Yankees star breaks team’s facial hair policy, prompting social media reaction

Devin Williams, the lights out closer, recently made headlines when he was traded to the New York Yankees. However, upon joining the team, he had to adhere to the long-standing policy that players must not have facial hair below their lower lip. This meant that Williams had to say goodbye to his healthy beard and adopt an entirely different look.

After just one week in Tampa, Williams seemed to have forgotten to shave, sporting some peach fuzz which drew the ire of many Yankee fans on social media. When asked about being clean-shaven, Williams simply replied, “It is what it is.” It was reported that this was the first time he had shaved his beard in six years, having arrived at camp unshaven.

The Yankees have a history of strict grooming policies, with mustaches being more acceptable than full beards. Notable players like Don Mattingly and Goose Gossage have rocked mustaches in the past. However, beards have been a topic of conversation and sometimes controversy. CC Sabathia, for example, was upset when Clint Frazier sported long hair, which also needed to be maintained. In retaliation, Sabathia grew a slight beard.

Despite the strict policy, some Yankees have grown facial hair in the offseason or when joining other teams. Even retired players like CC Sabathia and Derek Jeter have been seen with facial hair post-retirement. The policy has led to makeovers for players like Johnny Damon in 2005, and even led to the exclusion of closer Brian Wilson over a decade ago due to his refusal to shave his patented beard.

It is clear that the Yankees have a strict grooming policy that players must adhere to, even if it means parting with their signature facial hair. The controversy surrounding Devin Williams’ peach fuzz serves as a reminder of the team’s longstanding tradition in grooming standards.