Hair you go: Baseball team allow beards for the first time in 49 years

The Yankees no-beard lineup ready to take the field

The New York Yankees, one of the most famous baseball teams in the US, have made a big change.

For the first time in 49 years, they've decided to lift rule banning beards.

That's right, facial fuzz is now allowed for their players.

The rule was made by the team's former owner, George Steinbrenner, back in 1976.

He thought it would help the team look neat and disciplined.

But the New York Yankees' new owner, George's son Hal Steinbrenner, has now reversed that decision nearly half a century later.

Is facial fuzz a fixture for the dads, uncles, grandads and teachers in your life?

Would you also ban beards if you could? Let us know in the comments.

Hal Steinbrenner said the rule, which did allow a moustache, was "outdated" and that it didn't make sense anymore.

"It is a part of who these younger men are. It's part of their character. It's part of their persona," he said in a press conference.

"I'm an older guy who's never had a beard in his life but it's a very important thing to them."

The rule didn't extend to moustaches, but did require players to have a bare chin and cheeks

The rule also stopped some players from joining the team.

Baseball pitcher CC Sabathia wasn't sure about joining the Yankees back in 2009 because of the beard ban.

Now, following the rule change, players can keep well-groomed beards if they want to.

Yankees boss, Hal Steinbrenner, spoke during a press conference about changes to the team's facial hair policy

Hal says it will help the Yankees bring in the best talent and, of course, win more games.

"Again (for) my father, nothing is more important than winning and that's in the back of my mind," he said.

Let us know what you think about beards in the comments. Are they fuzzy and fantastic? Or does a furry chin fill you with fury?