The New York Yankees have lifted their longstanding ban on beards for players, marking a significant departure from a policy established nearly 50 years ago by former owner George Steinbrenner. The decision to allow some beards inside the clubhouse was made by current managing partner Hal Steinbrenner, who acknowledged the outdated nature of the rule in today’s world. Players were informed of the change during a team meeting, and there will be parameters in place to govern facial hair. The inspiration for the change was partially attributed to the team’s Vice President JD Vance, who sports a beard. The original grooming policy, dating back to 1973, aimed to maintain a clean-cut appearance for players, prohibiting beards and limiting hair length. The Yankees have historically been known for their strict grooming standards, which have drawn criticism and comparisons to the more relaxed norms in other professional sports leagues. The new policy is seen as a step towards modernizing the team’s approach and potentially attracting free agents who may have been deterred by the old rules. The decision reflects a shift in the organization’s mindset towards appealing to a new generation of players and fans.
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