Acce s the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. TAMPA Devin Williams spoke to Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman last week to voice his preference on keeping his beard, but didnt think anything would come of it. By Friday, the Yankees new closer was pleasantly surprised when the organization announced it was that had been intact for nearly 50 years. Its been a long tradition, which I respect that, Williams said Saturday morning inside the Yankees clubhouse at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Im just happy with the decision [Steinbrenner] made. Williams stance may have been one of the factors that nudged Steinbrenner acro s the finish line in updating the policy, though the Yankees managing general partner said Friday it is something he has been discu sing and considering for years. Yankees closer Devin Williams Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Personally, thats my preferred look, said Williams, who seemed appreciative of Steinbrenner hearing him out regardle s of the decision. Thats how I feel most comfortable for myself. Williams, who was traded to the Yankees from the Brewers in December, still had a beard when he reported for his physical last week but then shaved it and kept a mustache on the first day of workouts, though he did not seem thrilled about it. By the teams photo day on Tuesday Poland Jersey , when players were asked to be clean-shaven, he had some noticeable stubble. Explore More One of the top closers in the game, Williams will be a free agent at the end of the season and said if the policy had remained unchanged, it would have been at least part of his decision on whether he wanted to re-sign. Its something that I would consider, for sure, Williams said. Its definitely a conversation that comes up when youre talking about coming here. Its something everyones well aware of and some guys arent OK with it. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner speaking at a pre s conference where they announced a change in the Yankees facial hair policy. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Williams appeared to be one of those guys, though he did ultimately shave for the first time in years last week instead of causing a stir on his new team. But the 30-year-old was in a difficult spot because he was traded to the organization rather than making the decision to sign here in free agency. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! When it boils down to it, the Yankees believe the new policy will only help them win both in making sure it does not hinder their ability to sign free agents and allowing their players to be comfortable in their own skin. Williams fits into the latter category, and perhaps the former, too, down the road. I obviously shaved my beard, so I was complying with the policy, he said. But now Im glad that its changed. Wolves Jersey