Beards Are Back & Frank Sinatra To Stop Being Played … What’s Next in New York Yankees Shakeup?
The year was 1976. It was the Bicentennial for the United States, the inkjet printer was created, a gallon of gas was 59 cents and the Cincinnati Reds were coming off winning the 1975 World Series. But George Steinbrenner was about to change the New York Yankees franchise for the foreseeable future, a future that lasted until today, February 21, 2025.
He wanted his players to more closely resemble those he attended military school and served in the US Air Force with. Steinbrenner’s decision? All players were to trim their hair and facial hair.
Over the years the no beard policy evolved and remained in place until now. There have been a number of players that have met to try and change the policy and to no avail. But now, the policy is gone, making the Yankees more competitive in the free-agent market for the years forward.
But we will have the memories of those players that shaved for the team.
Rick Stewart/Getty Images, Al Bello/Allsport/Getty Images
One of my personal favorites is Wade Boggs. Although Johnny Damon or Rougned Odor’s transformations were more dramatic it was Boggs’ that garnered headlines.
In fact there was even an episode of The Simpsons that played on the policy with Mister Burns, the definition of an old-school character belittling New York Yankee legend Don Mattingly throughout the episode to shave off those sideburns.
But as with any big day like this, the back story and the past is there, and we are here to Remind you of how interesting this one was. What was your favorite story of a player from the past and their shaving their facial hair?
Frank Sinatra’s tradition is also getting changed
And the return of the beard, which must be well-groomed, is not the only change from tradition. The Yankees have also announced that they will no longer be playing the signature Frank Sinatra rendition of “New York, New York” after the club falls in defeat. The tune has been played since that day when George Steinbrenner sent off a note to the singer’s representatives that was met with Sinatra sending back a note that he’d be very pleased with the song being played at Yankee Stadium, from 1980 until last season closed, it was a staple of every Yankee loss.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Instead, they will rotate through other songs, the first of which occurred after a spring training loss — “That’s Life” by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.
At least in my mind, that song fits a bit better after a loss. Think about it … they used to play a song, after a loss, with a singer exclaiming I want to be a part of it. To me that should happen after a win more than a loss. Don’t we want to be a part of the winning team, not the losing team?
One thing certain in New York is that changes to traditions have happened. Are they good for New York? Only time will tell. What do you think?
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May 2024
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