Ending their decades-long ban on facial hair and bringing beards back to the Bronx had to be done to prop up New York’s declining competitive advantageOne of the last vestiges of George Steinbrenner era is finally over. The in-house (that Ruth built) rule that denied New York Yankees players the right to wear beards on baseball diamonds from the 1970s on is done and dusted, not unlike like The Boss himself, who died at 80 back in 2010. It’s the latest move showing that the new boss, George’s son Hal, who axed the 49-year-old rule on Friday, will do everything he can to differentiate himself from the old Boss, his dad.“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 in a statement. “These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back sev...
The New York Yankees have repealed their decades-old facial hair policy, a move seen as a strategic business decision to enhance competitiveness. Owner Hal Steinbrenner, aiming to distance himself from his father's management style, sought feedback from players before making the change. This repeal reflects efforts to modernize the team and attract players, such as Aroldis Chapman and Adam Ottavino, who prefer beards. The decision also underscores a broader trend in MLB, where teams like the Dodgers and Mets are gaining prominence, signaling a shift in the Yankees' image and recruitment strategies.
