The New York Yankees are finally getting rid of one of the most outdated and controversial policies in sports: their longstanding ban on facial hair. This move, which is almost too hard to believe, comes at a time when the team is trying to improve its roster and bring in key players to push for a championship.

The tipping point? A trade for Devin Williams, a star pitcher who is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. The realization that Williams might not re-sign with the Yankees due to the team’s facial hair policy was enough to make management reconsider their stance.

The Yankees have always prided themselves on tradition, but even their legendary former owner, George Steinbrenner, who originally instituted the facial hair policy in 1973, might not have foreseen the backlash and problems it would cause in the modern game.

According to Hal Steinbrenner, the current owner and George’s son, winning was always the number one priority for the Yankees. But the reality today is that the Yankees haven’t won a World Series title in 15 years, and policies that were once seen as part of the team’s identity are now holding them back.

The facial hair ban, once a reflection of the clean-cut image the team wanted to project, is now a potential obstacle to attracting and retaining top talent.

Hal Steinbrenner acknowledged that changes needed to be made if the team wanted to remain competitive. He openly stated that if the Yankees were going to bring in free agents or keep key players like Williams, they had to adapt.

It seems that the days of the Yankees being so rigid in their approach are over, and even the once-sacred policy on facial hair is no exception. However, it’s important to note that the new rule isn’t entirely relaxed—players are still not allowed to grow out full beards like the ones seen on Duck Dynasty.

So, while facial hair is now allowed, players will still be expected to maintain a professional look, meaning no excessively long beards. This compromise will allow players to express themselves more freely while still maintaining some semblance of uniformity.

One of the most notable moments in this new policy was when star outfielder Joey Gallo, who had a standout beard with the Texas Rangers, was traded to the Yankees.

Many fans and analysts felt that Gallo was robbed of his beard and, perhaps, his true form. While this is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, it’s hard not to imagine how Gallo’s career might have unfolded differently if he had been allowed to keep his signature look.

Devin Williams, too, is another example of a player who simply didn’t look like himself without his beard. This realization might have been a key factor in the Yankees’ decision to adjust their policy. After all, the team is in the business of winning championships, and if a beard policy is standing in the way of getting the best players, it’s time for a change.

The timing of this change comes after the Yankees traded for Williams, a star closer with the Milwaukee Brewers. The team’s front office likely realized that Williams, who is known for his distinct beard, might not be interested in joining the Yankees if it meant having to shave it off.

In a sport where personal expression and individuality matter, the Yankees had to accept that their strict policy might no longer be practical if they wanted to field a competitive team. It’s not just about winning games anymore; it’s about attracting the right players, and facial hair—or lack thereof—was clearly a factor in that.

It’s interesting to consider that this is not the first time the Yankees have allowed beards. Back in 1995, the Yankees lifted the policy for a brief period, but the rule was soon reinstated. The change, however, wasn’t as sweeping as the one we are seeing now.

Hal Steinbrenner’s decision to go public with the policy shift reflects a broader change in the culture of Major League Baseball and sports in general. Players today want more freedom to express themselves, and teams are realizing that accommodating this desire can lead to better performances on the field and a more harmonious clubhouse environment.

One of the other major developments in baseball is a move by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to hold ESPN accountable for its lack of baseball coverage. ESPN, which once prided itself on being the home of baseball coverage, has increasingly sidelined the sport in favor of other major sports like the NBA and NFL.

Manfred, fed up with ESPN’s lack of commitment to baseball, has taken a bold stance. He has made it clear that MLB is considering pulling Sunday Night Baseball and other baseball coverage from ESPN starting in 2025. ESPN had been in talks with MLB about renewing its rights deal, which costs $550 million, but Manfred is standing firm on the issue.

He made it clear that the network would not be getting a discount on its rights fees just because it neglects to properly showcase baseball. ESPN has effectively lost its place as the dominant broadcaster for baseball, and Manfred is not shy about making that known.

Manfred’s actions are part of a broader effort to raise the profile of the sport. ESPN’s dwindling interest in baseball, and its focus on sports that generate bigger ratings, has become a source of frustration for fans.

The younger generation may not fully appreciate the prime days of “Baseball Tonight” or the thrilling baseball highlights that once dominated the airwaves, but those of us who remember those times can’t help but feel disappointed by ESPN’s decline in baseball coverage.

The network’s inability to properly market the game and its consistent lack of coverage has left many baseball fans looking elsewhere for their content. As a result, MLB is beginning to take matters into its own hands, with plans to move games and coverage to other platforms that are more invested in the sport.

This situation has led to a shift in the way baseball fans consume content. More fans are turning to social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube for baseball highlights, and MLB Network continues to be a go-to for in-depth analysis and coverage.

Even if viewers no longer have access to MLB Network through their cable provider, they can still subscribe to it separately, offering an alternative for fans who want access to the most comprehensive coverage of the game.

As for actual baseball news, the 2025 Spring Training season is officially underway, and there are plenty of exciting developments to discuss. One of the highlights of the early days of Spring Training was the debut of the Automatic Ball Strike (ABS) system, which will be used in 60% of Spring Training games this year.

The technology, which tracks pitches and automatically calls balls and strikes, has been tested in the minor leagues and is now making its way to the majors. Early reports suggest that the ABS system is improving the pace of games, as pitch calls become faster and more efficient. If the system can be refined further, it could become a permanent fixture in Major League Baseball.

In terms of individual performances, players like Bobby Miller and Yamamoto have impressed during the early days of Spring Training. Miller, who was recently injured, made a strong return to the mound, and Yamamoto looks poised to have a breakout season in 2025.

Meanwhile, former Cubs prospect Zier Hope is quickly climbing the prospect rankings after being traded to the Dodgers. These players, along with many others, are setting the stage for what should be an exciting season of baseball.

The Spring Training season also brought us a fun moment with Brett Baty, who received a free car from his new teammate, Francisco Lindor. Baty had worn the number 22 throughout his Mets career, but with Lindor now on the team, Baty gave up the number in exchange for a car. This lighthearted moment showed the camaraderie that exists between teammates, and it was a nice reminder of the fun side of the game.

As we look ahead, there is a lot to be excited about for the 2025 MLB season. Whether it’s the Yankees’ new facial hair policy, Manfred’s battle with ESPN, or the potential of the ABS system, there are plenty of changes and developments that will shape the future of the sport.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to baseball channels and content creators for more updates, giveaways, and in-depth coverage of the game. Here’s to an exciting 2025 baseball season ahead!