The New York Yankees have made a significant change to their longstanding grooming policy, allowing players to grow beards, a decision announced on Friday. This marks the end of a rule that has been in place for nearly 50 years, established by former owner George Steinbrenner. Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, son of George, acknowledged the policy as “outdated” and “unreasonable,” stating that the new approach reflects contemporary norms and the preferences of younger players.
Hal Steinbrenner said he has been in discussions with both former and current players regarding the need for updating the policy. He recognized the cultural shift in society, noting that beards have become a common aspect of men’s grooming today. “I made the decision that the policy, that was in place, was outdated,” he told reporters at the team’s spring training launch. Steinbrenner confirmed that while beards will now be allowed, guidelines will still exist to maintain certain standards within the clubhouse.
The policy change comes in light of the Yankees’ struggle to attract free agents, a challenge that some have suggested may have been influenced by the strict grooming rules. Historically, Yankees players, including recent star Gerrit Cole, have had to comply with the clean-shaven policy even when joining the team, a fact that Cole openly accepted when he signed his lucrative contract.
The roots of this beardless tradition date back to 1973 when the Yankees were acquired from CBS. George Steinbrenner aimed to revamp the team’s image and adopted strict grooming standards, initially allowing only mustaches while prohibiting beards and long hair. This led to generations of players adhering to what seemed to be an anomalous rule within the landscape of professional sports, where beards have been embraced, particularly in the NHL during playoff seasons.
The cultural significance of beards and their acceptance in the workplace were highlighted by Hal Steinbrenner, who pointed out that many figures in positions of authority, including members of Congress, sport facial hair today. He aimed to align the team’s image more closely with societal shifts while reinforcing that the foundational values of the Yankees remain intact.
In what can be perceived as a positive turning point for the franchise, this decision may open the door to a more inclusive atmosphere for current players and potentially attract new talent, addressing concerns about the grooming policy’s impact on recruitment. The Yankees remain the team with the most World Series titles but have not secured a championship since 2009. Addressing outdated policies could be a step toward revitalizing the team and enhancing its appeal in the highly competitive environment of Major League Baseball.
This move reflects a broader trend in professional sports, showcasing how iconic teams evolve with changing times while still holding true to their storied traditions.