Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Jose Reyes took one for the team Friday night.

To conform with Miami Marlins policy, the 28-year-old shortstop cut off his famed dreadlocks, which he had sported the past three years as a member of the New York Mets.

The Marlins have a strict grooming policy, and Reyes met it in grand style. On Friday night, the four-time All-Star had his hair cut on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” show, which aired at 6 p.m. ET.

“It’s going to be a little bit emotional, because I’ve spent three years with this hair,” Reyes said shortly before sitting in a barber chair set up in the studio. “At the same time, I understand it’s a rule of my new team, the Miami Marlins. I’m a team player, so I have to cut it off.”

The Marlins signed Reyes to a six-year, $106 million contract in December.

Cutting his hair 23 days before Marlins position players report to Spring Training is one of Reyes’ first steps in fitting in with his new club.

The energetic shortstop also turned the mandatory haircut he had to get into a charity event.

Reyes used his platform on MLB Network to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Florida.

Reyes’ hair has been packaged and authenticated by Major League Baseball. It is now being auctioned on eBay.

MLB Network set up a barber chair, and the haircut was performed by Jordan (who was wearing a red-orange Marlins cap) of Jordan Sports Barbershop in Bronx, N.Y.

Asked how he felt with a trimmed-up look, Reyes said: “A little bit lighter. It’s going to take me a couple of days to get used to it.”

Reyes did reveal a bit of untold information regarding his hair. He noted that he washed it once a month. Otherwise, when he showered, he kept his dreads wrapped in plastic.

With a new look, Reyes is ready to rejoin his new team.

The speedster had spent his entire career with the Mets before becoming one of three marquee free-agent signings by Miami in December. In a five-day span, the Marlins signed Reyes, closer Heath Bell and left-hander Mark Buehrle.

In 2011, Reyes won the National League batting title with a .337 average. But he also was hampered by hamstring issues, causing him to play in 126 games.

“I’ve been working out six days a week, just to get ready for Spring Training,” Reyes said. “My legs feel good. I can’t wait to get to Spring Training and start to work with my team.”

The shortstop added that he traveled to his native Dominican Republic this offseason and ran some hills.

Marlins pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 22, with position players getting under way Feb. 26.

“Right now, I can’t tell you what the difference is,” Reyes said of being a Marlin. “I haven’t got to Spring Training yet. I can’t wait to get to Spring Training and be with my new team and new coaches. It’s a new family. I know it’s going to be a little bit different, because I played my whole career with the New York Mets. Now, I’m part of a new family.”

Optimism is high in Miami after an offseason where the Marlins have added Reyes, Bell, Buehrle and Carlos Zambrano.

Reyes feels the 2012 Marlins can be a playoff club.

“No doubt, I feel that way,” Reyes said. “Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle. Those [guys] will help a lot. We need everybody to stay healthy.”

WRITTEN BY Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs & FULL STORY HERE