Time for a Friday Tuesday poll: Should the Yanks finally relax their no facial hair/no long hair rules?
The polls are now open, directly to your left.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Random thought of the day: Loosen up
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5 comments:
My opinion, as it usually is, falls in the middle. I think the Yankees' code is a bit too strict. I'd prefer something closer to the Braves, where they allow facial hair, etc. under the condition that the players keep it groomed and manageable (no Damon caveman looks). I think that's fair. Normal businesses, it's a good idea to have stricter grooming rules because your image makes a difference. In the sporting world, crazy hair, etc. gives someone a reputation, or at least pizazz, that draws people. People become more amused than angry.
I don't disagree, Mark. Not one bit.
Ya know, this may sound silly - but I've always thought that this issue had a profound effect on Giambi's time here. His appearance was a big part of who he was in Oakland and I can't help but get the feeling that having to go clean cut took away some of his swagger. Turning into an all-or-none pull hitter didn't help matters much either but the fact that he has always pushed the envelope on the Yankee rules (long hair, scruff, and the horrific moustache this year) tells me that he's seeking whatever comfort he gets from having long hair and facial hair.
As for the rule, I think the poll speaks for itself. As of this reply, it's 50-50 (15-15). It's a toss up. I think I like TMS's response to it - relax the rules a bit but don't let it get out of hand. Personally, I like the Yankee tradition, and I think long hair looks completely ridiculous on ANY athlete especially if it's long enough to be seen coming out of a helmet. But allowing the players some flexibility might loosen up the clubhouse a bit. When you're making 10s of millions of dollars per season, there's a tremendous amount of pressure to perform so a little levity would certainly be welcome.
I think the really troubling issue, and this is somewhat related IMO, is the fact that they're being out-toughed on the field. I suppose the answer is to stop being such a bunch of pansies and put the Red Sox (uh, for example) back in their place, facial hair or not. But they need some tougher personalities on this team for that to happen. The bottom line is Jason Varitek would have still smothered Arod with his catcher's mitt regardless of whether or not he (and the rest of the team) was clean-shaven. It's funny how no one ever talks about that incident as being a cheap shot on his part (which is pretty much his M.O.) but that's a story for another day.
That was my thinking, Dino. Guys need to be comfortable and if a goatee or longer hair helps them be themselves, great. Go for it. I wouldn't want Damon's caveman look but you know what, it worked for him and brought about a looser mentality, not the stiff/corporate atmosphere that seems to surround the Jeter-led Yanks.
As for the cheap shot by 'Tek, that gets categorized as "gritty, gutty, scrappy" by the Sox fans and since it was against the magnet that is ARod, it's not only encouraged but condoned.
ARod probably deserved it. ;)
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