TAMPA, Fla. — Hours before the New York Yankees began their first spring training game of 2025, owner Hal Steinbrenner announced a new facial-hair policy that will change the way the club looks moving forward.
The 49-year rule implemented by George Steinbrenner, Hal’s father, that banned beards is now a thing of the past. Yankees players can have well-groomed beards starting now. Yankees catcher Austin Wells, who grows a thick beard in the offseason, was still processing the news shortly after it was announced.
“I think it’s always been a conversation,” Wells said, “But, I don’t think it was ever something that might actually happen. When we got out of the meeting and it was like, ‘Breaking news: Yankees changing facial hair policy,’ it was like, ‘Wow. I guess that really is breaking news. It’s a big deal.’
Here’s what some current and former Yankees are saying about the franchise’s amended policy:
Austin Wells, catcher
My initial reaction is I feel weird. I don’t know how to go forward. I think it’s not only a policy, but it’s the tradition and history of the Yankees. With anything new, there’s an adjustment period. But for me, I felt very weird this morning. I don’t know how to react.
I’ve told myself since I was drafted that it was a privilege to have to shave. I brainwashed myself into believing that and thinking that. I think that’s probably why I feel weird about it today because now that it’s a possibility, everything I was telling myself about shaving is not true.
Gerrit Cole, starting pitcher
Look, it’s getting competitive for players. A lot of teams’ valuations are relatively close. Every once in a while somebody blows somebody out of the water because they really want the player. But I think (Steinbrenner) is looking for any edge he can get. Certainly, he doesn’t want to turn anyone away who could be impactful for us, but at the same time maintaining our team look. I think shaving can get a bit mundane through the whole year, and uncomfortable at times, but by and large, every year that I’ve been here, we all generally like the idea that we look good. We look clean. We look neat and tidy. I don’t think those aspects are going to go away, but just a little bit of individual freedom in terms of being more comfortable is a nice balance.
The only information we were offered from Cash is that we’re not trying to look like Duck Dynasty. No diss against Duck Dynasty. They’re grinding in the woods all the time. You don’t really have another option. But that was the only clarification we got.
Marcus Stroman, starting pitcher
Unfortunately, I can’t grow a beard. I wish I could. That won’t apply to me much. These (cheeks) will stay bare. I can’t go there. I wish I could grow a beard more than anything, but pretty cool to see the change, for sure.
I think it’s awesome by Hal to make that change and I think everyone here is going to love it. Also, I think getting free agents will be a non-factor, as far as when Yankees would kind of pop in your head and [players would] be like, ‘Oh, I can’t rock my (beard),’ I don’t think that will be a thing anymore. So, yeah, all around, I think it’s pretty awesome.
Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
I certainly support the decision. It was well thought out. A lot of conversations in the years leading up and then, even more earnestly, in the weeks leading up to it. I’m certainly supportive of that. I know it’s not a decision made lightly, but I think it’s the right thing to do. I think it’s been something that’s been an important part of our organization for a long, long time and meaningful to a lot of people. I think there was a lot of careful consideration. I know Hal has talked to a lot of people over the years about it, past and present.
We never want to miss out on one player. If we miss out on one player because of (this), that’s too many. We don’t want anyone that we’re going to be involved in wanting to be here — we don’t want that to come into play at all.
Clay Holmes, former Yankees closer, current Mets starting pitcher
It’s something that was always talked about there. You always kind of imagine it changing some day, but that day kind of felt far away. It’s somewhat surprising because of how long the rule has been around. It’s a cool thing for the players. It’ll be cool to see who grows a beard out.
Gleyber Torres, former Yankees second baseman, current Tigers second baseman
No way. Really? That’s true? It’s kind of surprising to me but I think it’s fine because I know many guys there want to get some beards.
My wife really liked it. My family really liked it. First time I’ve done my beard, and I’m really happy to play with it.
CC Sabathia, Hall of Fame Yankees pitcher
Did someone say new rules? https://t.co/K0ocn233Sp pic.twitter.com/qFXAqO9YYs
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) February 21, 2025
Cameron Maybin, former Yankees outfielder
This may seem small, but this is bigger than some may think. Good for Hal changing it up.
Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager and former Yankees coach
Good for them. It goes to show you that they’re willing to make adjustments. They felt that was something they probably needed to do and they did it.
Johnny Damon, former Yankees player
I think we need to keep it how it was, with respect to Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter and Mariano. Jorge Posada should be a Hall of Famer in my book and the Yankees are a tradition. Let’s keep it. I cut these lovely locks off many years ago (points to long hair) because George Steinbrenner was such a great human being, a great boss, that I wasn’t even going to question it.
(Top photo of Austin Wells: New York Yankees/Getty Images)
