Yankees Lift 50-Year Ban on Facial Hair

The New York Yankees have officially lifted their longstanding ban on facial hair, allowing players to maintain 'well-groomed beards' for the first time in nearly 50 years. This policy change, announced by owner Hal Steinbrenner, reflects a desire to modernize the team's image and attract players who may have previously hesitated to join due to the grooming restrictions. Steinbrenner acknowledged the outdated nature of the previous policy and the importance of beards to many younger players' identities, stating it is part of their character. The old rules, established by his father in 1976, prohibited all facial hair except mustaches and mandated short haircuts. Former players like Gleyber Torres expressed surprise at the change, highlighting the significant impact of the policy on their appearances during their time with the team. The decision is seen as a step toward aligning the Yankees with contemporary norms in professional sports.