Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 2: Bearded Yankees
Release Date: February 21, 2025

Introduction

In the February 21, 2025 episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a significant shift within the New York Yankees organization—the recent change in the team's longstanding beard policy. This episode, titled "Bearded Yankees," explores the implications of this policy update, the reactions from key figures within the Yankees' management, and the broader impact on the team's brand and culture.

Yankees' Beards Policy Change

Announcement and Official Statements

The episode kicks off with a detailed discussion about the Yankees' decision to amend their beard policy, allowing players to sport neatly kept beards. This marks a historic shift from the team's previous stance, which mandated that players maintain a clean-shaven appearance.

Brian Cashman’s Statement
At [02:39], Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman addresses the change, highlighting the cultural shift towards facial hair in modern society:

“This generation, you know, the vast majority of men in their 30s into the 40s in this country have beards... It is a part of their character. It's a part of their Persona.”
— Brian Cashman, [02:39]

Cashman emphasizes that facial hair is now commonplace among men, including prominent figures like the Vice President and members of Congress, reflecting a broader acceptance and personal expression that the Yankees aim to accommodate.

Hal Steinbrenner’s Statement
At [07:07], Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner provides further context for the decision, likening the Yankees' organizational changes to a slow-moving naval vessel adapting to the times:

“History, traditions slow to change. So this is a baby step of making an adjustment that is, I think, appropriate.”
— Hal Steinbrenner, [07:07]

Steinbrenner acknowledges the historical significance of the Yankees' brand but insists that evolution is necessary to remain competitive and relevant in the modern era.

Hosts' Discussion

Don Hahn’s Perspective

Don Hahn advocates for the policy change, arguing that it was long overdue and beneficial for adapting to contemporary standards. He criticizes the delayed nature of the policy update and the manner in which it was publicized.

“It's 20 years too late... Players have a lot more say now. Individuality is important.”
— Don Hahn, [05:05]

Hahn also points out the necessity of evolving the Yankees' brand to attract talent in a competitive landscape where other teams offer more flexible personal expression to their players.

Peter Rosenberg’s Counterpoints

Peter Rosenberg shares a critical view of the policy change, questioning its timing and the necessity of a press conference surrounding it. He connects the change to broader concerns about the Yankees losing their traditional cachet and uniqueness.

“I really do think this is just dumb. The whole thing is dumb. The outrage about it, people happy about it, all of it. It's silly.”
— Peter Rosenberg, [08:14]

Rosenberg also discusses how the policy might signal deeper issues within the Yankees' organization, such as declining performance and the inability to outspend competitors, referencing past Yankees' standards and their impact on the team's reputation.

Listener Calls

Ben from East Village

At [18:20], Ben expresses his thoughts on the policy change, linking it to other recent alterations in the Yankees' branding, such as the addition of sponsor logos on jerseys.

“The sponsorship logo being added to the jersey in the previous years... the Yankees cache losing that cachet.”
— Caller Ben, [18:20]

Ben believes these changes collectively dilute the Yankees' storied tradition, making the brand seem less exclusive and more commercially driven.

Paul from Woodbridge

At [25:25], Paul argues that the policy change is indicative of a broader decline in the Yankees' standards and performance, drawing parallels between on-field errors and administrative decisions.

“This is just the biggest sign of weakness from a baseball team I've ever seen... People like wearing beards. The Vice President, United States has a beard.”
— Caller Paul, [25:25]

Paul views the policy change as a desperate move that undermines the Yankees' historical identity and commitment to excellence.

Conclusion

The hosts wrap up the discussion by weighing the arguments presented. Don Hahn maintains that the policy change is a necessary step towards modernization, allowing the Yankees to stay competitive in attracting talent. Conversely, Peter Rosenberg remains skeptical, viewing the change as symptomatic of deeper organizational issues that may affect the team's legacy and performance.

Don Hahn’s Final Thoughts
At [27:32], Hahn reiterates his support for evolution within the organization:

“We need to evolve away from this now... it's a sign of, hey, you know, we've got to modernize our way of thinking.”
— Don Hahn, [27:32]

The episode concludes with an acknowledgment of the passionate responses from listeners and a promise to continue exploring and addressing these evolving dynamics within the Yankees organization in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn

  “It’s 20 years too late... Players have a lot more say now. Individuality is important.”
  [05:05]

• Peter Rosenberg

  “I really do think this is just dumb. The whole thing is dumb. The outrage about it, people happy about it, all of it. It's silly.”
  [08:14]

• Brian Cashman

  “This generation... it is a part of who these younger men are.”
  [02:39]

• Hal Steinbrenner

  “History, traditions slow to change. So this is a baby step of making an adjustment that is, I think, appropriate.”
  [07:07]

This episode provides a comprehensive examination of a pivotal change within the Yankees franchise, offering listeners diverse perspectives on how tradition and modernity intersect within one of baseball's most iconic teams.