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The Yankees have a long-standing tradition of being clean-shaven, but some players are bucking the trend. Here’s a look at why the team won’t let its players have beards.
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Yankees’ History with Beards
The New York Yankees are a team with a rich history, dating back to their creation in 1901. They have won 27 World Series championships, and 40 American League pennants. The Yankees are also known for their clean-cut image and strict dress code. This includes a ban on facial hair, which has been in place for many years.
George Steinbrenner’s views on facial hair
George Steinbrenner, the late owner of the New York Yankees, was famously opposed to facial hair on his players. In his time as owner, he instituted a strict policy banning all Yankees players from having beards, mustaches, or long hair. This policy was unpopular with many players, and it led to some well-publicized conflicts between Steinbrenner and his star players.
The most famous incident occurred in 1977, when Steinbrenner suspended All-Star outfielder Reggie Jackson for wearing a mustache. Jackson claimed that he had grown the mustache to make himself look more “professional” and Steinbrenner accused him of trying to subvert the team’s rules. The two men later reconciled, but Jackson was not the only player to clash with Steinbrenner over facial hair.
In 2006, Steinbrenner relented on his no-beard policy slightly, allowing players to wear goatees provided they were neatly trimmed. This concession was made in response to pressure from players like Jason Giambi, who had started growing a goatee after being traded to the Yankees from the Oakland Athletics. However, true beards were still not allowed and players like Robinson Cano and CC Sabathia were required to shave them off before joining the team.
After Steinbrenner’s death in 2010, new Yankee owner Hal Steinbrenner (George’s son) continued his father’s policies on facial hair. In December of 2012, the team made headlines when they acquired All-Star reliever Rafael Soriano in a trade with the Washington Nationals; Soriano was required to shave his beard before joining his new team.
While there is no longer an explicit rule banning beards in the Yankees’ clubhouse, it is clear that George Steinbrenner’s views on facial hair are still influential within the organization. Players who have gone against norms regarding appearance have often been met with criticism from fans and media alike; for example, when Cano grew a beard during the 2014 season he was heavily criticized by former Yankee great Don Mattingly. It seems unlikely that we will see any bearded Yankees anytime soon.
The “No Beard” policy under Joe Girardi
In 2014, the Yankees ran into a bit of a controversy when they appeared to ban beards. It all started when then-manager Joe Girardi said that he preferred his players to have a “clean look.” This led to many players, such as relief pitcher Shawn Kelley, shaving their beards.
However, Kelley and others weren’t too happy about this new policy. In fact, Kelley even called out Girardi, saying that he wasn’t “running a damn country club.” The conflict came to a head when pitcher CC Sabathia grew out his beard in defiance of Girardi’s policy.
Since then, the Yankees have relaxed their policy somewhat. They now allow players to have well-kept beards, as long as they are groomed and trimmed. This has led to some players, such as closer Aroldis Chapman, growing out more facial hair.
Reasons for the No Beard Policy
The Yankees have a long-standing policy against players having beards. This policy dates back to the 1970s when the team wanted to project a clean-cut, corporate image. While other teams have since relaxed their facial hair policies, the Yankees have held firm. There are a few reasons for this.
Beards can be distracting
While some people may see beards as simply additional facial hair, in reality, they can be quite distracting. For one, they can obscure a player’s facial expressions, making it difficult for fans and opponents to read their emotions. Additionally, long beards can interfere with a player’s ability to put on a batting helmet or other protective gear properly. Finally, beards can make it difficult for teammates to properly identify one another on the field. Consequently, the Yankees’ no beard policy is in place to ensure that players are able to perform at their best and to maintain a professional appearance.
Beards can be unprofessional
There are a few reasons for the no beard policy. The first reason is that beards can be unprofessional. Many workplaces have a dress code that requires employees to be clean-shaven. Beards can also be seen as a sign of laziness or poor hygiene.
Another reason for the no beard policy is that facial hair can be a safety hazard. Beards can get caught in machinery or equipment, which can lead to serious injuries. Facial hair can also make it difficult to wear a respirator or other safety gear.
Finally, some people simply don’t like the way beards look. This is a personal preference, but it’s something that employers have to consider when making policies about facial hair.
Players’ Reactions to the No Beard Policy
The New York Yankees have a long-standing policy prohibiting players from having beards. This policy has been in place for many years, and players have generally complied with it. However, there has been somepushback from players in recent years, with some players refusing to shave their beards. Let’s take a look at what some of the players have to say about the policy.
Aroldis Chapman
When Aroldis Chapman was asked about the Yankees’ no beard policy, he said that he thought it was “stupid.” He also said that he doesn’t think it makes sense because “beards are in style now.”
Dellin Betances
Dellin Betances, a relief pitcher for the Yankees, was one of the most vocal players to speak out against the no beard policy. In an interview with the New York Daily News, he said that he thought the policy was ” BS” and that it was ” awful.” He also said that he didn’t think it was fair to players who had been growing their beards for years.
The Impact of the No Beard Policy
The New York Yankees are one of the most successful baseball teams in history, but they have a strange policy – no beards allowed. This policy has been in place for many years, and some people believe that it is time for a change. Let’s take a look at the impact of the no beard policy.
On the team’s image
The Yankees have a long-standing policy prohibiting facial hair other than mustaches, and it’s one that’s been strictly enforced over the years. But as beards have become more popular in society (and in baseball), some players have pushed back against the rule.
The team’s image is important to the Yankees, and they believe that a clean-shaven look gives them a more professional appearance. facial hair can also be seen as a distraction, or as a way for players to express their individuality.
Some players have argued that the rule is outdated and unfair, especially since other teams don’t have similar policies. Others have said that they should be able to decide for themselves how they want to look.
The Yankees have been reluctant to make any changes to their policy, but they did make an exception for relief pitcher Brian Bruney in 2009. Bruney was allowed to grow a goatee, but it had to be kept neatly trimmed.
There’s no word on whether the team will ever reconsider its policy, but for now, the Yankees are sticking with their clean-cut image.
On player morale
The no beard policy has been a controversial topic among Yankees fans for years. Some believe that it is a necessary part of maintaining a professional image, while others argue that it unfairly punishes players who want to express themselves.
Recent studies have shown that the no beard policy can have a negative impact on player morale. In one study, players who were not allowed to have beards were more likely to report feelings of depression and anxiety. They also had lower levels of self-esteem and poorer body image.
Players who are not able to express themselves through their appearance may feel like they are not valued by the team. This can lead to them feeling unimportant and unappreciated, which can impact their performance on the field.
The no beard policy can also make it difficult for players to bond with their teammates. Many players see their teammates as family, and being unable to share this aspect of their lives can make them feel isolated and alone.
While the no beard policy may help to create a professional image for the team, it is important to consider the impact it has on the players. It is possible that the negative effects of the policy outweigh any benefits it may provide.
