Fuzzy Memory

MLB.com recently ran an amusing piece on facial hair in baseball in which the best representative from each team was selected from his baseball card. While we were glad to see that Reggie Jackson made the non-cut, we were somewhat surprised that it was for his look on the 1985 Pro Ceramic card when he was with the Angels and deeply disappointed that the editors overlooked his true place in the history of hirsutery.

 It was Reggie, you see, who brought back the tradition of the baseball mustache. Though such greats as King Kelly, Orator Jim O’Rourke and Pud Galvin had verdant growth above their lips, the practice disappeared with catcher Wally Schang in 1914, was briefly revived by Frenchy Bordagary in 1936, and vanished again until the winter of 1972.

That’s when Mr. February showed up in Scottsdale with a mustache on his lip. It caused such a sensation that Jackson doubled down by promising to grow a full beard by Opening Day. A’s owner Charlie Finley didn’t like it, so he ordered manager Dick Williams to order Reggie to shave it. Jackson told Williams to shove it.

Because Reggie basked in his individuality, Finley concocted the idea of encouraging other A’s to grow mustaches to make him feel less special. So by the end of spring training, Reggie looked around the clubhouse and saw lipholstery on the faces of Catfish Hunter, Darold Knowles, Bob Locker and Rollie Fingers.

At which point the psychological warfare turned into a marketing opportunity. Finley embraced the idea of having a renegade team and started offering bonuses to players who grew ‘staches, beards and long hair. Even Dick Williams grew a mustache. And so was born the Mustache Gang.

Finley finally embraced the mustache.

On Father’s Day, Finley staged a Mustache Day promotion. The master of ceremonies was 62-year-old Frenchy Bordagaray.

Thank you, Reggie.

-30-