BRAKING NEWS: A former Mets player responds to the change in the team’s facial hair policy after leaving…..full fans..
The New York Yankees have recently amended their longstanding grooming policy to permit well-groomed beards, a significant shift from the previous clean-shaven requirement that had been in place for nearly five decades. citeturn0search5
This policy change has elicited varied reactions from former players. For instance, former Yankees star Johnny Damon, known for his long hair and beard during his tenure with the team, had to alter his appearance upon joining the Yankees in 2006 to comply with the grooming standards. Reflecting on the change, Damon remarked, “It’s something that was always talked about there.” citeturn0search0
Similarly, Gleyber Torres, a current Yankees player, expressed initial skepticism upon hearing about the policy reversal. He stated, “I didn’t believe it at first. I thought it was a joke.” Torres, who has been with the Yankees since 2016, is now adjusting to the new policy, which allows players to maintain well-groomed facial hair. citeturn0search7
The Yankees’ decision to relax their grooming standards has been described as a “seismic change” in the baseball world, reflecting a broader trend toward modernization within the sport. citeturn0search2
This policy shift is expected to influence player recruitment and team culture, as it removes a potential barrier for players who prefer facial hair, aligning the Yankees with the grooming standards of other MLB teams.