Devin Williams and Former Yankees Stars Help Prompt New Facial-Hair Policy

Devin Williams and Former Yankees Stars Help Prompt New Facial-Hair Policy

For nearly 50 years, the New York Yankees' strict facial-hair policy kept some of baseball's biggest stars clean-shaven. But this week, with a little push from a new player and support from a roster of All-Stars, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner altered the team’s policy—literally changing the team’s face.

"Everyone was kind of stunned," said Yankees closer Devin Williams, whose wish to keep his signature beard helped spark the rule change that now permits players to wear "well-groomed" beards. "There were a few guys who had heard it might happen, but when it actually did—I’m just excited to grow it back."

The Yankees' announcement on Friday that players could grow beards sent ripples through the sports world. The long-standing policy, implemented in 1976 by then-owner George Steinbrenner, had been in place for over 40 years, even after his passing. Despite his father's legacy, Hal Steinbrenner had previously shown little inclination to alter the policy.

Williams, who was traded to the Yankees from the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason, came face-to-face with the razor for the first time when he arrived at spring training in Tampa, Florida. Having never pitched in the majors without at least some stubble, Williams struggled after shaving his beard and found it difficult to recognize himself. He brought his concerns to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who later relayed them to general manager Brian Cashman.

Williams argued that players perform their best when they feel their best and expressed frustration with the policy, especially since it applied only to facial hair below the upper lip. Cashman listened, and after a discussion with Steinbrenner, the possibility for change was on the table.

The inconsistent enforcement of the policy—allowing everything from Goose Gossage’s Fu Manchu to the stubble of stars like Thurman Munson, Andy Pettitte, and Roger Clemens—was just one argument for change. There were also concerns that players might reject the Yankees because of the facial-hair restrictions. Steinbrenner spoke with several current and former players, including Ron Guidry, Pettitte, CC Sabathia, Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Giancarlo Stanton, and came to the conclusion that the policy was doing more harm than good.

"Winning was the most important thing to my father," Steinbrenner explained. "If something like this would prevent us from getting the players we want, I think he’d be open to changing it."

On Friday morning, Steinbrenner and Cashman informed the team of the policy change, which was met with widespread approval from players.

"It's a big deal," said Cole, who had sported a beard with previous teams Pittsburgh and Houston. "No one cares how I look, and that's how it should be. I feel like I’m a part of the Yankees' legacy, and it’s exciting that we’re moving toward a new chapter."

Williams is excited to grow his beard back and is willing to keep it shorter if the team prefers. "It’s nice to feel like you’re being listened to," he said.

Williams’ agent, Nate Heisler, praised the Yankees for their open-minded approach: "Hal took the time to hear Devin out, spoke with other players, and made a decision that I’m sure was tough. The Yankees showed today why they’re one of the best organizations in professional sports."

The move now frees players with facial hair—from free agent signings like Cole, Stanton, Carlos Rodon, Paul Goldschmidt, and Tim Hill—to return to their hirsute ways. And manager Aaron Boone, once a clean-shaven Yankees player, reflected the new mood in the clubhouse.

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