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The Yankees have a strict policy prohibiting players from having any facial hair other than a mustache, and it’s been that way for years. But why?
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The Yankees’ History with Facial Hair
The Yankees have a long history of banning facial hair, dating back to the early 1900s. The policy was put in place by then-manager Clark Griffith, who believed that facial hair made players look unprofessional. Over the years, the policy has been enforced sporadically, with some players choosing to comply and others choosing to rebel.
The 1970s: The Mustache Era
The 1970s were a time of great change for the Yankees, as they went from being a dominant force in baseball to a relatively unremarkable team. One of the most visible changes during this period was the team’s embrace of facial hair. Most notably, the mustache became a key part of many players’ looks.
One of the most famous mustaches in Yankees history belonged to catcher Thurman Munson. Munson was known for his bushy mustache, which he often sported during games. He was also known for his clean-shaven look, which he would occasionally rock during road games.
Other notable mustaches belonging to Yankees players during this era include those of pitchers Sparky Lyle and Goose Gossage. Lyle’s mustache was so famous that it even inspired a line of baseball cards. Gossage, on the other hand, had a more traditional mustache that didn’t garner as much attention.
The Mustache Era came to an end in the early 1980s, as facial hair fell out of fashion with the Yankees and other MLB teams.
The 1980s: The Goatee Era
The goatee became popular in the big leagues during the 1980s, with many players choosing to rock the look. Yankees players were no exception, with several donning goatees during the decade. However, one Yankee in particular made headlines for his facial hair during this era: Dave Winfield. In 1983, Winfield sparked controversy when he showed up to spring training with a full beard. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was not a fan of the look and demanded that Winfield shave it off. Winfield complied, but he later grew a mustache that Steinbrenner also didn’t approve of. The two went back and forth on the issue until Steinbrenner finally relented and allowed Winfield to keep his mustache.
The 1990s: The Clean-Shaven Era
In the 1990s, the Yankees instituted a strict facial hair policy for their players. Players were not allowed to have any kind of facial hair except for mustaches. The policy was put in place by George Steinbrenner, who was the team’s owner at the time. Steinbrenner wanted his players to look clean-cut and professional. He believed that facial hair made players look unkempt and unprofessional.
Players who violated the policy were often fined or even suspended. One famous incident involved pitcher Jim Abbott, who was suspended for one game in 1991 after he refused to shave his goatee. In another incident, pitcher Steve Howe was released from the team in 1996 after he violated the policy multiple times.
The policy remained in place until Steinbrenner’s death in 2010. After Steinbrenner’s death, new team owner Hal Steinbrenner relaxed the policy, allowing players to grow beards as long as they kept them neatly trimmed. In 2012, the Yankees took things one step further and allowed players to grow mustaches as well.
The Yankees’ Current Policy on Facial Hair
The New York Yankees have a longstanding policy of not allowing their players to have any facial hair other than mustaches. This policy has been in place for many years, and it doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. There are a few reasons why the Yankees might have this policy, and we’ll explore them in this article.
The Current Rule
The Yankees currently have a no facial hair policy, with the exception of mustaches. This policy has been in place for many years, and it is one of the most well-known rules in baseball. Many fans and players have questioned the rule, but the Yankees have held firm.
There are a few theories as to why the Yankees have this policy. One theory is that the team wants to maintain a clean-cut, professional image. Another theory is that facial hair can be dangerous for players, as it can get caught in equipment or on other players.
Whatever the reason for the policy, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. So if you’re a Yankees fan who loves facial hair, you’ll just have to enjoy watching other teams (like the Red Sox) from afar.
The Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the rule, most notably for players who have been in the big leagues before 2014. CC Sabathia, Aroldis Chapman, Brett Gardner and Dellin Betances are all grandfathered in and are allowed to have facial hair as long as they keep it neat. Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki is also exempt from the rule, according to Eppler, because of his “veteran status.”
The Pros and Cons of Allowing Facial Hair
The New York Yankees have a long-standing policy of not allowing their players to have any facial hair other than mustaches. This policy has been in place for many years and has been a source of debate among fans. Some people think that the policy should be relaxed, while others think that it should be kept in place.
The Pros
There are a few key benefits to allowing facial hair in the workplace. First, it can help employees feel more comfortable in their own skin. Facial hair can also be a great way to express individuality and creativity. Finally, it can be seen as a sign of professionalism and maturity.
Of course, there are a few downside to facial hair as well. First, it can be unabashedly distracting. second, some people simply don’t like the way it looks. Finally, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly maintained.
At the end of the day, it’s up to each individual organization to decide whether or not to allow facial hair. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, so it’s important to weigh all the options before making a decision.
The Cons
While there are some benefits to allowing facial hair in the workplace, there are also a few potential drawbacks that employers should be aware of.
One of the primary concerns with facial hair is that it can present a hygiene issue. Beards and mustaches can trap food particles and bacteria, which can then be transferred to surfaces or other people. This is especially problematic in workplaces where there is close contact with customers or clients, such as in the food service or healthcare industries.
Another consideration is that facial hair can be distracting for both the person wearing it and those around them. It can be difficult to have a conversation with someone who has a beard, for example, and it can be hard to concentrate on your work when the person next to you is constantly scratching their mustache.
Finally, employers should be aware that some people may have allergies or sensitivities to facial hair. This is relatively rare, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have employees who seem to always be sneezing or rubbing their eyes.
Allowing facial hair in the workplace isn’t right for every business, but if you do decide to allow it, make sure you set clear guidelines about hygiene and grooming.
Why the Yankees Should Allow Facial Hair
The New York Yankees are one of the most iconic baseball teams in America. They have a long history of success and are always contenders for the World Series. However, they have a strict policy when it comes to facial hair. Players are not allowed to have any facial hair other than a mustache. This policy is outdated and should be changed.
It’s a Matter of Personal Expression
In recent years, more and more Major League Baseball teams have been loosening their rules on player appearance, and it’s about time the New York Yankees joined the 21st century. The team’s refusal to allow players to have any facial hair other than mustaches is a holdover from an earlier era, and it’s time for a change.
There are plenty of good reasons for the team to allow its players to express themselves through their appearances. For one thing, it would help the Yankees connect with a younger audience. The team is currently the oldest in baseball, and its player demographic skews well above the league average.
Allowing players to have beards and other forms of facial hair would also be a way for the team to show that it’s inclusive and tolerant of different cultures and lifestyles. The Yankees have always been considered a ” clean-cut” organization, but that reputation is increasingly out of step with society as a whole. In today’s world, there’s no reason why the team can’t embrace a more diverse range of styles and grooming choices.
Finally, it’s worth noting that some of the greatest players in Yankees history were known for their distinctive facial hair. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Thurman Munson – all of these legends would have looked very different if they’d been forced to shave according to today’s rules.
It’s time for the Yankees to join the rest of baseball in updating their policies on player appearance. There’s no good reason to keep forcing players to conform to an arbitrary set of grooming standards.
It Wouldn’t Affect the Yankees’ Brand
There are a number of reasons why the Yankees should allow facial hair, but the most important one is that it wouldn’t affect the Yankees’ brand. The Yankees have always been known for being a clean-cut team, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have players with facial hair. In fact, some of the most iconic players in Yankees history, such as Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, had facial hair.
Allowing players to have facial hair would also be a way for the Yankees to show that they’re open to change. The team has been criticized in recent years for being too rigid and set in their ways, so allowing players to have facial hair would be a way to show that they’re willing to make changes.
Finally, it’s worth noting that other teams have shown that it’s possible to have players with facial hair and still maintain a professional image. The Boston Red Sox, for example, have had players with facial hair for years, and they’re still considered one of the most professional teams in baseball. If the Red Sox can do it, there’s no reason why the Yankees can’t do it as well.
It Would Make the Yankees More relatable to Their Fans
Yankee players are some of the most popular athletes in the world, and part of the reason for that is because they have always been clean-cut and well-groomed. While that may be the team’s image, it doesn’t mean that all of their fans want them to look that way. In fact, many fans would love to see the team loosen up a bit and allow their players to have some facial hair.
There are a few reasons why this would be a good idea. First, it would make the team more relatable to their fans. Most fans can’t imagine having to shave every day, so they would empathize with the players more if they were allowed to grow out their beards. Second, it would add some personality to the team. The Yankees have always been a bit stodgy and Serious Business, so adding some facial hair would help them seem more approachable and fun. Finally, it would be a great way to market the team to a younger generation of fans.
Of course, there are also a few reasons why this wouldn’t be such a great idea. First, it could make the team look unprofessional. Second, it could turn off potential fans who prefer a clean-cut look. Third, it might not go over well with sponsors who prefer their athletes to present a certain image.
At the end of the day, whether or not the Yankees should allow facial hair is up for debate. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, but ultimately it comes down to what the team feels is best for its image and its brand.
