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

Shortly after failing to cover first base in Game 5 of the World Series against the Dodgers, Cole opted out of what was remaining of the nine-year, $324 million deal he signed in December 2019. Cole presented the Yankees with the option to add a year to the deal worth $36 million or he would become a free agent.

Gleyber Torres, who signed with the Detroit Tigers in the offseason after seven seasons with the Yankees, told reporters Friday that he was surprised by the decision but understood that a number of players still with the team would like to grow out their facial hair more than what was previously allowed.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said the organization will allow "well-groomed beards" effective immediately, changing a rule his father, George, established in 1976.