the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY ,the New York Yankees are about to look different—literally. For the first time in generations, the team is updating its long-standing facial grooming policy, allowing players and staff to sport “well-groomed beards.”
A Historic Shift in Yankees Tradition
Since the 1970s, the Yankees have famously enforced a strict grooming policy, originally implemented by the late George M. Steinbrenner. However, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner announced on Friday that the organization has decided to amend this rule, calling it “outdated” and “somewhat unreasonable.”
“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,” Steinbrenner stated. “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.”
Player and Coach Reactions
Yankees players, including team captain Aaron Judge, pitcher Gerrit Cole, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, all expressed support for the change.
“It’s appropriate. It makes sense,” Cole said. “It still embodies our look and neatness but allows for some individual freedom and a few less razor burns.”
However, there will still be parameters in place to maintain a “clean and disciplined” appearance. Long, unkempt beards—such as those sported by Phillies’ outfielder Brandon Marsh—would not be permitted. As General Manager Brian Cashman put it, “We’re not trying to look like Duck Dynasty.”
Potential Impact on Free Agency
One of the key factors behind this decision was the concern that the Yankees might miss out on potential free agents who prefer to keep their beards.
“If we miss out on one player because of that policy, that’s too many,” said Yankees Manager Aaron Boone.
Steinbrenner also noted that his father, who prioritized winning above all else, might have been more open to the change than many believe.
“Winning was the most important thing to my father,” he said. “If somebody told him that keeping the policy could affect us getting the players we want, I think he might have reconsidered.”
A Look Back at Yankees Grooming History
The Yankees’ no-facial-hair policy has been in place since George Steinbrenner purchased the team in 1973. The rule was reportedly born on Opening Day that year when Steinbrenner saw his players lined up and focused on their “unkempt” hair instead of their faces.
Over the years, players like Thurman Munson and Goose Gossage challenged the rule, but it remained a defining characteristic of the Yankees’ image. The policy was even included in the team’s player manual, stating that “all players, coaches, and male executives are forbidden to display any facial hair other than mustaches [except for religious reasons], and scalp hair may not be grown below the collar.”
Even star acquisitions such as CC Sabathia and Johnny Damon had to shave upon joining the team. Cashman recalled a recent instance where a free agent’s decision to join the Yankees hinged on whether he was willing to shave his beard.
The Future of the Yankees’ Look
With the revised policy, players now have the freedom to embrace their personal styles while maintaining a professional appearance. While Gerrit Cole has yet to decide whether he’ll bring back his pre-Yankees beard, the change marks a new era for the team—one that balances tradition with modern sensibilities.
As the Yankees gear up for the 2025 season, fans will see a slightly different look on the field—but hopefully, the same championship-winning spirit remains intact.
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