“Bro Lost All His Aura”: Yankees’ No Beard Rule Comes Under Fire After Devin Williams’ New Look Gets Revealed

It looks like it’s time for the New York Yankees to shed off some existing rules! The then-owner George Steinbrenner implemented a policy in 1976 that required every player to maintain a clean-shaven face, with a few exceptions, including mustaches and religious norms. Soon after Devin Williams’ new look was revealed, fans shared their disappointment, citing players losing their aura due to this.

After getting traded to the Yankees from the Milwaukee Brewers, where he spent his career’s first six years, Devin Williams has kept his beard most of the time. However, by the time he started throwing, the beard was already cleared, and this didn’t go well with the fans, as they criticized the old rule for not allowing the players to wear the pinstripes until they got their beard shaved. 

While all the eyes are on the New York Yankees’ reliever, Devin Williams, this new controversy has garnered the attention of fans, with them completely against his no-beard look. Through the six seasons he played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Williams maintained long hair and a beard, which is gone now while playing for the Yanks. Devin Williams managed to post a 1.25 ERA with 38 K, 0.97 WHIP, and 14 SV in 2024. The MLB, on February 13, made a post after his new look’s reveal stating, “Almost didn’t recognize Devin Williams without a beard today at Yankees Spring Training.” 

Devin Williams even confessed to feeling naked soon after his first workout with the Yankees and confirmed his unwillingness to shave his beard. But while some users shared that he did not look bad either, others were disappointed. While this rule might be a traditional one that the Yankees have followed for a long time, any kind of personal bias must be ignored, and changes must be made to the outdated practices of the 52-year-old facial hair policy. Let’s delve deeper into some of the reactions! 

Fans share their unique reactions after Devin Williams’ new look gets revealed

Devin Williams, with an impressive 2024 performance and bearded looks, definitely had some aura. But George Steinbrenner’s policy of having no facial hair below the lip for the New York Yankees since 1973 made Williams clean his beard, actually sparking a massive outrage among the fans. Going by one fan’s statement, the Yankees do not need to get rid of the beard rule entirely; however, some updates need to be made. 

Commenting on the new looks of Devin Williams, another user on X shared another name who looked absolutely ridiculous—the Yankees’ outfielder, Alex Verdugo. Based on the user’s statement, Verdugo looks much worse when compared to Williams, citing his looks as equivalent to the thumb after shaving. Commenting on his post, another user cited the name of Gerrit Cole too.

One commenter considered this clean-shave look for the Yankees to be the worst in baseball. The Bronx Bombers’ strict policy of getting a clean shave has been coming off since 1973 when Steinbrenner implemented it; however, it seems quite outdated given that players often prefer to have a trimmed beard rather than getting clean-shaven. So, no more beard for the hard-throwing righty, who got this clean-shaven look for the first time in six years.

While the rule is outdated and doesn’t resemble the styles that every player hopes to follow, an ardent fan wished the Yankees to change the rule. While many fans seem not to be against the rules, it is quite important to implement some changes, like keeping the bear trimmed or showing up with a manicured beard too. 

One fan highlighted the fact that although tradition is important, the players should have the freedom to be themselves, which will eventually allow them to bring their best to the field. According to the comment, the players must be allowed to grow their beards and hair; however, they must also be cautious and remain comfortable on the field, which will make them feel valued by the management.

https://twitter.com/JumpmanFiend/status/1889829082571133121

What’s your opinion on the clean-shaven look for the Yankees? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below.