Yankees Update Facial Grooming Policy After Decades of Tradition

TAMPA, Fla. – The Yankees are poised to introduce a refreshing change that hasn’t been seen in decades. On Friday, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner unveiled that the team is updating its age-old facial grooming policy, established back in the 1970s. This shift allows Yankees players, coaches, and uniformed personnel to sport “well-groomed beards” from now on.

New arrivals will no longer have to part with their facial hair upon joining the team. Devin Williams, for instance, acquired in December from the Brewers, shared that he hadn’t been clean-shaven for approximately six years and was thrilled to maintain his beard “as long as I can.”

Steinbrenner revealed that his thoughts on revising what he considered an “outdated” and “somewhat unreasonable” policy began long before the trade involving Williams; he acknowledged contemplating this change for several years.

“Recently, I engaged with numerous former and current Yankees — representing different eras — to gather their views on our traditional facial hair and grooming rules, appreciating their honest and varying insights,” he explained. “These discussions are a continuation of an internal dialogue that’s been ongoing for years.

“Ultimately, this decision lies with me, and after careful consideration, we will now permit our players and uniformed personnel to have well-groomed beards. It’s time to move past the comfort of our old policy.”

Earlier this week, Steinbrenner consulted with key players, including team captain Aaron Judge, right-hander Gerrit Cole, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, all of whom supported the policy update.

“It’s appropriate. It makes sense,” Cole remarked. “It still maintains our signature look and neatness but incorporates personal freedom and fewer instances of razor burn.”

There will still be “parameters” to uphold a “clean and disciplined” appearance, Steinbrenner noted; extravagant styles, like the lengthy beard of the Phillies’ Brandon Marsh, wouldn’t be acceptable. Elaborating on these changes to Yankees personnel on Friday, General Manager Brian Cashman quipped: “We’re not aiming to resemble Duck Dynasty.”

A hypothetical consideration driving this decision stems from the Yankees’ concern about potentially losing a future free agent due to the policy.

Manager Aaron Boone stated, “We never want to miss out on any player. If the policy costs us even one player, that’s one too many.”

Steinbrenner believes his father, the late George M. Steinbrenner, would have been supportive.

“Winning was paramount for my father,” Steinbrenner emphasized. “If someone convinced him that this might impact our ability to secure the players we wish to sign… he might have been more willing to adapt than many might think, as winning was his priority.”

The grooming policy traces back to George M. Steinbrenner’s acquisition of the team. According to legend, its origins date to 1973, when Steinbrenner scrutinized his team lined up on the first-base line for Opening Day against Cleveland. Not yet titled “The Boss” and unfamiliar with the players by face, he focused on their hairstyles — messy mustaches, bushy sideburns, and long hair. Displeased, he quickly noted down the uniform numbers and sent the list to manager Ralph Houk with a directive to cut their hair.

Sparky Lyle, Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, Fritz Peterson, and Roy White were among those on Steinbrenner’s list that day. Despite occasional acts of defiance over the years (Munson’s 1976 Topps baseball card features the catcher with a full beard, and Goose Gossage’s iconic mustache stemmed from an order to shave), the policy was predominantly adhered to.