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What is Yankees facial hair policy? Why Hal Steinbrenner finally changed New York’s antiquated beard rule

The Yankees are one of the most storied organizations in sports that also comes with one of the most noticeable traditions in sports: their facial hair policy. For decades, while they could grow mustaches, Yankees players were not allow to grow beards while playing for the team.

That all changed on Friday, though. The Yankees announced that they will be allowing players to grow beards for the first time in five decades, a change in maybe the most famous (or infamous) team policy in all of sports. The decision comes after constant backlash from the outside over players being forced to shave when playing for New York, most recently closer Devin Williams.

Here are the details for the Yankees’ new facial hair policy.

What is the Yankees facial hair policy?

On Friday, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner announced the team was altering its facial hair policy to allow beards for the first time in five decades. Previously, the Yankees required players and uniformed personnel to shave their beards upon joining the team, but they were allowed to grow mustaches if they wanted.

Now, Yankees can grow beards as long as they are “well-groomed.”

“We will be amending our expectations to allow our players and uniformed personnel to have well-groomed beards moving forward,” Steinbrenner said in a statement. “It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy.”

Steinbrenner added that he had talked to both current and former players for “several years” before making the final decision. While speaking with the media, Steinbrenner said most people he came to the conclusion that most young men use beards as part of their identity.

“This generation, the vast majority of 20s, 30s, into-their-40s men in this country have beards,” he said. “It is a part of who these younger men, it’s a part of their character, it’s a part of their persona.”

Steinbrenner mentioned that he spoke individually with players, including Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton, earlier this week before ultimately making the decision. Among other things, the Yankees owner explained that he was concerned a player would refuse to play for the team if he has to shave his beard.

“I am fairly convinced that that’s a real concern,” Steinbrenner said.

As for the team’s hair policy, players still must keep their hair cut above their collars, a policy that stays the same.

Yankees facial hair policy history

In 1976, three years after George Steinbrenner bought the Yankees, “The Boss” instituted a facial hair policy similar to what he experienced while serving in the Air Force. The idea was for the policy to instill “order and discipline,” among the team.

After George died in 2010, his son Hal took over the team but kept the facial hair policy as a way to keep his father’s tradition alive within the organization. That was until 2025, when Hal Steinbrenner decided to change the rule and allow beards for the first time under a Steinbrenner ownership.

Over the years, many players have had to shave their distinct beards after signing or being traded to the Yankees, with Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi among the most notable.

Players and fans react to beard rule change

Addressing the media on Friday, manager Aaron Boone said he felt it was time for the rule to change.

Yankees players first heard about the news about the rule change. Catcher Austin Wells, who sports the team’s most impressive mustache, didn’t know how to feel about it.

“I’ve told myself since I got drafted that it was a privilege to have to shave,” Wells said, via Gary Phillips. “I’ve brainwashed myself into believing that and thinking that.”

Former Yankee Gleyber Torres, who grew out his beard after signing with the Tigers in the offseason, actually didn’t believe the news.

As expected, fans and media members on social media reacted to the news, largely with shock and agreement.

Do other teams have facial hair policies?

The only other sports team with a facial hair policy is the New York Islanders, as general manager Lou Lamoriello institutes the policy wherever he goes. Lamoriello and Steinbrenner had a relationship dating back to Lamoriello’s time with the Devils, so the executive adopted the policy for similar reasons as the Yankees.

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