**TAMPA, Fla.** — The New York Yankees’ iconic clean-shaven policy, a hallmark of the franchise since 1976, has officially come to an end. In a historic move announced Friday morning, owner Hal Steinbrenner revealed that players and staff will now be permitted to grow beards—as long as they remain “well-groomed.” The decision marks the end of a 48-year tradition instituted by his father, the late George Steinbrenner, and follows weeks of internal debate and player feedback.
The policy shift came into focus just days after newly acquired closer **Devin Williams** arrived at Steinbrenner Field for spring training sporting the bushy beard he’s worn for years. When asked if he’d comply with the Yankees’ longstanding grooming rules and shave before the team’s first workout, Williams initially quipped, *“We’ll see.”* By Tuesday morning, however, his beard was gone—a temporary sacrifice that ultimately proved unnecessary.
Steinbrenner’s announcement, timed to the Yankees’ first spring training game, included a detailed statement explaining the change:
> *“In recent weeks, I’ve spoken to a large number of former and current Yankees—spanning several eras—to gather their perspectives on our grooming policy. After years of internal discussion and careful consideration, we’ve decided to amend our expectations. Players and staff may now maintain well-groomed beards. It’s time to move beyond the comfort of our former policy.”*
While facial hair is now allowed, the Yankees’ hair-length rule remains unchanged: Hair cannot extend below the collar. The compromise aims to balance modern player preferences with the organization’s emphasis on professionalism.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Traditionalists lament the end of a signature Yankees tradition, while players like Williams and fans celebrating the shift see it as a long-overdue modernization. For now, all eyes are on the clubhouse to see which Yankees debut their new bearded looks—and how “well-groomed” will be defined in practice.
**The Takeaway:** The Bronx Bombers are entering a new era, one where beards and baseball coexist—but don’t expect any mountain-man looks in pinstripes anytime soon.
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