Yankees Legend Drops Unexpected Two-Word Response to New Beard Rules

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he spoke with several players, including Cole and captain Aaron Judge, about the potential rule change.

“It makes sense,” Cole said of the new rules.

“It still embodies our look and neatness, but allows for some individual freedom and a few less razor burns,” he continued, according to the Yankees’ official website.

Jeter’s response is only unexpected because he spent two decades as the clean-cut, All-American face of the Yankees. Although Jeter eventually grew a beard upon retiring, he never publicly challenged the rule or showed up at camp wearing facial hair.

If anything, Jeter—the Yankees’ captain from 2003 through 2014—always seemed like the player who, if need be, would convince a teammate to shave. Thankfully for Jeter and the Yankees, there were no (public) incidents of players refusing to clean up during his Bronx tenure.

We’ll see who becomes the first modern-day Yankee to take an at-bat or throw a pitch with a beard. Cole, the projected Opening Day starter and no stranger to facial hair, is seemingly the early favorite.

As for the first bearded Yankee to hit a home run? Our guess is first baseman Paul Goldschmidt or center fielder Cody Bellinger.