Outside The Confines: Free the hair!

The Yankees’ most old-fashioned policy has ended

Start spreading the news! The Yankees are changing one of their silliest and longest-standing rules about player grooming: they will now allow players to have “well-groomed” beards.

On the face it it (pun very much intended) this is not massive news, but considering how set in their ways the Yankees have been about this policy, the change does deserve a fair bit of attention, because it proves one thing: the Yankees are capable of changing with the times.

So let’s review their official statement, and then dive into some links about the policy change!

(Here’s a direct link to the BlueSky thread of Yankees’ players who will get to grow their beards back)

• Brian Cashman explains how he defines a “well-groomed” beard. Story by Tim Capurso.
• Hal Steinbrenner explains the one key reason he decided to change the policy. Story by Tom Dierberger.
• Liam McKeone shares the funniest fan responses to the policy change.
• Ken Rosenthal shares his thoughts on the passing of the policy. ($)

Now on to the rest of today’s links!

• Brigid Kennedy explain that the facial hair challenge isn’t the only change the Yankees are making as they also tweak when “New York, New York” will be played.
• Justin Ishbia, the billionaire who was attempting to buy the Twins has decided to bulk up his stake in the White Sox instead. Story by Jon Greenberg.
• With two homers in two at-bats, Elly De La Cruz is still one of the most fun players in baseball. Story by Tom Dierberger.
• Tim Capurso explains why the Reds won’t be participating in the new ABS System.
• Michael Baumann shares how Netflix stars fared against MLB pitchers.
• Andy Nesbitt shares the moment a hot mic picked up some unsolicited fan feedback.
• Dustin May has returned to the mound following a life-threatening incident. Story by Jack Magruder.
• Ken Rosenthal and Brandon Kuty share Anthony Rizzo’s desire to play, despite injuries in seasons past. (The Athletic subscription required.)_
• Blake Silverman shares that Nolan Arenado might be open to waiving his no-trade clause to go to the Astros.
• Brian Murphy looks at which teams made the biggest position upgrades this offseason.
• Dave Roberts had some things to say about Manny Machado before the Dodgers faced the Padres. Story by Eva Geitheim.
• Roki Sasaki announced via his Instagram that is is now a married man. Story by Stephen Douglas.
• Brigid Kennedy shares that bat flips are back in a big way.
• In addition to bat flips, weird baseball is back with this base-clearing sac fly. Story by Liam McKeone.
• David Laurila looks at how Hunter Bigge went from studying pitching at Harvard to throwing for a major league club.
• A dark horse candidate for each team to make the Opening Day roster. (MLB)
• Michael Rosen looks at the dynamics of how aiming pitches changes how they move.
• Now this is commitment.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.