- The New York Yankees are amending a 49-year-old policy regarding facial hair. The team will now allow “well-groomed beards” for players and staff.
- Hal Steinbrenner announced the policy change during a news conference at spring training.
- After soliciting many opinions and speaking with players, he believes the policy is “outdated” and “somewhat unreasonable.”
Full Story
New York Yankees spring training in Tampa, Florida, took on a decidedly different tone on Friday, Feb. 21, when ownership amended the team’s longstanding “facial hair policy.” Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner announced the change in a press conference.
What’s allowed now?
The policy that had been in place for 49 years will now allow “well-groomed beards.” Over the decades, the team was much more strict, forcing players, coaches and staff to adhere to the “no-beard” policy to avoid fines and other discipline.
“I did make the decision that the policy that was in place was outdated. Given how important it is to that generation and given that it is the norm in this world today, that was somewhat unreasonable, so I made the change,” Steinbrenner said.
Statement from Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner on the alteration of Yankees facial hair policy: pic.twitter.com/UdEuAg3gZy
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 21, 2025
When did the “no-beard” policy start?
Hal’s father, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, implemented the policy before the 1976 season. The policy banned beards but allowed players to either be clean-shaven or have a mustache, with examples including Don Mattingly and Reggie Jackson.
Another part of the edict became part of pop culture, with players not allowed to grow their hair past their collars. However, times change, even for the 27-time world champions.
Steinbrenner said he spoke with several players earlier this week, including team captain Aaron Judge, right-hander Gerrit Cole and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton. All were in favor of updating the policy.
“Our new vice president has a beard, members of Congress have beards, the list goes on and on in this country and in this world,” Steinbrenner said. “It is a part of who these younger men are. Part of their character. Part of their persona. Do I totally relate to that? It’s difficult for me. I’m an older guy who’s never had a beard in his life, but it’s a very important thing to them.”
What does the policy mean for new players?
Will this change mean the Yankees are going to have a roster full of players like Brandon Marsh of the Philadelphia Phillies or Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies? Not a chance.
After the change was made, general manager Brian Cashman told players, “We’re not trying to look like Duck Dynasty.”
Steinbrenner also says one of the biggest deciding factors was that he didn’t want a potential high-profile player to turn the Yankees down in free agency because of the policy. Star closer Devin Williams was one recent example. After being acquired from the Brewers in December, the right-hander said he hadn’t been clean-shaven for about six years and hoped to keep his beard “as long as I can.”
