Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, More Yankees Icons Discuss Team's New Facial Hair Policy

The New York Yankees may have relaxed their facial hair policy this season but some franchise icons feel some nostalgia about the rule.

A panel at Fanatics Fest featured former Yankees Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and C.C. Sabathia on Saturday. When they were asked about the facial hair policy, there were some diverse opinions.

Jeter acknowledged that the policy was focused on "rules" and "discipline," although he doesn't necessarily believe the individual rules themselves were that important.

"I don't think it's about the beard, it's about rules," Jeter said. "You have got to have rules, rules teach you discipline. When we were called up we had to wear slacks on the road, we had to wear suit and tie on our trips when we flew...It's important to have rules because it keeps you disciplined but each individual one I don't think is really that big of a deal."

Rodriguez remarked that the facial hair policy was not an issue for him due to his struggles with growing facial hair.

"One thing I did not get in trouble for and would never get in trouble for is the damn beard," Rodriguez said. "Because I can't grow one."

Pettitte said that he kept a routine with his facial hair and liked to take the mound with some slight stubble.

"I really didn't have a problem with it," Pettitte said. "I shaved right after I pitched. I hated shaving; I didn't want to go on the mound clean-shaven. I didn't want to look like a wimp out there on the mound."

Posada acknowledged some superstitions he had with it but also said that he was happy to comply to please former owner George Steinbrenner.

"If I were to have gotten a couple of hits, I'm not shaving," Posada said. "I got a little superstitious, you'll see sometimes me wearing a little bit of facial hair. I thought about Mr. Steinbrenner and his rules and I didn't want to disappoint him."

Sabathia was a bit more concise, stating that he "definitely would have rocked a beard" if he had the option.

Jeter and Pettitte won five World Series with the Yankees, while Posada won four and Rodriguez and Sabathia won a single title with the franchise. All five were on the 2009 World Series team, which is the most recent title the Yankees have won.

The facial hair policy had been in place since the 1970s but was modified this season to allow "well-groomed beards." Some players who have sported beards for the Yankees this season include pitcher Carlos Rodon, catcher Austin Wells and outfielder Jasson Dominguez.

While the rule may not fully be in place anymore, it appears the Yankee icons understood the purpose of the sacrifice.