Facial hair has been a topic of discussion in many professional sports leagues, including Major League Baseball (MLB).
The New York Yankees have long been known for their strict appearance policy that prohibits players from having beards, moustaches, or other types of facial hair beyond a well-groomed moustache.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, and one of them is Matt Carpenter, a player for the St. Louis Cardinals.
We’ll explore why Carpenter is allowed to have facial hair despite the Yankees’ policy, as well as the broader cultural and historical contexts surrounding facial hair in baseball.
Why the Yankees Have a Strict Appearance Policy
The Yankees’ strict appearance policy was introduced in 1976 by team owner George Steinbrenner and manager Billy Martin.
At the time, the Yankees were struggling with poor performance and a lack of discipline among players, and Steinbrenner saw the policy as a way to instill a sense of order and professionalism on the team.
The policy specifies that players must keep their hair short and neat, and prohibits them from having beards, moustaches that extend beyond the upper lip, or other types of facial hair that are not well-groomed. The policy also prohibits players from wearing earrings, necklaces, or other jewelry on the field.
The goal of the policy is to project a clean-cut, professional image for the team, both on and off the field. Steinbrenner believed that by enforcing strict grooming standards, the Yankees could set an example for other teams and demonstrate their commitment to excellence and discipline.
Over the years, the policy has been a subject of debate among fans and players alike. Some argue that it is outdated and unnecessary, while others see it as a tradition that should be upheld.
Regardless of one’s opinion, it is clear that the policy has played a significant role in shaping the Yankees’ identity as a team, and has contributed to their reputation as one of the most successful and iconic franchises in sports history.
Why the Cardinals Allow Facial Hair
Unlike the Yankees, the St. Louis Cardinals do not have a strict appearance policy that prohibits players from having facial hair.
Each team is free to set its own policies regarding player grooming, and the Cardinals have chosen to allow players to have beards and other types of facial hair if they choose to do so.
The Cardinals have a long and storied history in the sport, and their stance on facial hair has evolved over time. In the 1960s and 1970s, many players on the team had long hair and beards, reflecting the counterculture trends of the era.
However, by the 1980s, the team had adopted a more traditional, conservative appearance, with short hair and clean-shaven faces.
In recent years, the Cardinals have relaxed their appearance policy somewhat, and players are now allowed to have beards and other types of facial hair if they keep them well-groomed.
The team’s decision to allow facial hair may be motivated by a desire to foster team unity and allow players to express their individuality, or to appeal to a younger, more diverse fan base that values personal style and self-expression.
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ stance on facial hair reflects a broader shift in sports culture towards greater acceptance of diverse styles and identities.
While some teams may choose to uphold traditional grooming standards, others are embracing a more relaxed approach that allows players to express themselves more fully both on and off the field.
Matt Carpenter’s Beard
Matt Carpenter is a professional baseball player who is known for his distinctive beard. Carpenter is a third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals and has been with the team since 2011.
He is a three-time All-Star and has been recognized for his exceptional hitting and fielding skills. Carpenter has not publicly commented extensively on his beard, but he has stated that it is a personal choice and reflects his individual style.
In an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Carpenter said that he likes to keep his beard well-groomed and that it helps him stand out on the field.
Carpenter’s beard has become a signature part of his look, and he is often recognized for it by fans and commentators.
Some have speculated that Carpenter’s beard reflects a larger cultural shift in baseball towards greater acceptance of individuality and self-expression, as more players are choosing to express themselves through their personal style.
Regardless of its significance, Carpenter’s beard has not affected his performance on the field, and he remains one of the most respected and accomplished players in the game today.
Other Players With Notable Facial Hair
Over the years, many baseball players have sported distinctive facial hair, using it as a form of self-expression or identity.
Some have even become known for their unique styles, both with and without team approval.
Here are a few notable examples:
Rollie Fingers: Fingers, a former relief pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, is perhaps best known for his handlebar moustache, which he sported throughout his career. Fingers’ moustache has become an iconic part of his look and has been imitated by fans and players alike.
Randy Johnson: Johnson, a former pitcher for the Seattle Mariners and other teams, was known for his bushy moustache and goatee. Johnson’s facial hair became a signature part of his look and helped him stand out on the mound.
Johnny Damon: Damon, a former outfielder for the Boston Red Sox and other teams, is known for his long, flowing hair and beard. While some teams may have frowned on Damon’s unorthodox look, he was a talented player who helped lead the Red Sox to a World Series victory in 2004.
Andrew McCutchen: McCutchen, an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, is known for his stylish beard and hair, which he often keeps trimmed and well-groomed. McCutchen’s look has become a key part of his personal brand and has helped him become one of the most recognizable players in the league today.
In recent years, facial hair has become increasingly accepted as a form of self-expression in baseball and other sports. Many players view their beards or moustaches as a way to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd.
While some teams may still have strict appearance policies, many are embracing a more relaxed approach that allows players to express themselves more fully both on and off the field.
Appearance Policies in MLB Teams
| Team | Policy on Facial Hair | Policy on Hair Length |
|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | Prohibited | Must be above the collar |
| St. Louis Cardinals | Allowed | No policy specified |
| Miami Marlins | Prohibited | No policy specified |
| San Francisco Giants | Allowed | Must be well-groomed |
| Houston Astros | Allowed | Must be well-groomed |
Note: This table provides a snapshot of the appearance policies for selected MLB teams as of 2023. It is not an exhaustive list, and policies may be subject to change over time. Additionally, the policies listed here may be subject to interpretation and enforcement by team management.
FAQs
Why did the Yankees implement their appearance policy?
The Yankees implemented their appearance policy in 1976 under the ownership of George Steinbrenner and manager Billy Martin. The policy was meant to project a clean-cut, professional image for the team and ensure that all players adhered to a specific standard of grooming and appearance.
Are there any exceptions to the Yankees’ appearance policy?
There have been a few exceptions to the Yankees’ appearance policy over the years. For example, during the 2018 season, Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was allowed to wear a chain during games, despite the fact that it technically violated the team’s rules.
Have any other teams besides the Yankees implemented strict appearance policies?
Yes, there are other teams that have implemented strict appearance policies over the years. For example, the Miami Marlins have a policy that prohibits players from having facial hair below the lip. However, many teams have moved away from strict policies in recent years, as players have become more vocal about their desire to express themselves through their personal style.
How do players feel about appearance policies in general?
Opinions among players vary when it comes to appearance policies. Some players feel that they are a necessary part of being a professional athlete and help to create a sense of unity and professionalism among the team. Others feel that they are overly restrictive and prevent players from expressing themselves fully.
Are there any health concerns related to facial hair in baseball?
In recent years, there have been concerns about the potential for bacteria to accumulate in facial hair and cause infections. Some teams have responded to these concerns by encouraging players to keep their facial hair well-groomed and clean, while others have implemented more stringent hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of infection.
Conclusion
While some teams like the New York Yankees have strict appearance policies that prohibit facial hair, others like the St. Louis Cardinals have taken a more relaxed approach.
For players like Matt Carpenter, facial hair has become a way to express their individual style and identity, and it has become increasingly accepted as a form of self-expression in baseball and other sports.
From Rollie Fingers’ handlebar moustache to Andrew McCutchen’s stylish beard, facial hair has become a signature part of many players’ looks and has helped them stand out on the field.
Ultimately, as the culture of baseball continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how players continue to use facial hair as a way to express themselves and connect with fans.
