Yankees Lift Decade-Old Facial Hair Ban, Judge Remains Clean-Shaven

The New York Yankees have relaxed their longstanding facial hair policy, allowing players to wear well-groomed beards for the first time in nearly 50 years, a change championed by owner Hal Steinbrenner. Yankees captain Aaron Judge expressed his support for the new policy but stated he would continue to remain clean-shaven, emphasizing the importance of discipline and tradition within the franchise. Judge noted that he was surprised by the policy shift but understood its necessity to attract potential free agents who might have been deterred by the previous rules. He believes that while some players may relish the newfound freedom, maintaining a clean look is crucial to the Yankees' identity. Judge also mentioned that if a player is unwilling to join the Yankees due to the old rules, perhaps they are not the right fit for the team. Overall, the change signifies a blend of tradition and modernity as the Yankees adapt to today's player preferences while still upholding certain standards.