The New York Yankees shocked the baseball world Friday when they announced their no facial hair policy — which stood since 1976 — was being revoked.
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“In recent weeks I have spoken to a large number of former and current Yankees — spanning several eras — to elicit their perspectives on our longstanding facial hair and grooming policy, and l appreciate their earnest and varied feedback,” Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement.
“These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years. Ultimately the final decision rests with me, and after great consideration, we will be amending our expectations to allow our players and uniformed personnel to have well-groomed beards moving forward. It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy.”
While Steinbrenner spoke to a “large number of former and current Yankees,” it was one of the newest players who reportedly sparked the big change: All-Star closer Devin Williams.
The Yankees acquired Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in a blockbuster trade this offseason. When Williams arrived to camp — without his signature beard — he brought up concerns to both Yankees manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
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That sparked the Yankees to have plenty of other conversations, and they ultimately came to the conclusion that it was time to get rid of the policy.
“Winning was the most important thing to my father,” Steinbrenner said regarding his father, George, who implemented the policy nearly 50 years ago. “And again, if somebody came and told him that they were very sure that this could affect us getting the players we want to get, all we’re trying to do every offseason, right, is put ourselves in the best position to get a player that we’re trying to get. And if something like this would detract from that, lessen our chances, I don’t know.
“I think he might be a little apt to do the change that I did than people think because it was about winning.”
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The major shift still surprised the players, though.
“Everyone was kind of stunned,” Williams said, via Passan. “There were a few guys who had heard it was being discussed and a possibility, but that it actually happened — I’m just looking forward to it growing back.”
Williams said it will take him two or three weeks to grow his beard back, and he plans on having it the entire year. His agent was especially touched by the change.
“Hal took the time to hear Devin out, spoke with other players and made a decision that I’m sure was very difficult,” said Nate Heisler of Klutch Sports Group, Williams’ agent. “The Yankees showed today why they are one of the best organizations in professional sports.”
Williams is a free agent at the end of this season. He hasn’t yet thrown a pitch for the Yankees, but his impact on the organization will already live on forever.
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