Few issues in baseball are as immediately iconic as an important mustache, and Payton Tolle is proving that true in Boston.
His mustache isn’t simply facial hair—it’s an announcement. It’s acquired that good mixture of swagger and old-school grit, the type of look that makes you assume he was born to put on a Pink Sox uniform. Watching Tolle take the bump at Fenway Park final week with that parted pencil ‘stache beckoned like a callback to the times when facial hair was not simply a part of the crew’s identification—like the fuzzy beards of the 2013 World Collection champs—however when having a mustache was an artwork type, the true handlebar heroes of Pink Sox historical past, the pencil pushing pitchers, the whalloping walruses, the paint brushes portray corners.
Tolle’s superb mustache actually sparked an concept: what if there was an All-Time Pink Sox roster, not simply by stats or accolades, however by their facial hair recreation? From iconic lip rugs to playoff beards, Pink Sox followers have seen all of it. Tolle’s whiskers may stand among the many greats sometime, however for now, this All-Time Facial Hair squad sees one of the best of one of the best—from the cleanest edges to some actually exceptional cavemen.
The OG of the Beard group of 2013, Mike Napoli’s beard was most likely probably the most iconic on the crew. His contributions in 2013—particularly within the playoffs—en path to a World Collection win made it very simple to place him on this slot.
Dustin Pedroia got here fairly near touchdown on this slot, however RemDawg isn’t RemDawg with out his stache. His presence within the NESN sales space alongside Don Orsillo is past missed and should his reminiscence perpetually be for blessing.
I used to be a millimeter shy of giving this to Rick Burlseon—his mustache was fairly respectable. Nonetheless, Story’s beard is sort of model-esque. Completely full and enterprise skilled, identical to the best way he’s carried himself in inarguably his finest season in Boston up to now.
I do know, I do know, he defected to the Darkish Aspect. Nonetheless, Mr. Drink All of the Beer Within the World on a Flight completely deserves this spot. Mike Lowell is an honorary point out, however Boggs takes the cake with this traditional ‘stache.
Yet one more beard pullee of 2013, Gomes was such a glue piece on that roster. And he carried out, too, with some completely majestic walk-off homers in opposition to the Padres and Rays, in addition to a dinger in Sport 4 of the World Collection. Left discipline was oddly naked for candidates, so Gomes is the standout winner.
Heart Subject: Johnny Damon
One other absolute beast taking the cake right here. Damon’s caveman look is picturesque and one of many first issues I affiliate with the Idiots that reversed the curse in 2004. Seeing him downgrade his look when he shaved after becoming a member of the pinstripes was completely terrible.
Proper Subject: Dwight Evans
I had Trot Nixon within the slot till absolutely the final second. Have a look at that mustache. Absolute perfection. Whereas Trot did assist reverse the curse, Dewey is embedded into the material of the Boston Pink Sox.
Designated Hitter: David Ortiz
Was this the no brainer of all no brainers? The evolution of his facial hair—the pencil define beard early on to the clear traces he has now—will perpetually stay on in Boston. You may’t not see Massive Papi with out his beard. It’s simply not attainable.
Equally to proper discipline, I had another person penciled in right here till the final second—Jason Varitek. But when this can be a beard competitors—not simply an accolades competitors—Ross’ is a murals. The skunk stripe in white, one other extraordinarily yankable set of whiskers, it match completely in 2013. Him lifting up Koji is an all-time reminiscence.
Beginning Pitching: Luis Tiant
Luis Tiant had the handlebars for days. From his pitching days all the best way to the very finish, El Tiante’s handlebar mustache aged with a lot grace. It might even be my favourite of the bunch.
A wild pitcher in Craig Kimbrel fittingly had a wild, wild beard. As ginger as could be, utterly unkempt, it match his flamethrower exercise—after which his wild lack of command ultimately—on the bump for his Pink Sox profession.
What do you assume? Who did I miss? Any extra honorable mentions?
