New York Yankees Facial Hair Policy Is No More...Sort Of

Facial hair is seen as attractive and appealing to everyone. What does facial hair have to do with the New York Yankees, you ask? Recently, Hal Steinbrenner, son of the late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, announced that the club will allow players to have facial hair. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) before the Yankees' Spring Training opener, he stated that it was the appropriate time to abolish the almost five-decade old policy. The rule, known as the Neatness Counts policy, was first instituted back in 1976 by George Steinbrenner and former manager Billy Martin, due to Steinbrenner's military background. It also prevented players from having long hair, afros, and so on. According to an excerpt in the team's player manual, it stated the following:

“All players, coaches and male executives are forbidden to display any facial hair other than mustaches [except for religious reasons], and scalp hair may not be grown below the collar. “Long sideburns and mutton chops are not specifically banned.”

The old policy required all players to be clean-shaven, but mustaches were allowed. Steinbrenner owned the Yankees from 1973 until his death in 2010.

Seen above is Yankees great, Thurman Munson, proudly sporting a beard for his 1976 Hostess card. He would go on to win the American League MVP later that year.

The original policy prevented the team from signing players with facial hair. In a recent interview with USA Today regarding this topic, Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Ryan Brasier said, "I do know there were people who would not go there because they did not want to shave."

Before the 2024 MLB season, outfielder Alex Verdugo (seen above) had to trim his long facial hair when he was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees.

The club's no facial hair policy hasn't completely disappeared, but amended. Players will be allowed to have facial hair, but they have to be well-groomed and not have it past their collar. So any would-be Yankees player who wants to be part of the team, you can show off your beards, mustaches, and goatees with pride. Just as long as they're well maintained.

I'll share a couple of pics of two retired MLB players who I believe had the best beards. Before I do, I want to hear from everyone on this topic. What did you think about the New York Yankees changing their policy on facial hair after almost 50 years? Do you agree with it or did you like the old policy better? What do you think about facial hair on baseball players? Also, who is your favorite MLB player, active or retired, has the best facial hair? Sound off in the comments below and be sure to like this story. Also, follow me on my socials. Finally, please send me a one-off tip at the end of this story to support my work as I continue to write and publish more stories. By the way, the Yankees will start the 2025 regular season with a three-game series at home against the Milwaukee Brewers, starting on March 27, 29-30.

After a 14-year career, Charlie Blackmon retired from Major League Baseball in 2024. Rockies fans will miss his on-field presence and he'll forever be a Rockies legend, having spent all of his career there. I wanted to choose another Rockies legend, Todd Helton, for this story, but Blackmon's amazing beard and mullet are features that couldn't be ignored.

The second former MLB player I'm highlighting is a name very familiar with San Francisco Giants fans and baseball fans in general. Former pitcher Brian Wilson was a three-time World Series champion (2010, 2012, 2014). All three of his World Series titles came during his time with the Giants. The former closer's striking dark black beard and numerous tattoos made his presence intimidating, yet amazing. He has since shaved off his famous beard.