New York Yankees break with tradition: facial hair policy revoked after nearly 50 years
New York Yankees made a decision Friday which sent shockwaves throughout Major League Baseball. They ended their decades-old facial hair policy. This rule had been in effect since 1976. This dramatic turn signals the beginning of a brand new era.
In a statement, Hal Steinbrenner, the chairman of the New York Yankees, said, “I have had extensive discussions with current and former New York Yankees, who represent multiple generations.” “I appreciate their honest and varied opinions on our established facial hair and grooming policies. The discussions are a continuation of internal conversations that have been ongoing for several years. The final decision is mine, but after much consideration we’ll adjust our guidelines so that our uniformed staff and players can maintain a well-groomed mustache in the future. It is time to go beyond our old policy.
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Hal Steinbrenner highlighted the importance to have discussions with prominent New York Yankees Alumni and Current Players. Reports indicate, however, that the newly acquired All Star closer Devin Williams had a large part in bringing about this major change.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, after the New York Yankees traded for Devin Williams in an offseason trade that was highly publicized, Williams voiced his concerns about the restrictions on facial hair with Aaron Boone, the Yankees general manager, and Brian Cashman, the Yankees manager.
This conversation led to broader discussion within the organisation, and ultimately to the decision that the policy should be abolished.
Hal Steinbrenner explained that “for my father George Steinbrenner winning was paramount.” “And if someone had definitively stated that this policy was hindering our ability to attract desired players – and, let’s face it, every offseason we strive to position ourselves to acquire the best talent – he might have been more open to the change. “I think that he may be more inclined to make the same change as I did, than what people assume. It was because winning is important.”
The players were still surprised by this adjustment.
Passan reports that Devin Williams said, “Everyone seemed to be a little stunned.” “There were a few guys who had heard it was being discussed and a possibility, but that it actually happened — I’m just looking forward to it growing back.”
Williams expects that it will take two to three weeks for his beard to grow back fully. He plans to keep it all season. Williams’ agent expressed his appreciation of the new look, noting the positive effect on free agents considering New York Yankees.
Nate Heisler, Devin Williams agent at Klutch Sports Group said, “Hal Steinbrenner listened to Devin Williams concerns and engaged other players before making a difficult decision.” The Yankees showed today that they are a premier organization in professional sport.
Devin Williams will become a free-agent at the end of this season. Even though he’s yet to make a single pitch for the New York Yankees organization, his influence will remain for years.