The New York Yankees have announced that they’re allowing players to be able to have beards.
The team shared a statement from managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner who broke the news.
“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, and I appreciate their earnest and varied feedback,” the statement reads.
“These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years,” he added. “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,” Steinbrenner continued.
The Yankees’ former policy originated in 1973 after a group of investors, including Hal’s father, George Steinbrenner, bought the franchise from CBS and decided to set the rule — seemingly targeting popular Yankees players like Sparkly Lyle, Thurman Munson, Fritz Peterson, and Roy White to clean up their unruly facial hair styles.
For years, the rule has been discussed by fans, players, and even broadcasters who’ve suggested that it can even stop players from wanting to play for the Yankees.
"This might be an unpopular take to Yankees fans, but you’d be surprised how much more attractive the Yankees would be if they got rid of that facial hair rule," said broadcaster Cameron Maybin in 2023.
"You wouldn’t believe how many quality players just think it’s a wack rule to have,” he added. I mean, c’mon we’re coming up on 2024 let that go already, and I swear it would be more appealing."
We'll see how players react to the change.