New York Yankees' Alex Verdugo Adapts to Team's Appearance Policy, Sheds Multiple Chains for a Single Game

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ICARO Media Group
News
03/04/2024 22h43

In his transition from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees, Alex Verdugo has experienced a significant change in not only team culture but also personal style. The famously clean-cut Yankees have a strict appearance policy, which includes limitations on facial hair and hair length. As a result, Verdugo has been instructed by manager Aaron Boone to wear only one chain per game, a departure from his usual three or four chains.

During his time with the Red Sox, Verdugo was often seen wearing a multitude of gaudy chains, sporting at least six for every road trip. However, adapting to the Yankees' appearance policy, Verdugo has made the switch to a more modest approach. In his first season with New York, he has been seen donning a single diamond-studded necklace, a stark contrast to his previous blinged-out style.

The chain he wears for each game is characterized by square-shaped, diamond-covered pieces, reflecting his signature taste, which reportedly cost him around $15,000. Verdugo revealed that he refrains from wearing one particularly large chain, adorned with a No. 24 pendant covered in diamonds, during games due to the potential risk of injuring himself.

While adhering to the appearance policy, Verdugo still showcases his personal style by wearing the impressive pendant chain off the field as a fashion statement. The outfielder also plans to wear the chain without the pendant as his designated "one-game chain" at some point during the season.

The pendant on his chain holds significant meaning for Verdugo, as it originally featured the No. 99 when he played for the Red Sox last season. However, with that number now belonging to Yankees captain Aaron Judge, Verdugo is contemplating what to do with the old pendant. In a light-hearted moment, Judge expressed his interest in obtaining the No. 99 pendant, with Verdugo playfully responding that Judge would have to earn it.

Despite being limited to wearing only one chain per game, Verdugo's collection continues to grow. He revealed that he frequently visits Happy Jewelers, a jewelry store located in California near Angel Stadium, to replenish his collection. Verdugo credits teammate Joc Pederson, with whom he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, for introducing him to the jeweler.

Although Verdugo treasures his various chains, one holds a special place in his heart. It is a custom-made chain celebrating his mother, Shelly, who battled breast cancer. The chain features breast cancer ribbons connected by hearts and holds deep sentimental value for Verdugo. While he refrains from wearing it often to prevent any damage, he plans to gift it to his mother once she completes her treatment.

Verdugo's personal journey has not been without its challenges, as he lost his grandmother to breast cancer shortly before his mother's diagnosis. However, he finds strength in his mother's resilience and has dedicated the special chain to her as a symbol of their shared journey.

As the season progresses, Alex Verdugo continues to abide by the Yankees' appearance policy, showcasing a more streamlined and modest style. Despite the restrictions, his love for chains and personal expression remains intact, with the outfielder finding ways to adapt and find meaning in his accessories.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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