AND New York Yankees He announced on Friday that their players no longer have to be shaved.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement that players will be able to Keep the “well -groomed” beard After discussing it with current and former players during “several” years.
The rule, in which players cannot have hair on their face under the lower lip, was founded by Hal’s father, George Steinbrenner in 1976.
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New York Yankees Emitters Michael Kay and John Sterling before the game against Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on April 20, 2024 in New York. (New York Yankees/Getty Images)
Yankee leader Michael Kay, who hosted the radio show during the week, called the first spring spring game of the season on the team and on Friday in the new Era franchise.
“I don’t think it’s a hyperbole. [It] Somehow the stunned world of baseball, “he said.
One of the main reasons why the team raised the rule was that he could discourage the player to choose Yanks as a future destination.
“If I had ever learned that the player we wanted to gain to improve us, to get us championship, he does not want to be here without having the ability, he would not come here, because of that policy … that would be very, very, very Concerning, “Steinbrenner told reporters on Friday.
Hal Steinbrenner during a press conference at Yankee Stadium. (Jessica Alcheh/USA Today Sports)
Manager Aaron Boone told reporters that he had heard the rumble about changing politics. It should be noted Vladimir Guerrero Jr.The next big free agent MLB had a beard most of his career.
That feeling, Kay said, was his biggest step.
“I think the best thing [Steinbrenner] He said, “We don’t want to ever be in a position we lose to a player who we think can help us win because he didn’t want to come here because of this rule.” And I think the Yankees have done. They crossed things, “Kay added.
“And I always wondered,” If you are going to change the rule, you almost have to change the rule before someone is taken to him. Because if you lost a player who said, “I won’t go there because I don’t want to shave,” That would look really bad. “
Aaron Judge New York Yankees in action against Gemini Minnesota at Yankee Stadium, September 5, 2022 in New York. (Jim Mcisaac/Getty Images)
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Yankees Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Derek Jeter grew up beards from retirement. Players often grow face hair when leaving Yankees or during the off -season.
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