New York Yankees announce change to longstanding facial hair policy

• Yankees will allow players to wear well-groomed beards'
• Strict policy was imposed by George Steinbrenner in 1976

The New York Yankees dropped their ban on beards Friday, 49 years after it was imposed by owner George Steinbrenner.

Current owner Hal Steinbrenner, son of The Boss, announced the change Friday before the team's spring training opener.