New York Yankees end beard ban in change to facial hair policy

Feb. 21 (UPI) -- The once clean-shaven New York Yankees will now allow "well-groomed" beards on players, as the franchise announced an end to a longstanding anti-facial hair policy Monday.

"In recent weeks I have spoken to a large number of former and current Yankees -- spanning several eras -- to elicit their perspectives on our longstanding facial hair and grooming policy, and I appreciate their earnest and varied feedback," Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a news release.

"These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years.

"Ultimately, the final decision rests with me, and after great consideration, we will be amending our expectations to allow our players and uniformed personnel to have well-groomed beards moving forward. It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy."

Former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner imposed the ban, which allowed mustaches but prohibited beards, in 1973. Although some players rebelled against the policy, most abided, including some who were previously known for their facial hair stylings.

"All players, coaches and male executives are forbidden to display any facial hair other than mustaches [except for religious reasons], and scalp hair may not be grown below the collar," the team's player manual said. "Long sideburns and mutton chops are not specifically banned."

The Yankees will take on the Tampa Bay Rays in their preseason opener at 1:05 p.m. EST Friday in Tampa, Fla. They will host the Milwaukee Brewers in their regular-season opener March 27 in New York.