The New York Yankees have recently lifted their ban on players having beards, a policy that has been in place for nearly 50 years. Despite this change, not all players are jumping on board with the trend. Team Captain Aaron Judge stated that he has been shaving since he was drafted by the organization in 2013 and that he looks up to past legends and wants to follow their example. However, Judge supports the change and believes it will be beneficial to the team in the long run. He feels that if allowing beards can attract more talented players who can help the team win games, then everyone should be on board with the new policy.
Team owner Hal Steinbrenner, who lifted the beard ban that his father George had implemented in 1976, expressed his concerns about players not wanting to come to the Yankees in the future because of the policy. He emphasized that if a player who could help the team win a championship refused to come to the Yankees due to the facial hair rule, it would be a significant issue. This change in policy reflects a growing trend in the sports world, particularly in baseball, where more players are choosing to grow beards.
Former Yankees players CC Sabathia and Derek Jeter, who have both been inducted into the Hall of Fame, have grown beards since retiring from the team. It is common for players to grow facial hair once they leave the Yankees or during the offseason when they are not constrained by team rules. The decision to allow beards is seen as a positive change that could potentially attract more talented players to the organization and help the team achieve their goal of winning championships.
The issue of facial hair policies in professional sports is not limited to the Yankees, as many teams have had similar rules in place for decades. However, as attitudes towards grooming and self-expression change, more teams are reconsidering their stance on facial hair. The Yankees’ decision to lift their ban on beards is a reflection of this shift in culture and a recognition of the importance of allowing players to express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them.
The reaction to the Yankees’ new facial hair policy has been mixed, with some players like Aaron Judge choosing not to grow a beard, while others like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have embraced the change. Judge’s decision to maintain a clean-shaven look is a personal choice based on his respect for the team’s traditions and the players who came before him. Ultimately, what matters most is that the team is united in their commitment to winning games and achieving their goals, regardless of whether or not they have beards.
In conclusion, the New York Yankees’ decision to allow players to have beards for the first time in nearly 50 years is a significant change that reflects evolving attitudes towards grooming and self-expression in professional sports. While not all players may choose to grow facial hair, the new policy is seen as a positive step that could attract more talent to the team and help them achieve their goal of winning championships. With former players like CC Sabathia and Derek Jeter embracing beards in retirement, the Yankees’ new policy is part of a broader trend in sports where more teams are reconsidering their stance on facial hair rules. Ultimately, what matters most is that the team is united in their commitment to success, regardless of their grooming choices.
