Hair Codes

[Wolf Hopper]

I know the Yankees have rules on hair length and facial hair. Pretty sure the Reds do too. Any other teams?

I used to think that it was FLAT OUT WRONG to do this - - - that a baseball team should have no right to tell a guy how long he can wear his hair, or if he could have a beard or not.

But, really, if I let the back of my hair grow down to my shoulders (it would have to be the back, cause the top ain't going to be able to do it!) and/or if I grew a huge bushy beard, my employer probably has a right to ask me to maintain a more "professional" look - - since we are a business and I have client contact and public exposure.

Well, do not ballplayers have client contact and public exposure too? Heck, they are "the product."

I'm beginning to reverse my stance on this issue. Look at Manny when he joined the Redsox and Manny now (attached). If I owned the Redsox, I would want the Ramirez on the left to be representing my image - clean cut. The Manny on the right, well, I'll say it, he looks dirty and unkept. Sorry, just an opinion. Your thoughts?

(Please, Manny is just an example, I could have used Royce Clayton - then and now - or Giambi the A's v. Giambi the Yankee, in reverse, just as well. Let's not make this a "personal" thread on Manny, if possible. Thanks.)

[Skip]

The Reds used to be widely known for their policies on appearance (no facial hair, etc.) but I don't know what their policies are now. It seems I recall a minor brouhaha when <somebody> joined the team and they relaxed the rules, but the story (if it even exists) eludes me.

I don't have a problem with long hair, cornrows, facial hair, earrings, tatoos, etc. within reason. If Biggio started washing himself with the frequency of his batting helmet, that'd be bad. A 'Bud Sucks' tatoo across the forehead would be inappropriate. I'm sure other examples come to mind.

Unfortunately, I haven't drawn a very firm line here - it remains largely subjective. I'd prefer a more clean cut player and hope that standard contract language would include a clause making these issues subject to the team's (employer's) discretion. At least then the team can act in cases where they feel strongly, while balancing those actions with PR/PR issues (public relations v. player relations).

[Craig S.]

Originally posted by Skip
The Reds used to be widely known for their policies on appearance (no facial hair, etc.) but I don't know what their policies are now. It seems I recall a minor brouhaha when <somebody> joined the team and they relaxed the rules, but the story (if it even exists) eludes me.

I believe you're thinking of Greg Vaughn, who was allowed to keep his goatee when he joined the team in 1999.

[WiredTiger]

To me the whole facial hair rules things is a little controlling. It's all a show of power in my opinion. I used to work for EDS when Ross Perot was in charge and it was like that. All these little rules that didn't make a bit of difference about how you did your job. It was just a show of power to show you who was in charge.

[satchel]

I don't like the sloppy look myself, be it stringy hair, ill-fitting uniforms, or filthy caps. I am glad that some teams have rules about it and wish more would.

However, I recognize that looking "professional" means something different on ballfield than it does in, say, my office. That means that there will always be teams and players who don't share my preference for clean and clean cut baseball players.

I just thank my lucky stars that baseball uniforms aren't as revealing as NBA uniforms, so you don't have to see most of their tatoos. Sparkly jewelry is both distracting and dangerous. Personally, if I were a baseball player, I wouldn't want to wear anything that could get caught on something.

[Craig S.]

Using Manny as the example - I think he looks clean-cut and well-kept in both. Really, the only difference is that he has longer hair. The goatee is the same, and he looks clean-shaven on the rest of his face. He's just trying to be stylish with the cornrows, instead of the natural he used to have going on.

I agree with WT that hair codes are usually about power and having people fit into your belief about how they shoud look. I don't think we should impose our definition of "proper" hair styles on others. Dangerous ground to tread on.

[KCBOOMER]

I think it is up to each team to decide what level of dress code they want.

[GGC]

My first exposure to baseball was during the mid-70's, so I love the unkempt look; 'fros, Fu Manchus, et cetera. Bring them on!!

[sweaver]

Gary wants to bring back the Oscar Gamble look, with a 'fro so big you can't even get your hat on.

[GGC]

That's right, Shawn. That was one of my favorite baseball cards of all times!! Let's not forget the guys that went out and got Mike Brady perms, like Wayne Garland.

[JamesI]

I'd prefer to see palyers look professional.

[Craig S.]

Originally posted by JamesI
I'd prefer to see palyers look professional.

I think the problem lies in deciding what constitutes a "professional" look.

[JamesI]

Originally posted by Craig S.
I think the problem lies in deciding what constitutes a "professional" look.

true. I don't mind facial hair (neatly trimmed) but sometimes the hairdos get to be too much for me. But its not my decision as to what is appropriate.

[Wolf Hopper]

Originally posted by Craig S.
I think the problem lies in deciding what constitutes a "professional" look.

pro·fes·sion·al (pr-fsh-nl)
adj.

Of, relating to, engaged in, or suitable for a profession:
Conforming to the standards of a profession:

Boils down to - - - what's suitable and conforming to the standard............guess we would have to ask MLB?

[Craig S.]

Originally posted by Wolf Hopper
Boils down to - - - what's suitable and conforming to the standard............guess we would have to ask MLB?

And I think it's tough for them to come up with something, because you have to have a good reason for instituting certain rules. As an example, if they outlawed hair past the shoulders, what would be their reasoning? Do you think fans would actually be offput enough by long hair (or whatever else) that it would keep them away from the sport? Otherwise, making such rules would seem arbitrary and unfair, and I don't think the union would be too appreciative.

I don't actually know the answer as to how much the looks of the players add or detract for the game. Anyone have insight on that?