The New York Yankees have recently lifted their long-standing ban on player beards, a policy that had been in place for nearly 50 years. However, not all players are eager to embrace this change. Team captain Aaron Judge stated on Saturday that he would not be growing facial hair, despite the new policy. “I got drafted by this organization, so from day one, I’ve been shaving since 2013,” Judge explained. “This is what I know and what I’m accustomed to. When I look at the legends who played here, they all adhered to that rule, so I try to follow in their footsteps.”
Judge expressed support for the policy change, aligning with team owner Hal Steinbrenner’s perspective. Steinbrenner, who recently overturned the rule established by his father, George, in 1976, acknowledged concerns that the policy could deter potential players from joining the Yankees. Notably, MLB star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has sported a beard for much of his career, highlighting the evolving attitudes toward facial hair in the league.
“I didn’t think it was a significant issue until it was brought up recently,” Judge remarked. “I believe the new rule will be beneficial. If it attracts more players who can help us win games, then everyone will support it.”
Steinbrenner also commented on the matter, stating, “If I ever discovered that a player we wanted to acquire, to improve our chances of winning a championship, would not come here because of that policy, it would be very concerning.”
Notably, Yankees Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Derek Jeter have both grown beards after their playing careers, and many players tend to grow facial hair during the offseason or after leaving the team.
