From Bryan Hoch:
This Yankees team is about to look different than any other in a generation.
Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner announced on Friday that the organization has amended its long-standing facial grooming policy, which had dated to the 1970s. Yankees players, coaches and other uniformed personnel are now permitted to sport “well-groomed beards” moving forward.
No longer must new acquisitions shave facial hair upon arrival. Devin Williams was one recent example; after being acquired from the Brewers in December, the right-handed closer said he hadn’t been clean-shaven for about six years and hoped to keep his beard “as long as I can.”
I think Devin Williams really did make this happen. He had such a normal beard, and he’s such a nice guy, it seemed so pointless to tell him that he couldn’t have it anymore.
The team barber is happy
https://x.com/brendankutynj/status/1893059412924751987?s=61&t=fhOaqwtc8q2TMSXUDRjPeg
For some reason, people are bizarrely tying this into Soto not re-signing. SOTO DOESN’T HAVE A FUCKING BEARD. As I noted, Williams makes sense, but not Soto.
I’m perfectly happy with this.
Yes, I want the Yankees to be and feel different.
But more blandly but dictatorially corporate isn’t the difference I want to root for.
Aaron Judge with Redd Foxx’s beard from Sanford and Sons would look amazing.