For the first time in nearly half a century, Yankee players will be allowed to sport a beard while wearing the pinstripes.
In a press release that went out on Friday morning, Hal Steinbrenner announced that the team’s longstanding facial hair policy will be altered, and players will now be permitted to have “well-groomed” beards after years of controversy over whether the policy was outdated or a statement of what is expected when you wear the interlocking NY.
“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 said in a statement. “These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years. 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.
“It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy.”
The policy was put in place by George Steinbrenner in 1976, and it sparked some frustration from players at times, notably Don Mattingly, but now, players will be allowed to have beards in a big change to the franchise’s policy.
Devin Williams was one of several Yankees who had sported beards for years, only to shave it off right after arriving to the team. But now, just as the Yanks prepare for their first spring training game, he and the rest of the roster will be permitted to grow out a beard if they so choose, marking a new era for the Bronx Bombers.