ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A 1980s vibe resonated during the World Series opener, from the monster-truck pull dome to the domes of the Rays’ players.
In a show of unity, many Rays began sporting mohawks after a demoralizing 13-5 home loss to the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 15. Several were still rocking the ‘do in batting practice Wednesday, following the lead of center fielder B.J. Upton, who first adopted the look to loosen up his teammates.
If Major League Baseball had a sense of timing — or a sense of humor — Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols would have performed the national anthem. Could he really been any lamer than the Backstreet Men with Wives and Children (formerly known as the Backstreet Boys)?
The mohawks are hilarious. They look like race-car stripes on a hood as they peek out from the back of the blue “TB” caps. If just a few guys had them, it would be interesting. That nearly the entire team followed suit, including manager Joe Maddon, is oddly inspiring.
Maddon’s act of solidarity “caught fire,” with ‘hawks sprouting up everywhere.
Getting a club to agree on playoff shares and uniforms is hard enough. To convince most to shave off their locks is truly a Herculean feat — or perhaps Samsonian.
Reliever Trever Miller was one of the last to make the cut, after initially resisting the temptation. His is more faux ‘hawk, with hair remaining on the sides and curly locks that he mousses to stand up.
Imagine 25 guys acting like Ryan Spilborghs, and you get the picture.
“I asked my kids and they said, ‘Come on, Mom, cut Dad’s hair!” That got it going. But when she made that first cut, she was like, ‘It’s so short!’ ” recalled Miller. “She asked if I still wanted to do it. It wasn’t like I had a choice at that point.”
Miller’s young son also jumped in the barber’s chair. When the pair walked into the clubhouse the next day, the players reviled in the sight. The style has extended into the community to levels that are unimaginable and almost illegal. Women are getting mohawk bikini wax to support their team. St. Petersburg City Council members shaved the sides of their heads, and even some dogs have their fur spiked.
Walking into Tropicana Dome on Wednesday, an elderly woman greeted reporters. A mohawk is a risk at her age. The hair might not grow back. Not to be left out, she sprayed a blue line in her silver coif.
“As you can see, we like to have fun,” pitcher Scott Kaz- mir said, “and enjoy the moment around here.”
Footnotes.
The Red Sox’s potential interest in trading for outfielder Matt Holliday is creating a little more buzz. It’s fair to wonder if they would have enough pitching to land the slugger given that Clay Buchholz is their most likely starting pitching chip. . . . Former Rockies’ pitcher Jerry DiPoto narrowly lost out in his bid for the Seattle GM job. Milwaukee’s Jack Zduriencik got the nod. . . . One-time Rockie Andy Tracy, a Phillies infielder who is working out with the team in case of an injury, would like to continue his career as a coach with the Phillies.
