In a move that’s making waves across Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees have officially relaxed their long-standing facial hair policy, allowing players to grow “well-groomed beards.” This marks a dramatic turn from the team, bringing to an end the near 50 years of rigorous grooming codes, the defining look of the storied Yankees. But what does this decision mean for the players and the team’s future? Let’s dive in.
The Yankees‘ clean shave rule has long been the most famous—and most critiqued—tradition in the sporting world. It was created in the 1970s by the great team owner George Steinbrenner, who mandated the players to be clean shaven and to wear the hair above the collar. The only exception to the rule, in Steinbrenner’s opinion, was the mustache, and only if neatly trimmed. Steinbrenner’s wish was to impose discipline, a clean, polished image, and to provide the team with a sense of pride.
Over the years, the policy developed into something more than just a rule—it developed into something symbolic of the team’s character. It also stirred up some heat, most famously in 1991 when team captain Don Mattingly was bench-sat because he refused to shave his head, something that went into the team’s mythology. Other players, such as Andrew McCutchen, also discussed how they struggled to adapt to the policy, how the policy impacted them in deciding to become a member of the team.
Now, under the control of Hal Steinbrenner, the younger George’s son, the Yankees are going to modernize the policy. In his latest public utterance, Hal expressed the point of view that, after consultations from current and previous players like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gerrit Cole, the image of the team could use some modernization. The new policy permits “well-groomed beards” so the players are permitted to express themselves through the use of beards—yet are clean and professional in the face.
This change represents a more progressive outlook, aligning with evolving social norms around personal expression. It’s a trend reflecting the ambition by the Yankees to be current and to entice a broader pool, most significantly the freestyle groomer.
The response from the players, too, has also been extremely favorable. Players are keen about the transition, finding it to be a shift in the direction of independence. Players who, previously, used to shave off the beards, such as Aaron Judge, are now permitted to wear them if neatly groomed.
However, the transformation also met some resistance. Traditionalists and old-time faithful are worried the change could sully the team’s classic image. After all, the clean, consistent look of the Yankees has long been the image of the franchise.
Beyond the appearance, the transition also could have other effects on the team’s recruitment strategy. Players who wear facial hair could become more likely to sign up to play for the Yankees, making the team a more attractive destination to free agents. It also could impact team morale, and the players could feel less constrained and express themselves in the ballpark.
The policy change also offers the chance to give the team a new look, most significantly from standout players like Aaron Judge who are finally permitted to wear beards, adding some modernity to the classic Yankee image. It’s a fresh take on an old tradition—one that could give the Yankees a fresh image. As the 2025 MLB season nears, this change in policy could hold long-term implications, not only for the Yankees, but also the sport in general. The decision could influence other teams to think differently about how they groom, because other teams are beginning to recognize the worth in going along with the social changes and the desires of the players. And who’s to say the trend won’t spread throughout the world of professional athletics?
