Baseball and Mustaches have a long history together. From classics ‘staches like Rollie Fingers and the “Mad Hungarian” Al Hrabosky to the tradition ones of Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, and Keith Hernandez, the mustache has been a fixture in baseball. This season was no different, and 2 players are being recognized for it.
Earlier this season, many players on the St. Louis Cardinals donned mustaches. While most of the team got rid of them, Brendan Ryan has kept his. While some say Ryan has emerged as the Redbird’s starting shortstop because of his stellar defense, many will note it happened at the time he debuted the “Porn Mustache.” Coincidence, possibly.
The Diamondbacks gave a minor league free agent reliever a shot this season that has emerged as a regular in the bullpen – Clay Zavada. Zavada and his handle bar mustache have become a fan favorite in the desert this season; fans have been wearing “Respect da Stache” shirts.
Both ballplayers have been recognized for their facial stylings by the American Mustache Institute as nominees for the 2009 Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year award.
Voting takes place here; let’s get these ballplayers their due.
