Yankees update grooming policy: Players can now sport well-maintained beards
The New York Yankees have ended their 49-year ban on facial hair, now allowing sportsmen and coaches to sport 'well-groomed beards.' This historic change marks a modernization of team traditions and comes after extensive consultations.
The Yanks have officially lifted their decades-long forbid on beards, a rule established by former owner George Steinbrenner in 1976. Announced by current owner Hal Steinbrenner, this historic shift allows players and trainers to keep neatly trimmed whiskers for the first time in nearly 50 years. The decision follows discussions with former and current staff, signaling a move toward modernizing long-standing traditions.
The original policy, which permitted only mustaches and required hair to remain above the collar, embodied Steinbrenner’s vision of discipline and professionalism. Over time, this strict standard became a defining aspect of the Yankees’ identity. However, evolving cultural norms and team feedback led the organization to reevaluate and ultimately the regulation. This change marks a new chapter, balancing respect for heritage with contemporary values.
Why did the Yankees ban beards for almost half a century?
The Yankees' code began in 1973 when George Steinbrenner took over the squad. New to the role, he struggled to recognize athletes by their faces but quickly noticed their unkempt strands—mustaches, mutton chops, and shaggy locks. Displeased, he jotted down their uniform numbers on a note and instructed manager Ralph Houk to have them cleaned up immediately. This directive applied to key figures like Sparky Lyle, Thurman Munson, and Bobby Murcer, laying the groundwork for a grooming protocol that would last for almost 50 years.
The official rule, as outlined in the Yankees' player manual, prohibited all facial hair except staches (unless for religious reasons) and required to remain above the collar. Steinbrenner’s military background heavily influenced this stance; he attended Culver Military Academy and served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. "I have nothing against long hair per se," he told The New York Times in 1978, "but I’m trying to instill a certain sense of order and discipline in the ballclub."
Over the years, notable icons like Don Mattingly, Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, and Gerrit Cole all complied with the mandate—until now.
How does this policy change impact the Yankees' identity?
For close 50 years, the Yanks’ clean-shaven look was as emblematic as their pinstripes. The rule was widely accepted, though not without pushback. Thurman Munson’s 1976 Topps baseball card featured him with a full beard, and Goose Gossage’s distinctive Fu Manchu mustache was his way of challenging the restrictions. Even as recently as 2020, star pitcher Gerrit Cole embraced the tradition without hesitation. "That's the way it is," Cole said upon signing with the team. "If you're a Yankee, you shave. That’s what's up."
Hal Steinbrenner is embracing change: 'We’re always looking for ways to modernize while respecting tradition.' The Yankees’ iconic grooming policy takes a new turn. Photo: Newsweek
Now, under Hal Steinbrenner’s leadership, the franchise is embracing a more progressive stance. The swap reflects shifting cultural norms and input from players seeking greater personal expression. While the club will still require hair to be well-kept, this marks the most notable shift in their long-established appearance system. “Get ready,” the original MLB.com report stated. “This Yankees team is about to look different than any in a generation.”