Professional sport teams have their own set of unwritten rules that have to be abided by on and off the field. Many may remember when left fielder Johnny Damon jumped ship from the Boston Red Sox to the rival New York Yankees; however, it was under one condition, he had to clean up his hair and clean up his entire identity.
Some teams may not have their own unwritten rules for their college or professional teams to follow, but if a player chooses not to adhere to the guidelines that the coach or owner has set, he may want to choose a different career path. If that is the case, then sports may be headed in a different direction, but at Mercy College, players are taught to look and play the part of a collegiate athlete.
Coach Bob Greiner, who is in his third season at Mercy and sixteenth in total in the dugout, may not root for the New York Yankees; however, he follows in their footsteps on being presentable in the game of baseball.
“I’m simply an old fashioned guy,” says Greiner. “I grew up watching how players were presented back in the day.”
RULE ONE: During the season, no facial hair is allowed except for a groomed mustache or goatee.
Sophomore pitcher Adam Rodriquez agrees with Greiner, stating “Facial hair should be clean cut so you look like an organized team on the field.”
RULE TWO: Keep that hair clean and groomed or cut it.
According to players, they are not also allowed to have extremely long hair or bangs. They can keep their hair a long length if they choose, but it has to be clean, which seems to be an acceptable task to them.
Major League Baseball stars such as Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, and Carl Pavano all had to clean up their looks before putting on the pinstripes for the “Steinbrenner Corporation.”
RULE THREE: Hats must be worn brim down and facing front at all times.
That doesn’t just go for Mercy caps, but all caps. If the player is caught with wearing his cap any other way, a two game suspension will be served. According to Greiner, only one player in the history of Mercy College Baseball under his tenure has faced that penalty.
“I agree with the rule. We should be about prestige and organization, however, it can be a hassle sometimes,” says sophomore infielder Jeremy Lovera.
RULE FOUR: No jewelry.
This is not just a Mercy rule but an NCAA rule as well. No players are allowed to wear any form of jewelry during play since it can cause serious injury.
RULE FIVE: Wear your Mercy uniform neatly and proudly.
The Mercy College uniform rule is very simple. During game time, all players have to be wearing a belt. If choosing to wear accessories, they have to be white, navy blue, or black. If a player chooses to wear socks knee high, then the socks have to be straight and navy blue.
RULE 6: The offseason is your season to style.
An entertaining fact at Mercy College is that Greiner allows his players during the offseason to wear whatever they want with regard to their personal style. Whether it be wearing their cap backwards or growing facial hair, it’s the player’s business.
When it comes to having personal things such as tattoos and personalized hats such as a dedication patch, or a number on the side of a player’s hat, Greiner is totally understanding about i“The personal extras they choose are up to them.”
