Devin Williams hated the Yankees’ grooming policy, then after the star closer was forced to shave for the first day of spring training, he and his beard got a reprieve from owner Hal Steinbrenner on Friday.

This is a 2025 photo of Devin Williams of the New York Yankees baseball team Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. This image reflects the Yankees active roster as

Yankees change facial hair policy. Yes, this is silly. Yes, it is also our lead story today, precisely because the whole thing is just so ridiculous. Nearly 50 years af

The pitch that created one of baseball’s coolest nicknames -- “The Airbender” -- is a curiosity at Yankees camp, where players and coaches peer to witness Devin Williams’ unique changeup for themselves.

Scenes from Tampa, Florida, as the Yankees conduct their spring training ahead of the 2025 MLB season New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried drills with the team at George M. Steinbrenner Field during spring training in Tampa,

The New York Yankees' beard policy has claimed many victims, and it appeared to have another coming when the team traded for Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams over the winter. Williams reported for spring training with the beard still intact but had shaved it off by the time he started throwing for the team.

Yankees new star closer Devin Williams didn’t shave off his thick beard before showing up to Steinbrenner Field last Tuesday to take a physical on spring training report day for pitchers and catchers.

Devin Williams has moved on, but Trevor Megill gained valuable experience in saving 21 games in 2024 and is now the team's unquestioned closer.

Devin Williams is used to it by now. “It’s usually the first question people ask me — or the only one,” he said with a chuckle. So in a clubhouse full of new teammates and coaches, Williams has already fielded his fair share of questions about the pitch that is so unique and nasty that it has its own name: The Airbender.

Yankees pitchers warming up in camp, and closer Devin Williams tosses a football, Feb. 19, at Tampa, Fla.

There were no blockbuster deals over the offseason, but the Milwaukee Brewers believe they have what it takes to win in 2025.