Quick thoughts after Hal Steinbrenner alters the facial hair policy

Devin Williams can grow his beard back now.

Welcome to the 21st century, Yankees. Friday morning Hal Steinbrenner announced he is altering the team’s antiquated facial hair policy, and will allow “well-groomed beards” moving forward. It sounds like the “no hair below the collar” rule remains. The announcement comes two days after everyone shaved for Spring Training picture day.

Here is Hal’s statement:

“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. 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.”

“No way. Crazy,” a bearded Gleyber Torres told Jason Beck in Tigers camp. “It’s kind of surprising to me, but I think it’s fine. Because I know many guys there want to get some beards.”

George Steinbrenner purchased the team in 1973 and implemented the facial hair policy in 1976. His military background is often cited as the reason for it, which I’m sure contributed, but it also wasn’t a secret George did it because he didn’t want his players to wear their hair in the style of the era (long hair, afros, etc.). The facial hair policy stuck even as hairstyles changed.

Several players have spoken out against the facial hair policy after leaving the Yankees (Cameron Maybin, Andrew McCutchen, etc.), and players on the team privately gripe. CC Sabathia pushed the envelope more than any player in recent memory and frequently pitched with a 5 o’clock shadow, though no one ever challenged the policy and outright refused to shave. That would have been something.

I first wrote about the Yankees ditching their facial hair policy back in 2017. You could talk yourself into it being a competitive disadvantage if players felt uncomfortable with their appearance and free agents steered clear of the Yankees because they didn't want to shave (like Brian Wilson). Mostly though, I just don’t think grown ass men should be told how to wear their hair by their employer, especially when we’re talking about a kid’s game played in oversized pajamas.

There is a wide range of possibilities between clean shaven and caveman beards. Well-groomed beards, which the vast majority around baseball are, are a good middle ground. Good move by the Yankees. An overdue one, really. Now don’t let this distract you from the fact Hal cut payroll the year after going to the World Series and the Yankees don’t have a third baseman.