During a recent interview, New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter told a hilarious story about the wild lengths his one-time boss George Steinbrenner would go to make sure his players looked like professionals when they were at the ballpark.
The Yankees franchise has long been one of the biggest brands in sports, however, deceased owner George Steinbrenner elevated it to new heights during his leadership from the 1970s to the early 2000s, due to his larger-than-life personality. While he made many great decisions, he is remembered just as much for his failures and his unique thoughts on how players should look during games.
- George Steinbrenner Field: Located at 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa, FL
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His feud with 1980s star Don Mattingly is a part of Yankees lore for how he wanted to control the facial hair style of the first baseman, as well as other players on the team. It was all in an attempt to make the organization and its players appear at a higher level of sophistication and professionalism.
During a new chat with GQ Sports this week, New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter added some more hilarious layers to the Steinbrenner legend and the lengths he would go to have players present a certain appearance while on the job.
Derek Jeter says former New York Yankees boss used to make players shave between innings
“Another rule we had when I first came up with the Yankees is on the road you couldn’t wear jeans. You had to wear slacks … [The] boss was big on rules. He would call down sometimes and have guys shave between innings. You know, if their beards got a little bit long. So he really paid attention I mean, I didn’t grow facial hair until the pandemic. Pretty much from the time I was 18 until I was 45 I pretty much shaved every single day.”
- Geoge Steinbrenner Seinfeld: The Yankees boss was voiced by showrunner Larry David
George Steinbrenner’s various appearance policies were first instituted all the way back in 1973, and many of them continue to this day with his sons Hank and Hal Steinbrenner now overseeing the franchise.
