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Yankees’ Facial Hair Policy Shift: Aaron Judge Sticks to Tradition
The New York Yankees have recently updated their long-standing policy on player facial hair, allowing beards for the first time in nearly five decades. Despite this significant change, team captain Aaron Judge has declared his intention to maintain his clean-shaven appearance.
When questioned about the new policy, Judge responded with a firm “No” regarding growing facial hair. “I got drafted by this organization, so the very first day I was here, I’ve been shaving since 2013,” he remarked. He expressed a deep respect for the organization’s history, citing old photographs of previous legends who adhered to the rules set forth by past management. “This is what I know, this is what I’m used to. I just tried to follow on their path,” Judge added.
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Judge’s commitment to tradition comes at a time when the Yankees are hoping the relaxed grooming standards will make the franchise more appealing to prospective players. Owner Hal Steinbrenner revealed that he lifted the facial hair ban, originally implemented by his father George Steinbrenner in 1976, partly due to concerns that the policy might deter elite talent from joining the team. For instance, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., widely regarded as one of the next superstars in Major League Baseball, has sported a beard for much of his career.
Reflecting on the changes, Judge emphasized, “I really didn’t think it was that big of a deal until it got brought up the past couple weeks. I think the rule will be good. I think it’ll help a lot of guys. If it gets us a couple more players that’ll help us win games, everybody will be on board for that.”
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Steinbrenner expressed his concerns on Friday regarding the possible negative impact of the policy on the team’s ability to attract talent. “If I ever found out that a player we wanted to acquire to make us better, to get us a championship, did not want to be here, and if he had the ability, would not come here, because of that policy … that would be very, very concerning,” he stated.
Historically, many former Yankees players, such as Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Derek Jeter, have grown beards following their retirement. It has become common for players to embrace facial hair during the offseason or once they leave the team.
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The policy shift aligns with a broader trend in professional sports, where player self-expression often includes grooming choices that were traditionally restricted. As the Yankees navigate this significant change, the evolving culture within the clubhouse may reflect a more modern approach to the game.
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