MLB teams
ESPN 6y

Marlins CEO Derek Jeter says he's fine with 'well-groomed' facial hair

MLB, Miami Marlins

Though he was clean-shaven during his playing career for the New York Yankees, an organization noted for its strict policy on facial hair, Derek Jeter says he's fine if members of the Miami Marlins want to sport a mustache or beard.

But players shouldn't get carried away -- any hair must be "well-groomed," Jeter emphasized to reporters on Tuesday.

"You want people to look professional," said Jeter, the Marlins' CEO. "I think if you look professional, you act professional."

Jeter added that players are "individuals, they have their personalities. 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."

Before the start of last season, the Marlins lifted their ban on facial hair. Manager Don Mattingly had previously adopted the ban after he was hired as manager before 2016.

"It was a constant fight last year, honestly, with guys," Mattingly said last February of his decision to allow facial hair. "Through the course of the season and watching the playoffs and the World Series, for me it just didn't seem like that big of a thing. The most important thing is our guys prepare and play the game right."

Players on the Yankees are forbidden from wearing any facial hair other than a mustache, a policy that dates to the 1970s with former owner George Steinbrenner. Jeter played 20 seasons for the Yankees, ending his career in 2014. He became the Marlins' CEO last year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

^ Back to Top ^