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Yankees Owner Make Change To Controversial Facial Hair Policy

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 9:08 AM ET

For decades, the New York Yankees have not allowed their players to grow facial hair. It was a policy created by former owner George Steinbrenner.

Over the years, countless fans have ripped the Yankees for having such strict rules regarding facial hair. Former MLB outfielder Cameron Maybin, who was once played for New York, said it was a "wack" rule that needed to go.

"This might be an unpopular take to Yankees fans, but you’d be surprised how much more attractive the Yankees would be if they got rid of that facial hair rule," Maybin wrote on X. "You wouldn’t believe how many quality players just think it’s a wack rule to have. I mean cmon we’re coming up on 2024 let that go already, and I swear it would be more appealing. Again this only comes from conversations I’ve had and experience from actually Playing."

Well, it appears the Yankees listened to his argument. On Friday morning, the ballclub announced that it's moving on from its old policy.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner announced that players and coaches will be allowed to have "well-groomed beards" moving forward.

"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," Steinbrenner said. "These most recent conversations are extending 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."

Countless people are applauding the Yankees for finally changing their ways.

Of course, there are a few traditionalists who are up in arms about this decision. They believe the clean-shaven look should've stayed forever.

It might be weird seeing players on the Yankees sporting a beard, but we'll eventually get used to it.

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

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