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Aaron Judge Makes Decision After Yankees Facial Hair Policy Change

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 9:42 AM ET

On Friday afternoon the New York Yankees stunned the Major League Baseball world by changing a longstanding rule within the clubhouse. The Yankees decided to change their facial hair policy that forbid players from growing beards during the season.

“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,” Hal 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.”

In a press conference on Friday, Steinbrenner said he spoke with several players including team captain Aaron Judge, right-hander Gerrit Cole and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton - and all were in favor of the change.

“It’s appropriate. It makes sense,” Cole said. “It still embodies our look and neatness, but allows for some individual freedom and a few less razor burns.”

As for Judge, he was on board with the change, but doesn't plan on growing a beard now that he's "allowed" to. "Aaron Judge says he does not plan on growing a beard," Yankees beat writer Brendan Kuty of The Athletic said.

Aaron Judge says he does not plan on growing a beard
— Brendan Kuty ‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) February 22, 2025

The Yankees made the controversial decision to sit Judge for the first week of Grapefruit League action.

“I just do what I’m told,” Judge said. “I went into his office and we were looking at dates. He was like, ‘How do you feel about the 28th or the 1st?’ I said, ‘Whatever you’ve got lined up.’ Just as long as that last week, we’re playing almost every day and getting three or four at-bats.”

The Yankees regular season kicks off on Mar. 27 with a series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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