There were no tickets available for Sunday’s power vs. power showdown of Aaron Judge against Gerrit Cole, because none were sold. With the Yankees stars under long-term contracts and expected to play the rest of their careers in pinstripes,

“The only information we were offered, from (Yankees general manager Brian) Cashman, was that we’re not trying to look like Duck Dynasty. No diss against Duck Dynasty. You’re grinding in the woods all the time, you don’t really have another option. But that was the only clarification we got.”

Two stalwarts of the Yankees were up against each on opposite sides of the plate. Before the Yankees' spring training game on Sunday, former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole faced some of the best hitters, including Aaron Judge, in a live batting session.

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

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.

Actor and Yankees superfan Nick Turturro reacts to the team lifting its beard ban and offers grooming advice for players.