Clay Holmes Reflects on Yankees’ Decision to End Facial Hair Policy #1

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NeilYormets · 2025-02-24T09:13:01Z

NeilYormets commented

2025-02-24 09:13:01 +00:00

New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes, who spent the past two seasons with the New York Yankees, expressed surprise and amusement at the Yankees’ recent decision to end their 49-year-old facial hair policy. The policy, which required players to maintain a clean-shaven appearance, was officially abandoned on Friday, marking a significant https://www.storenymets.com/collections/jose-siri-jersey cultural shift for the storied franchise.

Holmes, known for his bushy beard and longer hair during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, had to adhere to the Yankees’ strict grooming standards after being traded to the team in 2021. “There were always talks about the day [the policy] would come, but it felt like a day far off,” Holmes said. “So it’s surprising that it’s here, and I think it’s something the players have wanted. It’s good to see a little more freedom now.”

Since signing with the Mets this offseason, Holmes has already grown a modest beard, though it’s not as full as his Pirates-era look. He admitted that while he didn’t mind shaving as a Yankee, he appreciates the newfound flexibility. “My third day [without shaving] was pushing it,” Holmes joked. “If I were on my third day, I’d better hope I’m not pitching.”

The Yankees’ decision to relax their grooming rules was driven in part by a desire to remain competitive in free agency, as some players have historically been reluctant to join the team due to the policy. Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner and manager Aaron Boone both emphasized the importance of adapting to modern player preferences.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, a former Yankees coach, praised the move, noting that it demonstrates the organization’s willingness to evolve. “Good for them,” Mendoza said. “It goes to show you that they’re willing to make adjustments.”

Holmes, who will start the Mets’ Grapefruit League opener on Saturday, is curious to see how his former Yankees teammates embrace the change. He singled out Carlos Rodón as a likely candidate to https://www.storenymets.com/collections/francisco-lindor-jersey grow out his hair, while playfully speculating about the perpetually clean-shaven Aaron Judge. “You never know,” Holmes said with a laugh.

As the Yankees enter a new era of relaxed grooming standards, the decision underscores the evolving dynamics between players and organizations in modern baseball.

New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes, who spent the past two seasons with the New York Yankees, expressed surprise and amusement at the Yankees’ recent decision to end their 49-year-old facial hair policy. The policy, which required players to maintain a clean-shaven appearance, was officially abandoned on Friday, marking a significant https://www.storenymets.com/collections/jose-siri-jersey cultural shift for the storied franchise. Holmes, known for his bushy beard and longer hair during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, had to adhere to the Yankees’ strict grooming standards after being traded to the team in 2021. “There were always talks about the day [the policy] would come, but it felt like a day far off,” Holmes said. “So it’s surprising that it’s here, and I think it’s something the players have wanted. It’s good to see a little more freedom now.” Since signing with the Mets this offseason, Holmes has already grown a modest beard, though it’s not as full as his Pirates-era look. He admitted that while he didn’t mind shaving as a Yankee, he appreciates the newfound flexibility. “My third day [without shaving] was pushing it,” Holmes joked. “If I were on my third day, I’d better hope I’m not pitching.” The Yankees’ decision to relax their grooming rules was driven in part by a desire to remain competitive in free agency, as some players have historically been reluctant to join the team due to the policy. Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner and manager Aaron Boone both emphasized the importance of adapting to modern player preferences. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, a former Yankees coach, praised the move, noting that it demonstrates the organization’s willingness to evolve. “Good for them,” Mendoza said. “It goes to show you that they’re willing to make adjustments.” Holmes, who will start the Mets’ Grapefruit League opener on Saturday, is curious to see how his former Yankees teammates embrace the change. He singled out Carlos Rodón as a likely candidate to https://www.storenymets.com/collections/francisco-lindor-jersey grow out his hair, while playfully speculating about the perpetually clean-shaven Aaron Judge. “You never know,” Holmes said with a laugh. As the Yankees enter a new era of relaxed grooming standards, the decision underscores the evolving dynamics between players and organizations in modern baseball.

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Reference: valenciatildes/valencia2003#1