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Johnny Damon Has Surprising Reaction To Yankees' Beard Policy

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Feb 23, 2025 12:30 PM ET

Many fans thought of Johnny Damon when the New York Yankees finally relaxed their policy on facial hair. However, the former outfielder surprisingly isn't on board with the change.

On Friday, the Yankees announced that players are allowed to grow "well-groomed beards." The MLB franchise's stringent guidelines banning beards dated back to the 1970s.

In 2006, Johnny Damon jumped ship from the Boston Red Sox to the Yankees. Upon joining his former rival, the All-Star had to cut his long hair and unkempt beard, which earned him the nickname "Caveman." Fans celebrated Friday's declaration as long-overdue justice for Damon, but the 51-year-old didn't share their enthusiasm.

On Saturday, Damon posted a video recorded on a Virgin Voyages cruise. While flaunting a beard and hair down to his shoulders, he argued that the Yankees should have maintained their controversial policy out of "respect" for Bronx Bombers legends such as Derek Jeter and Mickey Mantle who abided by those guidelines.

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"The Yankees are a tradition. Let's keep it," Damon said. "I cut these lovely locks off many years ago because George Steinbrenner is such a great human being, such a great boss, that I wasn't even going to question it. Everyone, let's keep the policies the same, listen to your bosses, always bring your A-game, and let's go."

Not everyone shares Damon's perspective, as Hal Steinbrenner said he consulted current and former Yankees players before making the change. He called it the "appropriate time" to alter the policy.

According to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch , Yankees stars Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Giancarlo Stanton all supported the decision. Steinbrenner and manager Aaron Boone cited worry of a free agent spurning them over the old protocol.

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

The Yankees still would not appear to accept Damon's Red Sox grooming habits. Explaining that some expectations remain in place, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Friday that they're "not trying to look like Duck Dynasty."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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