Scottsdale, Ariz. — Facial hair rules at Salt River Fields.
Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
From Charlie Blackmon’s gnarly Civil War-era birds nest, to Adam Ottavino’s well-groomed stubble, to Michael McKenry’s biblical look, beards are the thing.
New reliever John Axford, long known for his mustache, just might be in the running for the best facial hair. But he’s not sure if he’s got enough going on to overtake Blackmon.
Rocklies relief pitcher John Axford. (Colorado Rockies)
“I have no idea if I do,” the Canadian-born Axford said. “Charlie’s is probably thicker than mine, but I think mine has a better cornucopia of colors, so there’s that.”
In 2011, Axford, then pitching for Milwaukee Brewers, won the 2011 Mustached American of the Year by the American Mustache Institute (AMI).
Rockies reliever Adam Ottavino. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
“We are honored to give this award to the Ax man,” AMI Chairman Aaron Perlut said at the time. “Even though he is Canadian, we believe John represents everything else the Mustached American community values: humor, intelligence and good looks. He is also very tall.”
The 6-foot-5 Axford stopped shaving around Christmastime, but he figures he’ll shave at some point and return to his Rollie Fingers style mustache.
Rockies catcher Michael McKenry (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
So, what’s with the plethora of bristles? Axford, from Simcoe, Ontario, thinks he’s got the answer.
“I guess it’s about plaids and the beards now. People like the lumberjack look,” he said. “As a Canadian, I know that we have always had beards and flannel, so I guess Americans are just behind.”
Tags: Adam Ottavino, Charlie Blackmon, John Axford, Michael McKenry
