Sox Beards Not First Run At Weird

In Red Sox history, 2013 is one of those seasons. The Sox have bolted from worst to first and held that position all summer long save for a handful days. They have had a few downs, none of which have been prolonged, and a whole lot of ups – big ups. A disgruntled and disillusioned fan base is back in the fold and loving it. Gone is bad karma and funk of which 2012 reeked. The Sox are back and so is the fun. Symbolic of the romp are those beards.

Sep 14, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox mascot Wally wears a beard before the game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

A once grass roots movement, so to speak, now has the baseball world buzzing. Are the beards responsible for their winning ways? Not directly of course but it does speak volumes about team unity and commitment. Commitment cannot be questioned if you are sporting lame fuzz like Clay Buchholz or Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

The Red Sox website is even getting fans in on the action by allowing them to upload a photo and then superimpose their favorite Red Sox beard on their mug. Not everyone is impressed. Boston’s CBS local affiliate reporter, Gary Lapierre, simply hates the gimmick, saying, “Is it the Red Sox line-up…or dress rehearsal for Swamp People? Three words Gary. Get over it.

This isn’t the first time the Red Sox have used the prodigious whiskers to either propel team performance or simply make a statement. I’m supportive. To borrow the Austin, TX phrase, “Stay weird Boston.” I’m feeling my winter goatee growing season accelerating.

Here’s a slideshow of great Sox beards, hair and otherwise throughout the years.