On Friday afternoon, the New York Yankees surprised the baseball world by revising a long-standing clubhouse rule. The team decided to amend its facial hair policy, which previously prohibited players from growing beards during the season.
“In recent weeks, I have consulted numerous former and current Yankees—spanning different eras—to gather their thoughts on our facial hair and grooming policy, and I appreciate their honest and diverse feedback,” Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement.
He explained that these discussions were part of an ongoing internal dialogue that had been happening for years. Ultimately, Steinbrenner made the final decision, concluding that it was time for a change. Moving forward, players and uniformed personnel will be allowed to have well-groomed beards. “Now is the right moment to move beyond the familiarity of our previous policy,” he added.
During a press conference on Friday, Steinbrenner mentioned that he consulted several key players, including team captain Aaron Judge, pitcher Gerrit Cole, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton—all of whom supported the change.
Cole welcomed the decision, stating, “It’s appropriate. It makes sense. It still upholds our clean and professional look while allowing for personal expression—and fewer razor burns.”
Judge also approved of the policy change but said he has no plans to grow a beard despite now having the option. “Aaron Judge says he does not plan on growing a beard,” Yankees beat writer Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reported.
https://x.com/BrendanKutyNJ/status/1893304246126149765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1893304246126149765%7Ctwgr%5E194f8dfabb644325faf02732caeb525665b3654b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fathlonsports.com%2Fmlb%2Fnew-york-yankees%2Faaron-judge-makes-decision-after-yankees-facial-hair-policy-change.
The Yankees sparked debate by opting to keep Aaron Judge out of the lineup for the first week of Grapefruit League games.
“I’m just following instructions,” Judge said. “I sat down with him, and we went over some dates. He asked, ‘How do you feel about the 28th or the 1st?’ and I just said, ‘Whatever works for you.’ As long as we’re playing almost every day in that final week and getting three or four at-bats, that’s what matters.”
The Yankees will begin their regular season on March 27 with a series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
