Our Mustachioed Rangers

"They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for." - Tom Bodett

If this quote is true than the NY Ranger's "something to do" boils down to their love for growing mustaches. As reported by The New York Times, it began with Brian Boyle, but soon Brandon Dubinsky revealed a respectable lip coat, and finally, Bryan McCabe is on the facial hair train revealing - not only a mustache - but a Fu Manchu. 

 
McCabe stated to The New York Daily News "I told Dubi that if he (scored), then I’d do it too. I’m a man of my word.  Could be someone else’s turn next, let’s hope the trend continues.”

Let's hope this movement continues, McCabe.  Growing facial hair should never be a fad - it's a lifestyle decision that can go under numerous changes - but mostly we hope our readers aspire for a metamorphosis from 'staches to beards or vice versa. "Trend" implies it will soon die-out. Of course, we understand the magical powers of beards, which is why the "playoff" beard is so valuable to teams. Yet, imagine how much stronger The Rangers would be if they kept their mustaches and beards all year round.... 

As beard growers Henrik Lundqvist and Brandon Prust both refuse to shave during the playoffs, it got us thinking if there is a female equivelant to a hockey playoff beard?  Well, there is.  We'll leave it at that.  
 (Photo credit: Getty Images)

A Piece of Silly Affection Or A Chance To Grow?

That's the question that faced one of the most well-known beards in our nation's history - Abe Lincoln. As reported in The New York Times, just days after his election Abe made up his mind and proclaimed to his barber, let s give them a chance to grow. Whether camouflage for Abe's scrawny neck or a chance to appear older, his beard defined memorable greatness.

The New York Times also went on to report that: Most American historians, when they have considered the 19th-century whisker revolution at all, have assumed it had to do with Civil War soldiers avoiding the inconvenience of shaving. In fact, the phenomenon predated the war by a number of years and was the subject of a great deal of contemporary comment and debate. By the mid-1850s, talk of a beard movement was sweeping the nation. In 1857, an intrepid journalist strolled through Boston s streets, conducting a statistical survey: of the 543 men he tallied, no fewer than 338 had full, bushy beards, while nearly all the rest sported lesser facial hair of various sorts.

So what say you... most notable beard in U.S. history? Do you side with Team Abe or have someone else in mind?

U.S. Open - $7.75 Isn't Worth A Shave

Embrace the beard.  

That's the cry of R. A. Dickey of the Mets in response to Tina Taps, the U.S. Open’s director of ball persons (yes, you a) read that correctly b) this job exists) when she told him that in order to be a ball boy for Nikolay Davydenko’s misses, he would need to shave.  

According to The New York Times, Dickey was asked if he would be willing to shave for the opportunity to crouch by a net, sweat, and field balls.  As of now, he is unsure.    

“I would prefer that they embrace me with beard.  Especially for $7.75 an hour.”

BaB agrees.  $7.75 per hour vs. a month (or two) of real dedication and manhood does not add up.  Plus, if R.A. shaves and his record (9-5) with the Mets begins to deteriorate, Major League Baseball might have some choice words for the U.S. Open.

When Taps (Director of Ball Persons) was informed that Dickey loves his beard, thankfully, she stated that she would not rule out the possibility of a "one-time whisker waiver."

We will hold our breath and hope that R.A. keeps his bearded awesomeness growing. Oh and U.S. Open, go beard or go home.