The New York Yankees are making a massive change after nearly five decades.

 

Team owner Hal Steinbrenner announced that the organization will be getting rid of their 49-year old facial hair policy, and will be allowing "well-groomed beards" moving forward.

 

Since 1976, Yankees players and coaches have been limited to mustaches being the only facial hair allowed, and the policy also included a rule about no hair below the collar.

 

New closer Devin Williams has sported a full beard for his entire career, and was forced to shave on the first day of workouts last week. Legendary first baseman Don Mattingly was benched for a game in 1981 when he refused to cut his hair.

 

Steinbrenner adds the main reason for the change is to prevent any player acquisition opportunities being jepordized by the policy, and opening the door for creating the best team possible.