Even though it’s been more than a decade since the New York Yankees have won a championship, the organization still carries itself with the same discretion as in the glory days of the George Steinbrenner era. However, some traditions remain out of reach and can even have a counterproductive effect.
A former Yankees player believes even more high-level players would be interested in wearing pinstripes if a long-standing policy were eradicated.A former Yankees player believes even more high-level players would be interested in wearing pinstripes if a long-standing policy were eradicated.
“This might be an unpopular approach for Yankees fans, but you’d be surprised how much more attractive the Yankees would be if they eliminated that facial hair rule,” Cameron Maybin wrote on X. “You can’t believe how many good players think this is a crazy rule.
“I mean, come on, we’re approaching 2024, let’s just drop this already, and I swear it would be more appealing. Again, this just comes from the conversations I’ve had and the experiences I’ve had from actually playing.
The Yankees obviously value their traditions, but will that catch up with them? The MLB Network analyst has an opinion shared by many neutral fans. It’s admirable if someone takes pride in their appearance, but if a sports company expects them to shave (mustaches are allowed) and cut their long hair, that may be considered excessive.
The Yankees are not preparing for a high-profile legal challenge, nor are they preparing to join the Army. They play a game rooted in childhood nostalgia and, when done right, good old-fashioned fun. Of course, this stance hasn’t stopped New York from signing many top players in MLB Free Agency in recent years. Jason Giambi, Randy Johnson and Gerrit Cole all went for the elegant look.
The most drastic change occurred when Johnny Damon came aboard in 2005 after serving as poster boy for the colorful, self-described “Idiot” Boston Red Sox club that won the 2004 World Series. However, it can be assumed that some athletes might not agree with this unwritten rule.
Cameron Maybin played 82 games for New York in 2019 and broadcast games for YES Network, so he certainly lends some credibility to the topic.
Regardless, there will be fans who strongly support all aspects of the Yankees Way and demand that this practice be maintained.With Juan Soto, an already clean-shaven All-Star joining the roster via trade, there may be even less urgency to turn to seemingly more informal free agents.
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