Johnny Damon Speaks Out On The Yankee Hair Policy

 I didn’t see this one coming.

Johnny Damon, known for his famously unkempt look during his playing days, might have seemed like a natural fan of the New York Yankees’ recent change to their strict grooming policy. However, his reaction to the news was anything but enthusiastic.

Damon, who had to chop off his long hair and shave his full beard when he joined the Yankees in 2005, shared his thoughts in a recent Instagram video. “I just heard that the Yankees are not requiring people to cut their hair and trim their beards…” said the two-time All-Star. “I think we need to keep it how it was, with respect to legends like Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera.”

For Damon, the Yankees’ grooming rules were a part of the team’s storied tradition. “The Yankees are a tradition,” he said. “Let’s keep it. I cut these lovely locks off many years ago because George Steinbrenner was such a great human being, such a great boss, that I wasn’t even going to question it. Let’s keep the policies the same. Listen to your bosses, always bring your A-game, and let’s go!”

In a side note, Damon also mentioned his support for Jorge Posada’s Hall of Fame candidacy, a sentiment many fans share.

While the tradition of the Yankees’ clean-cut image has its charm, there’s another perspective worth considering. Beards and hairstyles can play a role in a player’s personality and performance. For some athletes, their hair isn’t just a style choice—it’s a part of their identity, almost like a source of strength or confidence.

There’s a psychological aspect to it. When a player arrives in New York sporting a rugged beard and leaves looking like he just went through basic training, it can mess with his mindset. It might affect how he pitches, how he hits, or even how he sees himself. It’s like taking Superman’s cape away and expecting him to be the same hero.

Personally, I’ve always been well-groomed and appreciate the Yankees’ classic approach. But I also think there’s something exciting about letting players find their groove with a bit more freedom. If a light beard helps someone like Devin Williams thrive in New York, then why not?

Tradition is important but so is adapting to the times. Finding that balance could be the key to helping the Yankees maintain their legacy while allowing players to feel like themselves.