There’s a big change coming to the New York Yankees as they gear up for the 2025 season. Back in the 1970s, the Yankees rolled out a strict facial hair policy under George Steinbrenner‘s watch, aiming to keep the team’s image sharp and professional. The rule? No beards, just mustaches -unless it’s for religious reasons- and hair couldn’t grow past the collar. It’s been a quirky part of Yankees lore ever since, shaping how players look when they join the pinstripes.
Fast forward to February 2025, and the Yankees are switching things up. General managing partner Hal Steinbrenner took to social media on Friday to announce that players can now rock “well-groomed” beards. “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,” Steinbrenner shared.
He’s been chewing over this for years, and after some serious thought, he decided it’s time to ditch the old-school vibe. “It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy,” he added.
This shift comes after decades of players trimming beards and long locks to fit the team’s clean-cut mold. Take ace pitcher Gerrit Cole, for example -he had a flowing mane and beard with the Houston Astros, but chopped it all off when he signed with the Yankees. Same goes for stars like Carlos Rodon, Alex Verdugo, Joey Gallo, Josh Donaldson, Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, and Paul Goldschmidt-they all shaved to join the squad.
Yankees fans weigh in on 2025 policy shift
The buzz really kicked off when All-Star closer Devin Williams, freshly traded from the Milwaukee Brewers, showed up to spring training sporting a beard. He later shaved it to comply, but his arrival sparked chatter online about whether the policy was due for a refresh. Turns out, it was.
The team manual once stated, “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,” per MLB.com. Now, that’s history.
So, how are Yankees fans feeling about this hairy update? It’s a mixed bag. Some are thrilled, cheering the move into the modern era. Posts on X show fans saying things like “About damn time!! 20yrs too late!” and “I like it. Rather than getting rid of it entirely, it gives players the choice to have facial hair if they wish without looking homeless.” Others are pumping the brakes, missing the tradition. One fan wrote, “Sorry, I honestly really hate reversal of this… This set the Yankees apart and kept players looking professional.” Another chimed in with, “Pour one out for the sideburns… The Yankees’ facial hair policy is dead. Finally.”
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