13 sources·Entertainment

Yankees Revise 49-Year-Old Facial Hair Policy, Welcoming Beards for Players

The New York Yankees end their long-standing facial hair ban, allowing well-groomed beards after nearly five decades, reflecting modern values in recruitment.

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  2. Opinion | The Yankees are letting players wear beards — it's about time

    But because you can never please everybody, despite the widespread mockery the Yankees’ grooming policies have invited around MLB, news of the policy change left some non-Yankees players lamenting the loss of “tradition.”

    Opinion | The Yankees are letting players wear beards — it's about time

    MSNBCMSNBC·2M
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  5. Yankees to end 50-year ban on beards, will now allow 'well-groomed beards'

    The Yankees' policy was deemed among the most strict of any rules of its kind in the sports world and therefore was one of the most famous team policies.

    Yankees to end 50-year ban on beards, will now allow 'well-groomed beards'

    The BlazeThe Blaze·2M
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  6. A look at some Yankees who trimmed their hair to comport with the team's facial hair policy

    Recognizable for his long hair, beard and mustache while helping the Boston Red Sox win the 2004 World Series, Damon looked like a different person with the Yankees from 2006-08.

    A look at some Yankees who trimmed their hair to comport with the team's facial hair policy

    Associated PressAssociated Press·2M
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  8. New York Yankees reverse decades-old facial hair policy, will allow 'well-groomed beards'

    The Yankees' anachronistic grooming policy was lampooned as far back as 1992, when a young Fox show, "The Simpsons," aired "Homer at the Bat," which became one its most famous episodes.

    New York Yankees reverse decades-old facial hair policy, will allow 'well-groomed beards'

    NBC NewsNBC News·2M
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  9. New York Yankees reverse strict decades-old facial hair policy

    The strict appearance code has been heavily criticised in recent years by both the media and players that have appeared for the 27-time World Series winners.

    New York Yankees reverse strict decades-old facial hair policy

    BBC NewsBBC News·2M
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  10. New York Yankees announce change to longstanding facial hair policy

    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.

    New York Yankees announce change to longstanding facial hair policy

    The GuardianThe Guardian·2M
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  11. CNN
Updated: Feb 21st, 2025, 11:56 PM ET

Summary

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In a significant cultural shift, the New York Yankees have lifted their 49-year-old facial hair policy, now permitting players to sport well-groomed beards. Owner Hal Steinbrenner announced the change during a press conference at spring training, emphasizing the outdated nature of the policy which had been enforced since 1976 by his father, George Steinbrenner. Players, including team captain Aaron Judge and star closer Devin Williams, have expressed support for the update. Steinbrenner's decision aims to enhance recruitment and align with contemporary norms, as the organization acknowledges the potential impact on attracting top talent.

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