A new era has dawned in the Bronx – Yankees players can finally grow beards.
The team’s infamous no-beard rule, which stood for nearly 50 years, is officially over. Players can now sport “well-groomed beards,” team chairman Hal Steinbrenner announced Friday.
It’s a dramatic shift from one of baseball’s most well-known policies, put in place by Hal’s father George back in 1976. For decades, Yankees players could only have mustaches – nothing more.
“After great consideration, we will be amending our expectations,” Hal Steinbrenner said after consulting with former and current Yankees. “It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy.”
The change comes after years of players quietly pushing back against the rule. Some stars like CC Sabathia would test the limits with constant 5 o’clock shadows. Others flat-out refused to join the team because of it.
Take Brian Wilson, the former Giants closer with his signature black beard. In 2013, he made it clear he wouldn’t even consider the Yankees if it meant shaving.
The policy has forced some pretty dramatic transformations over the years. Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, and current ace Gerrit Cole all had to break out the razors when they put on the pinstripes.
Players still can’t let their hair grow past their collars though – that rule is staying put.
The timing feels right for a fresh start. The Yankees are coming off a strong 94-win season and an American League pennant. They’ll take the field with their new look when spring training games kick off Friday.
Former Yankees have been vocal about how the old policy hurt the team. Andrew McCutchen and Cameron Maybin both criticized it for limiting players’ individuality.
There was one brief exception – back in 1995, the Yankees actually bent the rules to let pitcher Jack McDowell keep his goatee. But that was a one-time deal.
The policy started when George Steinbrenner bought the team in 1973, bringing his military background’s strict grooming standards to baseball. Even after his death in 2010, the rule lived on – until now.
For Yankees fans and players alike, it’s the end of an era. But for many, it’s a welcome change that brings the historic franchise more in line with modern times.
