High expectations, higher comparisons. The Yankees’ new star, Devin Williams, already has a target on his back. The Bronx had landed one of the best closers in baseball. But then comes a punch in the gut.

On the show “Nothing Personal with David Samson”, Samson’s brutal assessment has stirred up a fiery debate about William’s ability to fill big shoes in New York. “He’s good, but he’s no Mariano Rivera.” Harsh, right? That was Samson’s take on the Yankees’ new star, Devin Williams. This has sparked some major debate in Yankees’ nation.

Samson didn’t deny Williams’ talent. In fact, he doubled down on it. He acknowledged and emphasised, “He’s really good, actually.”. But being “really good isn’t enough” in the high-stakes world of Yankees baseball. A franchise that was once blessed with the dominance of Mariano Rivera, the comparisons are inevitable.

This statement wasn’t a dig at Williams. It’s more of a reality check. Rivera was a once-in-a-lifetime closer, a postseason legendary icon with an almost unreal dominance and GOAT energy on the mound. On the other hand, Williams has displayed his sheer talent with the Brewers, boasting a career 1.83 ERA and achieving two All-Star nods.

But let’s face it, pitching in Milwaukee isn’t the same as facing the New York limelight.

The brutal shot isn’t about Williams matching Rivera’s legacy. It’s whether Williams can handle the pool of expectations that comes with being the Yankees’ closer. Samson emphasised this, saying, “Not good enough to change the policy.” What policy is he talking about? Well, he’s referring to the long-overstayed no-facial-hair rule, a tradition dating back decades.

Interestingly, what does raise our eyebrows is the fact that just before Williams onboarded, the team decided to drop this rule allowing players to sport beards. Coincidence? Maybe.

For now, the jury is still out on whether he can rise and thrive under the New York spotlight.

The New York Yankees, in their Beard Era, finally after 52 years

It finally happened. After more than 50 years of the iconic “clean-shaven Yankees” policy, the franchise has finally abandoned its no-beard strict policy. And the reason is quite simple. Hal Steinbrenner realised it might actually cost them talent.

The Yankees’ are not willing to lose out on players just because of facial hair. The new Yankees’ star, Devin Williams, had some influence on it. Apparently, he was so annoyed about having to shave that he initiated a meeting with Yankees’ ownership.

Is it the biggest change in Yankees history? No. But it’s a symbolic one. For years, George Steinbrenner’s “no beards, no long hair” policy was an off-limits rule of Yankee tradition.

The Yankees are now stepping into a new era. An era which prioritises roster flexibility over old-school policies. This infamous rule was something which made the Yankees the Yankees. Players such as Johnny Damon and Brian Wilson had to shave before donning the pinstripes.

Hal Steinbrenner made it crystal clear: if a beard is a deal-breaker for a player, he doesn’t want it to stand in the way of strengthening the team. This isn’t the only tradition getting phased out. Think again! Yankee Stadium will be a little quieter now. That’s right, Frank Sinatra will no longer play “New York, New York” after losses.

Devin Williams is thrilled. But if one thing has made this whole saga clear, it’s that he may not be Mariano Rivera, but he has no less impact on the Yankees. It’s already undeniable. He’s the new (beard included) face of a shift in the Bronx.

Moreover, in the city where traditions run deep, it might just be more pressure than that of closing out the ninth inning.