Hit or Miss: Brian Wilson's Man-scaping Story

The playoff beard is nothing new in hockey, but in the MLB, it's still a new sensation. I really took notice of Giants' closer Brian Wilson's interesting man-scaping situation during the Giants vs. Braves National League Divisional Series. It's an understatement to say his beard and haircut combination is unique, especially considering the usual grooming standard in professional baseball. But is it a little too much for Bud Selig and the MLB?  

To break down Wilson's man-scaping, let's start with his haircut. Wilson sports a modified mohawk. It's not short and amateurish like we've seen on the Tampa Bay Rays, but rather it's more mullet-esque in length and a little dirt bag in its styling. Contrary to popular belief - the mohawk is his natural light brown colour, no bleach or dye.

Wilson started growing the beard back in August and kept in its natural brunette state for the summer. When the playoff push in September hit, he dyed it pitch black (although he won't openly admit it). It's now a dark, thick beard that any grisly lumberjack or hockey player would be envious of come playoff season. Fans are turning the scruff into a cult figure by sporting faux beards and signs and even re-jigged the Milwaukee Bucks' "FEAR THE DEER" cheer into, naturally, "FEAR THE BEARD". Apparently the man-scaping isn't serious business for the MLB regular season save leader:

"I'm just rocking a beard, keeping it fun," Wilson said. "I had a beard in 2007, but I had to shave it because I got sent down. I just never grew it back. I just said it was bad luck. Not this year. I wouldn't say the beard got us here, but I wore it here." (From Janine McCauley's CP piece).

Wilson's original take on grooming isn't the only thing that makes him stand out in the clubhouse as his overall sartorial sense is not standard. In Wilson's appearance in the 2010 All-Star Game this year, he wore a pair of bright creamsicle orange cleats and again versus Florida Marlins the next game.

His shoes were obviously not regulation and thanks to Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez's complaints, the National League fined Wilson for one thousand dollars for "wearing non-conforming shoes and was told that half of each shoe had to be black". Damn. Wilson says the fine was for "being too awesome", not for disobeying dresscode. He's kept wearing the overt orange shoes ever since, colouring them in with black sharpie to adhere to the uniform rule in his own way. Oh, and he's also a certified ninja - if you haven't seen the Jim Rome interview with Wilson, it's a must see.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf0j1rmZVbM]

The MLB needs more guys like Brian Wilson. Most baseball players come off as guarded or even dull during interviews and in such a long season, some variety isn't just nice - it's necessary. Fans and media members warm to players who show their own personality and can make them smile with more than just an amazing pitch. Ron Artest went from being seen as a bad, psycho teammate to being a player whose honesty about his psychological shortcomings and zest for life now endears him to all. Jared Allen's once crazy haircut (he cut the mullet for his wedding), hunting cookbook and general mayhem earns him legions of fans because he is honest. Patrick Roy is as well known for his play between the pipes as he was for talking to them while in net.

Let Brian Wilson keep his black beard, long mohawk, bright orange shoes, slightly over the top save celebrations and of course, his fastball, because a player with his talent, wit and humour can only help a team on the field and in the clubhouse. While he's quite handsome without the beard, as a Canadian girl I'm more than accustomed to the hockey boys' obsession with the facial hair playoff good luck charm. Let's go Giants and let Brian be the black-bearded ninja; because when he's on the mound, he's still the man to count on.

Man-scaping: Mike Comrie

"Stop it there without a care to what you've got to fearKeep it all between your beer and your hockey hair A lot of weird people traits and ticks From the strangers to these dangerous faces you kiss You know this town ain't cool as it used to be When the lion, tigers and bears'd stare at your jewelry Truthfully I'm content with how the day moves Stepped up the game, oops, still rock the same shoes"

- Atmosphere, Hockey Hair

Hockey players aren't usually known for their interesting hair styles or radical fashion sense. If anything, they're known for receding hair lines and boring suits. So, I'm shocked to hear that Edmonton Oiler Mike Comrie has put blonde highlights on the left side of his hair. Is Comrie trying to impress his Gossip Girl girlfriend with a MTV inspired haircut?

On further inspection, Comrie shaved three large lines on the left side of his temple.

I have no issue with steps, stripes, lines....whatever you want to call them. They're prevalent in many scenes: urban, white trash, European house music kids, as well as other sports, specifically basketball and soccer. Hell, even I've had them. However, Comrie's stripes are NOT so pretty or flattering. They're far too thick and obvious; very poor barber skills.  He already has a receding hairline so it just looks like he lost a chunk of hair. And perhaps he did, he likely he lost a bet and a teammate got shaver happy.

Another possibility could be that Mike Comrie is a Vikings fan, or in particular, a Jared Allen fan. I'm far from a Vikings supporter, but you gotta love a guy like Jared Allen. He's a beast on the field and thanks to his mullet hairstyle, you just know he's a party off of it. Maybe Mike just has a man-crush on  the aptly numbered 69.

Honestly, I get the Jared Allen love affair....from the front. He's the kind of guy you don't want to watch walking away after you've had some fun in the barn. But enough about me, let's talk about Mr. Mike Comrie. Maybe he decided to pay tribute to Allen with the hairstyle. He may have watched the below video for inspiration.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02LPy1CgJcQ]

Allen gets a razor line in his hair for every sack he makes during the regular season, like the Buckeyes' sticker program but, decidedly more hick. Well, Comrie has 3 assists (all season!), is that why he shaved 3 lines? Or maybe he stuffed the Duff 3 times the night before? We may never know, as he wore a Oilers' cap during the post game interviews last night.

But one thing is for certain when it comes to Comrie; the guy has an actress girlfriend, an NHL contract, and is the heir The Brick throne - he's RICH, BITCH!  He can at least afford a good barber and stylist...even in the less than vogue Edmonton. Is Comrie a fashion hairstyle victim or just another casualty of locker room hijinks? You be the judge, I'll be the style critic.