For the first time in nearly half a century, the New York Yankees have lifted their long-standing ban on facial hair, allowing players to grow beards, as confirmed by owner Hal Steinbrenner. In a statement, Steinbrenner explained that after discussions with both former and current players, it was time to move past the team’s traditional grooming policy. “These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years,” he said. The change signals a shift from the former policy, which had been in place since the 1970s when it was introduced by Steinbrenner’s father, George Steinbrenner. The policy prohibited facial hair, except for mustaches, and also enforced rules about players’ hair length. The move was intended to promote discipline and pride within the team, with George Steinbrenner famously stating that it was part of an effort to instill pride in the players as Yankees.
Over the years, the policy sparked resistance from some players. Yankees captain Don Mattingly famously faced a benching in 1991 for refusing to cut his hair, and the policy even became the subject of a 1992 episode of “The Simpsons.” Former player Andrew McCutchen, who joined the Yankees in 2019, spoke out in 2020 about the difficulties of being part of a team with such strict grooming standards, particularly since he had worn dreadlocks early in his career. In fact, the policy has deterred some players from joining the team. General manager Brian Cashman revealed in 2013 that he had dismissed the idea of trading for pitcher Brian Wilson because of his refusal to shave his beard. Similarly, pitcher David Price also admitted he didn’t want to play for the Yankees due to the facial hair policy.
Despite the resistance, players have historically complied with the rule, with many of them shaving or trimming their facial hair upon joining the team. Notable examples include pitchers Gerrit Cole and Johnny Damon, as well as offseason acquisitions like Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger, who have all shed their facial hair when becoming Yankees. The change in policy also comes shortly after pitcher Devin Williams, whom the Yankees acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, appeared with a beard in an official team photo, further fueling the shift.
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