The New York Yankees have officially lifted their long-standing ban on beards, a policy that was first implemented by former owner George Steinbrenner nearly five decades ago. This decision, announced by current owner Hal Steinbrenner, aims to enhance player recruitment as the team seeks to capture its first World Series title since 2009. Hal Steinbrenner described the ban as “outdated” and “somewhat unreasonable,” reflecting a shift in the cultural norms surrounding personal grooming among athletes.

During a press conference, Hal Steinbrenner emphasized the significance of beards for many young men today, stating that they are an integral part of their identity. He acknowledged that while he personally does not relate to this trend—having never worn a beard himself—he understands its importance to the younger generation of players. This change in policy is seen as a way to connect with modern athletes and their self-expression, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.

The original ban on beards and long hair was established in 1976, with the intention of promoting a disciplined appearance among players. Although players complied with the rule, some found ways to push the boundaries, such as remaining unshaven or allowing their hair to grow over their collars. Hal Steinbrenner noted that his father’s military background influenced this strict policy, but he also recognized that winning is the ultimate priority for the franchise.

In the lead-up to this decision, Hal Steinbrenner had been contemplating the issue for about ten years and had discussions with key players, including Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. He announced that the team would now permit well-groomed beards, marking a significant cultural shift within the organization. General manager Brian Cashman also highlighted that the previous ban had affected player recruitment, as some potential signings hesitated due to the grooming policy.

The Yankees’ decision to lift the beard ban is a notable change in the team’s history, which has often been characterized by strict adherence to tradition. While some players have already embraced the new policy, others have expressed surprise at the change after so many years. This move reflects a broader trend in professional sports, where teams are increasingly recognizing the importance of individual expression while still striving for excellence on the field.

Original news source: New York Yankees drop ban on beards, 49 years after it was imposed by owner George Steinbrenner (AP News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will act out various terms related to the article, such as “beard,” “Yankees,” “tradition,” and “player recruitment.” The rest of the class will try to guess the words based on the actions.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will discuss and vote on whether they think lifting the beard ban was a good decision for the Yankees. They will then share their reasons for their votes in small groups, fostering discussion on personal grooming and sports culture.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: In pairs, students will create a catchy headline for the article. They should aim for creativity while still capturing the essence of the news. Afterward, they will present their headlines to the class.

– WORD ASSOCIATION
Instructions: Students will start with the word “beard” and take turns saying a word related to it based on the article’s themes (e.g., “identity,” “tradition,” “Yankees”). The objective is to keep the chain going without repeating words.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In small groups, students will create a mind map that explores the themes of the article, such as “tradition,” “identity,” “player recruitment,” and “cultural shift.” They will present their mind maps to the class, explaining the connections they made.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Who was the former owner of the New York Yankees that implemented the beard ban nearly fifty years ago?
2. What reasons did Hal Steinbrenner provide for lifting the beard ban?
3. How did Hal Steinbrenner describe the previous ban on beards?
4. What cultural shift does the lifting of the beard ban represent in relation to modern athletes?
5. What was the original intention behind establishing the ban on beards and long hair in 1976?
6. How did Hal Steinbrenner’s father’s military background influence the grooming policy?
7. What discussions did Hal Steinbrenner have in the lead-up to the decision to lift the ban?
8. How has the lifting of the beard ban impacted player recruitment according to general manager Brian Cashman?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The New York Yankees have officially lifted their long-standing ban on beards, a policy that was first implemented by former owner George Steinbrenner nearly five decades ago. This decision, (1)______ by (2)______ owner Hal Steinbrenner, aims to enhance player recruitment as the team seeks to capture its first (3)______ Series title since 2009. Hal Steinbrenner described the ban as “outdated” and “somewhat unreasonable,” reflecting a shift in the cultural norms surrounding personal grooming among athletes.

During a press conference, Hal Steinbrenner emphasized the (4)______ of beards for many young men today, (5)______ that they are an integral part of their identity. He acknowledged that while he personally does not relate to this trend—having never worn a beard himself—he (6)______ its importance to the younger generation of players. This change in policy is seen as a way to (7)______ with modern athletes and their self-expression, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.

The original ban on (8)______ and long hair was established in 1976, with the intention of promoting a disciplined appearance among players. Although players complied with the rule, some found ways to push the boundaries, such as (9)______ unshaven or allowing their hair to grow over their collars. Hal Steinbrenner noted that his father’s military background influenced this strict policy, but he also recognized that winning is the ultimate priority for the franchise.

In the lead-up to this decision, Hal Steinbrenner had been contemplating the issue for about ten years and had discussions with key players, (10)______ Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. He announced that the team would now permit well-groomed beards, marking a (11)______ cultural shift within the organization. General (12)______ Brian Cashman also highlighted that the (13)______ ban had affected player recruitment, as some potential signings hesitated due to the grooming policy.

The Yankees’ decision to lift the (14)______ ban is a notable change in the team’s history, which has often been characterized by strict adherence to tradition. While some players have already embraced the new policy, others have expressed surprise at the change after so many years. This move reflects a broader (15)______ in professional sports, where (16)______ are increasingly recognizing the importance of individual expression while still striving for excellence on the field.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on professional sports teams enforcing grooming policies?

2. How would you feel if your workplace had strict rules about personal appearance, such as hair and beard styles?

3. Do you think that individual expression, like having a beard, is important in professional environments? Why or why not?

4. What is a significant change in policy you have experienced in your life, and how did it affect you?

5. Do you like the idea of athletes showcasing their personal style? Why or why not?

6. How do you think the perception of beards has changed in society over the years?

7. What is your personal experience with grooming trends? Have you ever felt pressured to conform to a specific style?

8. Do you think that allowing beards and long hair can positively impact team morale? Why or why not?

9. How would you feel if a company you admired suddenly changed its long-standing policies on employee appearance?

10. Do you think that the idea of discipline in appearance is still relevant in today’s world? Why or why not?

11. What is a cultural norm in your country regarding personal grooming that you think is outdated?

12. How do you believe personal grooming choices can affect a person’s identity and self-expression?

13. Do you think that sports teams should prioritize tradition over modern values? Why or why not?

14. How would you react if a friend decided to change their appearance significantly, like growing a beard or changing their hairstyle?

15. Do you think that the decision to lift the beard ban will impact the New York Yankees’ performance? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. implemented
2. recruitment
3. outdated
4. cultural
5. integral
6. identity
7. self-expression
8. disciplined
9. complied
10. boundaries
11. contemplating
12. adherence
13. potential
14. characterized
15. excellence

Meanings:
(A) Acted in accordance with a rule or request
(B) The qualities, beliefs, and personality that make a person unique
(C) Showing a controlled and orderly behavior
(D) Thinking about something carefully for a long time
(E) The act of following or sticking to a rule or belief
(F) Relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society
(G) Put into effect or enforced
(H) The process of finding and hiring suitable candidates for a job
(I) Essential or necessary for completeness
(J) No longer current or in fashion
(K) The quality of being outstanding or extremely good
(L) The limits or edges of an area or concept
(M) The act of expressing one’s thoughts, feelings, or individuality
(N) Having the capacity to develop into something in the future
(O) Described or distinguished by a particular feature
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Who announced the lifting of the beard ban for the New York Yankees?
(a) George Steinbrenner
(b) Aaron Judge
(c) Brian Cashman
(d) Hal Steinbrenner

2. When was the original ban on beards established by the Yankees?
(a) 1980
(b) 1976
(c) 1990
(d) 2000

3. What reason did Hal Steinbrenner give for lifting the beard ban?
(a) To promote a disciplined appearance
(b) To enhance player recruitment
(c) To honor his father’s military background
(d) To follow a trend

4. How long had Hal Steinbrenner been contemplating the issue of the beard ban?
(a) About ten years
(b) About five years
(c) About fifteen years
(d) About twenty years

5. Which players did Hal Steinbrenner discuss the grooming policy with?
(a) Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera
(b) Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig
(c) Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton
(d) Reggie Jackson and Alex Rodriguez

6. What did Hal Steinbrenner describe the previous beard ban as?
(a) Necessary for discipline
(b) A tradition worth keeping
(c) Outdated and somewhat unreasonable
(d) A marketing strategy

7. What impact did the beard ban have on player recruitment, according to general manager Brian Cashman?
(a) It affected potential signings negatively
(b) It attracted more players to the team
(c) It had no impact at all
(d) It improved team discipline

8. How is the Yankees’ decision to lift the beard ban viewed in the context of professional sports?
(a) As a return to traditional values
(b) As a marketing gimmick
(c) As a sign of weakness in the team culture
(d) As a recognition of individual expression

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The ban on beards was first implemented by former owner George Steinbrenner nearly fifty years ago.
2. The original ban on beards and long hair was established in 1976 to promote a disciplined appearance among players.
3. The New York Yankees have imposed a new ban on beards.
4. The decision to lift the ban aims to enhance player recruitment for the Yankees.
5. Current owner Hal Steinbrenner described the beard ban as “outdated” and “somewhat unreasonable.”
6. General manager Brian Cashman noted that the previous grooming policy had not affected player recruitment.
7. The implementation of the beard ban reflects a broader trend in professional sports towards restricting individual expression.
8. Hal Steinbrenner emphasized the insignificance of beards as part of identity for many young men today.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What reasons did Hal Steinbrenner give for lifting the ban on beards within the New York Yankees?
2. How does the lifting of the beard ban reflect changing cultural norms in sports?
3. In what ways did the previous grooming policy impact player recruitment for the Yankees?
4. What historical context did Hal Steinbrenner provide regarding the original beard ban?
5. How have players reacted to the lifting of the beard ban after so many years of adherence to the policy?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Who was the former owner of the New York Yankees that implemented the beard ban nearly fifty years ago?
George Steinbrenner.

2. What reasons did Hal Steinbrenner provide for lifting the beard ban?
He described the ban as “outdated” and “somewhat unreasonable,” and emphasized the importance of beards as an integral part of identity for many young men today.

3. How did Hal Steinbrenner describe the previous ban on beards?
He described it as “outdated” and “somewhat unreasonable.”

4. What cultural shift does the lifting of the beard ban represent in relation to modern athletes?
It represents a shift towards valuing individual expression and personal grooming choices among athletes, reflecting changing cultural norms.

5. What was the original intention behind establishing the ban on beards and long hair in 1976?
The original intention was to promote a disciplined appearance among players.

6. How did Hal Steinbrenner’s father’s military background influence the grooming policy?
Hal Steinbrenner noted that his father’s military background influenced the strict grooming policy that was in place.

7. What discussions did Hal Steinbrenner have in the lead-up to the decision to lift the ban?
He had discussions with key players, including Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.

8. How has the lifting of the beard ban impacted player recruitment according to general manager Brian Cashman?
According to Brian Cashman, the previous ban had affected player recruitment, as some potential signings hesitated due to the grooming policy.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) announced
(2) current
(3) World
(4) significance
(5) stating
(6) understands
(7) connect
(8) beards
(9) remaining
(10) including
(11) significant
(12) manager
(13) previous
(14) beard
(15) trend
(16) teams
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. implemented
Answer: (G) Put into effect or enforced

2. recruitment
Answer: (H) The process of finding and hiring suitable candidates for a job

3. outdated
Answer: (J) No longer current or in fashion

4. cultural
Answer: (F) Relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society

5. integral
Answer: (I) Essential or necessary for completeness

6. identity
Answer: (B) The qualities, beliefs, and personality that make a person unique

7. self-expression
Answer: (M) The act of expressing one’s thoughts, feelings, or individuality

8. disciplined
Answer: (C) Showing a controlled and orderly behavior

9. complied
Answer: (A) Acted in accordance with a rule or request

10. boundaries
Answer: (L) The limits or edges of an area or concept

11. contemplating
Answer: (D) Thinking about something carefully for a long time

12. adherence
Answer: (E) The act of following or sticking to a rule or belief

13. potential
Answer: (N) Having the capacity to develop into something in the future

14. characterized
Answer: (O) Described or distinguished by a particular feature

15. excellence
Answer: (K) The quality of being outstanding or extremely good
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Who announced the lifting of the beard ban for the New York Yankees?
Answer: (d) Hal Steinbrenner

2. When was the original ban on beards established by the Yankees?
Answer: (b) 1976

3. What reason did Hal Steinbrenner give for lifting the beard ban?
Answer: (b) To enhance player recruitment

4. How long had Hal Steinbrenner been contemplating the issue of the beard ban?
Answer: (a) About ten years

5. Which players did Hal Steinbrenner discuss the grooming policy with?
Answer: (c) Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton

6. What did Hal Steinbrenner describe the previous beard ban as?
Answer: (c) Outdated and somewhat unreasonable

7. What impact did the beard ban have on player recruitment, according to general manager Brian Cashman?
Answer: (a) It affected potential signings negatively

8. How is the Yankees’ decision to lift the beard ban viewed in the context of professional sports?
Answer: (d) As a recognition of individual expression
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The ban on beards was first implemented by former owner George Steinbrenner nearly fifty years ago. (Answer: True)
2. The original ban on beards and long hair was established in 1976 to promote a disciplined appearance among players. (Answer: True)
3. The New York Yankees have imposed a new ban on beards. (Answer: False)
4. The decision to lift the ban aims to enhance player recruitment for the Yankees. (Answer: True)
5. Current owner Hal Steinbrenner described the beard ban as “outdated” and “somewhat unreasonable.” (Answer: True)
6. General manager Brian Cashman noted that the previous grooming policy had not affected player recruitment. (Answer: False)
7. The implementation of the beard ban reflects a broader trend in professional sports towards restricting individual expression. (Answer: False)
8. Hal Steinbrenner emphasized the insignificance of beards as part of identity for many young men today. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧