Clayton E. Judge III is a “big baller” of sorts. As director of supplier diversity for Major League Baseball’s Office of Diversity and Strategic Alliances, Judge scores big for minority- and women-owned businesses. “My role enables me to level the playing field for minority businesses; but it’s my commitment that drives me to help them win,” says Judge.

Judge oversees the strategic implementation of the Diverse Business Partners Program to increase supplier diversity for the central office and 30 Major League Clubs. He also assists the Office of Diversity and Strategic Alliances in developing the MLB brand and strengthening returns on investments within the multicultural segments of MLB franchise communities. Prior to joining MLB, Judge was manager of special events business development for the National Football League, where he developed programs to involve minority suppliers in the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl productions. While in college, he interned with the NFL and traveled throughout the country conducting seminars on issues of gambling, illegal substances, due diligence and player security.

A native of New York, Judge received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the State University of New York attended the University of Illinois in Springfield, where he obtained a master’s in legal studies. Shortly thereafter, he obtained a juris doctorate at the City University of New York Law School. He left the field after playing two seasons of semiprofessional football, but stays in the game by serving as a NFL Instant Replay Official, analyzing television footage relating to controversial on-field rulings. He also serves as national executive vice president of the National Association of Black Sports Professionals, an organization that supports the entry, growth and promotion of Black professionals in sports-related fields.

Judge resides in West Orange, N.J., with his wife Thea and three children.