The New York Yankees may have said yes to the beard look, but Aaron Judge keeps it clean! In the latest realm of the Bronx rule books, the beards are coming back after nearly 50 years. Commenting on the rule, Judge is not exactly holding back—he’s simply saying “no.”

A rule imposed by the father has been changed by the son, sending a clear message that rules need to change with time and generation. The decision was not impulsive; it was taken after consultation with current and former Yankees players. By changing this rule, the franchise is looking to attract more players who might have hesitated because beards have become a part of one’s personality. It has received many mixed reactions since then, including from the current captain.

When asked about it, the Bronx captain said, “If that little rule is going to stop you from coming here, then you probably shouldn’t be here,” Judge said. “If a little rule like that’s going to stop you from doing your job, then — I don’t know. I haven’t heard too much about it stopping guys from coming here, but [Hal] dug in a little more than I did on that.”

“I really didn’t think it was that big of a deal until it got brought up the past couple weeks. I think the rule will be good. I think it’ll help a lot of guys. If it gets us a couple more players that’ll help us win games, everybody will be on board for that,” Aaron Judge continued.

Originally introduced in the 70s by then-owner George Steinbrenner, Hal’s father, the policy was not given the ‘okay’ by a number of players, including a famous Yankee to never have won a World Series – Don Mattingly. There have been many others, and fans used to think Judge might be one of those relieved by the change because he’s been spotted with a scruff in previous offseasons. But when it’s playtime, Judge is a hardcore Yank, it seems.

Now that one huge rule change that caused a lot of trouble in the last few decades been changed, will the uniforms be next?

Will More Yankee Traditions Fall Next?

The New York Yankees are known for their traditions and culture, but the change in the “no facial hair,” rule has raised questions in the minds of many. Are they actively transforming franchise culture to adapt to the changing sports landscape?

The reaction from Aaron Judge made it very clear that he is not against the rule, but if the franchise has some culture, then it should be there. “That’s one thing I learned all the way from the minor leagues up: you have those certain rules that teach you discipline, teach you a certain way,” Aaron Judge said. “And that was my big concern. I didn’t want a lot of these rules to start changing. A lot of these separate us and make the New York Yankees a standard.”

Many Yankees fans and players agree with No. 99, but others, including Devin Williams, believe it’s time to embrace modernization. Williams said, “It’s something that I would consider, for sure”. He further added, “That’s my preferred look. That’s how I feel most comfortable for myself. I can’t really speak to other people, but I know that’s how I’m most comfortable.”

Not everyone seems pleased with the decision, and more importantly, it has left a benefit of the doubt: Could we expect to see more changes from the Yankees? Names of players on jerseys? Jersey Changes?