It's high time facial hair got the respect it deserves in the world of sports.
Sure, hockey players cultivate it during the Stanley Cup playoffs, but that doesn't make up for months of neglect during the regular season. And what about the way it's portrayed in ads -- as a nuisance to be eradicated by creams and implements hawked by the likes of Derek Jeter and Tiger Woods.
So thank goodness for November -- or "Movember" as it has come to be known -- the month when men around the world are free to let their facial follicles flourish. For not only does growing a moustache raise awareness about prostate cancer, it celebrates one of the things that makes us special.
And while we might not be able to skate, shoot or pass like Sidney Crosby, we can all certainly grow a better moustache than he can.
10. George Parros
"The moustache is the physical embodiment of all that is manly," Anaheim Ducks enforcer George Parros wrote on his blog recently. Easy for him to say. His jet-black soup-strainer -- with accompanying soul patch -- has made him one of the NHL's most popular tough guys. Like Chuck Norris's beard, it is believed Parros's moustache hides not his upper lip, but another fist.
9. Craig Stadler
Nicknamed the Walrus for his blond (now grey) moustache and portly build, Craig Stadler was one of the best golfers of the late '70s and early '80s -- a waddling, curmudgeonly alternative to the smiling, smooth-faced clones that populate the PGA Tour. If Wilford Brimley was a professional golfer, he would be Craig Stadler.
8. Goose Gossage
Everyone remembers the infamous "pine tar" game in 1983, when Kansas City slugger George Brett was mistakenly called out for having too much pine tar on his bat. What the umps failed to notice, though, was the fact that Yankees reliever Goose Gossage -- the man who yielded Brett's homer -- should have been ejected for having a chipmunk glued to his upper lip.
7. Mark Spitz
How awesome was '70s swimming legend Mark Spitz? While all his competitors were saving hundredths of seconds by taking a Bic to their arms, legs and everywhere in-between, Spitz was rockin' a shaggy porn-star 'stache. Despite the increased water resistance, he still managed to win nine Olympic gold medals ... and looked damn good doing it.
6. John Newcombe
Three-time Wimbledon champion John Newcombe became so famous for his droopy, elongated lip-tickler that he actually registered it as a trademark. The Australian icon was also rumoured to have insured his Mexican-style Zapata for $13 million, although he now denies it.
5. Al Hrabosky
More of a performance artist than a pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals reliever Al (The Mad Hungarian) Hrabosky became known for stomping around the mound, slamming the ball into his glove and staring down batters during his heyday in the 1970s. Part of the act was his Fu Manchu, which hung down to his chin and theoretically made him appear more imposing to batters.
4. Dale Earnhardt
When Dale Earnhardt's No. 3 Chevy spun into the wall at the 2001 Daytona 500, the racing world lost not only one of its greatest drivers, but also one of its greatest moustaches. Along with his trademark wraparound sunglasses, Earnhardt's cookie duster helped block out any trace of emotion on his face, enhancing his reputation as the Intimidator.
3. Ion Tiriac
A Romanian tennis pro who teamed up with countryman Ilie Nastase to win the U.S. Open doubles in 1970, Ion Tiriac gained greater fame as the manager of Boris Becker in the '80s and '90s. But despite his many accomplishments, none could measure up to his imposing face fungus, which made him look like one of the monsters from Sesame Street.
2. Lanny McDonald
During a Hall of Fame career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and Colorado Rockies, Lanny McDonald became just as famous for his red walrus moustache as he did for his goal-scoring exploits. Little known fact -- during fights, opponents would often get their hands tangled in Lanny's whiskers, leaving them unable to defend themselves.
1. Rollie Fingers
During spring training before the 1972 season, Oakland A's owner Charlie Finley offered a $300 bonus to the player who could grow the best moustache. The winner was relief pitcher Rollie Fingers, whose waxed handlebar soon became his signature. Although his stats as a pitcher were excellent, Fingers was actually inducted into the Hall of Fame on the strength of his 'stache alone.
Honorable mention
Arizona reliever Clay Zavada, St. Louis shortstop Brendan Ryan, former NFL punter Scott Player, Hall of Fame first baseman Cap Anson, Ben Stiller in Dodgeball, the entire East German women's swim team, South African runner Caster Semenya, Got Milk? ads featuring Ana Ivanovic and Serena Williams.
Disagree with our picks? E-mail yours to topten@sunmedia.ca
