma mater, Linden High School, provided young players between 9 and 14 exposure to the fundamentals of good baseball as taught by Judge and a staff of volunteer coaches from area prep and college baseball programs, including University of the Pacific softball coaches and players. And it was free to all the participants.

Judge made a point of going around the large field to visit with just about every player as they learned the best way to swing a bat, pick up a grounder or shag a fly ball.

Before darting off to his next activity, a young Little Leaguer named Israel said, “This has been very fun. I really appreciate the lessons and that only a few kids got selected.”

Just before Israel answered a reporter’s question, he got the opportunity to ask Judge a question: “What was your inspiration for playing baseball?”

Judge responded: “I just love being outside. … I just fell in love with baseball at a young age. … I still love it to this day.”

Sunday’s clinic was the inaugural event for Judge’s new All Rise Foundation. He got major support for the event from the PitCCh In Foundation started by his friend and fellow Yankees teammate CC Sabathia and wife Amber.

“They wanted to branch out a little bit (from the New York area),” PitCCh In program director Candy Crary said, noting that since Judge joined the Yankees he has been supportive of the Sabathias’ foundation.

“Aaron is just so great. It’s really obvious he cares so much about his community,” Crary said. And “Aaron thinks it’s very important to get a good education,” a belief the Sabathias share.

Even though his job takes him 3,000 miles away, Judge remains close to his family in Linden. Mom Patty Judge, a longtime Stockton teacher, said her son really wants to see youngsters engaging in activities that not only get them outside but also prepare them to be good citizens.

“It’s important to him that young people make good decisions and handle themselves responsibly to become contributing citizens. Beyond that, it’s also important that they think about their unlimited possibilities,” Patty Judge said.

“You can accomplish anything that you put your mind to. It might not be sports. It’s whatever profession you choose, whatever path in life you want to go on, seize the moment, live the dream.

“So that’s what he wants to encourage the kids to do.”

Sunday’s baseball camp in Linden was by no means a one-time event. Judge will return to town in early 2019 where his All Rise Foundation will hold its first fundraising dinner in the community.

Contact reporter Joe Goldeen at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com. Follow him at recordnet.com/goldeenblog and on Twitter @JoeGoldeen.