Derek Jeter will be adopting a slightly more laissez-faire facial hair policy with the Miami Marlins than his previous employer.
Speaking with reporters earlier this week, the Marlins CEO and part-owner said that he is fine with players growing beards or mustaches — just as long as they are “well-groomed.”
“You want people to look professional,” said Jeter, according to ESPN. “I think if you look professional, you act professional.
“[Players are] individuals, they have their personalities,” he went on. “You want to them to be able to represent themselves and their families and the organization. But you want them to do that in a professional manner.”
Jeter, who will oversee the Marlins’ day-to-day operations after his ownership group officially purchased the team last August, played with the New York Yankees for all 20 of his professional seasons. They were (and still are) known for their strict policy on facial hair and overall appearance, dating back to 1973 when it was first adopted by their late former owner George Steinbrenner.
Of course, the Marlins recently had a stringent facial hair policy themselves under manager Don Mattingly, who was also a former Yankee. The policy even seemingly cost them one of their players. Nevertheless, it sounds like a little five o’clock shadow here and there will be just fine under Jeter’s watch.
