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The New York Yankees have finally taken the step into the 21st century. On Friday, the legendary MLB club announced that it was amending its longstanding facial hair policy first implemented by former owner George Steinbrenner in 1976. The previous policy stated that all Yankees players must be clean-shaven in order to present in a more professional fashion.
However, the policy had quickly become outdated as various beard stylings have become more acceptable in every form of the workplace. The New York Yankees and New York Islanders were two of the only remaining teams in American sports with similar policies. NASCAR team owner Roger Penske also had a similar policy up until 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney convinced him to amend the rule.
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
Yankees Owner Hal Steinbrenner Explains Change To Historic Beard Policy
“In recent weeks I have spoken to a large number of former and current Yankees — spanning several eras — to elicit their perspectives on our longstanding facial hair and grooming policy,” Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, the son of George Steinbrenner, said in a statement.
“These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years,” he said. “Ultimately the final decision rests with me, and after great consideration, we will be amending our expectations to allow our players and uniformed personnel to have well-groomed beards moving forward. It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy.”
When Yankees ace Gerrit Cole signed with the team in 2019 on a massive $324 million deal, he was forced to shave the beard he’d had for most of his career. Former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen also spoke out about the policy during his time in New York.
The move not only comes as a surprise, but comes in quick fashion. Yankees players reported for Spring Training on Monday and were met with reminders on the clubhouse chair of each player to be clean shaven the following morning for photo day.