Alex Verdugo seems to be fitting in just fine with his new team, the New York Yankees.
After a rollercoaster stint with the rival Boston Red Sox, Verdugo has quickly acclimated to life in pinstripes.
However, that life in pinstripes has come with multiple adjustments for the 27-year-old.
Dugie havin’ a lil fun… #AlexVerdugo #Yankees #YankeesTwitter #RepBx #OpeningDay #NYYvsHOU pic.twitter.com/gFKSBUdB1r
— YankeesDugout99 ⚾ (@YDugout99) March 28, 2024
Love it or hate it, the Yankees are (in)famous for having strict grooming standards.
Verdugo gladly fell in line and now sports a clean-shaven look. However, the Bombers have another rule which took a little more getting used to for the veteran…
The organization limits the amount of jewelry you’re allowed to wear on the field.
Show off after the game.
— Rob McGhee (@RealRobMcGhee) April 4, 2024
Verdugo, known for his fiery and expressive personality, often wore several chains around his neck during his time with the Dodgers and Red Sox.
However, manager Aaron Boone informed him that those days are over – at least while he represents the Yankees.
“It’s kind of been hard, man,” Verdugo shared with the Associated Press. “Because usually I’m used to wearing like three or four (chains).”
Yankees crack down on how many chains Alex Verdugo is allowed to wear during games. ⚾️
NY Yankees Manager Aaron Boone has ordered Verdugo a maximum of one chain around his neck per game.
"It's kind of been hard, man," Verdugo said…Because I'm used to wearing like 3 or 4.🌴💥⚾️ pic.twitter.com/8iemSOiljx— Gary McMurrain (@GarySonnyChiba) April 3, 2024
Verdugo added that he typically packed at least six chains per road trip during his tenure with the Red Sox, one of which holds special significance for him.
“My favorite chain is actually a custom one that I got built for my mom who was going through breast cancer,” he revealed.
“I did breast cancer ribbons with hearts connecting all of them. So that’s actually my favorite chain. But I don’t wear it a lot because I don’t want to break it.”
Meredith just said that Verdugo made a chain that he's planning on giving to his mother when she beats cancer.
How can you not love this man. pic.twitter.com/WcZHseZ0uB— db (Sports=Pain) (@db1207_) April 2, 2024
Over the years, the Yankees standards have drawn mixed reactions from players, with some expressing reluctance to sign with the club due to the rules.
However, most players have complied with the policies, opting for a clean-shaven look and minimal jewelry.
Verdugo's chain goes hard https://t.co/CJoSqRqmV8
— Robert (@RobertPorubsky) March 31, 2024
Perhaps the new look is working for Verdugo.
After all, he’s proven to be a nice addition to the Bombers and slugged his very first home run as a Yankee in the team’s 6-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.
I need 50K Yankees fans barking like absolute maniacs when Alex Verdugo gets introduced tomorrow pic.twitter.com/ti9HSJdRKt
— Max Mannis (@MaxMannis) April 4, 2024
What are your thoughts on the Yankees rules when it comes to grooming and jewelry?
If you were a player, would their rules play a factor in your decision to possibly join them?
As far as the actual team this year, what do you make of their fast start? … Are they the real deal?
Are we actually looking at the possibility of the Bombers breaking their (relatively) long World Series drought???
"What the hell did you trade Jay Buhner for?! He had 30 home runs, over 100 RBIs last year! He's got a rocket for an arm! You don't know what the hell you're doing!" ~ Frank Costanza goes off on #Yankees owner George Steinbrenner! #MLB #Mariners #Seinfeld pic.twitter.com/LTw4w7gmbl
— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) December 20, 2022