The story of the stache

Miller, my wife’s cousin, has taken to triathlons in recent years and is doing quite well. But I contribute his fitness level to his mustache. You should see it. It has an impressive ability to curl at odd angles that make him look a combination of diabolical and a little old-fashioned. He also applies wax to it even when running at 8 a.m. Miller may not think his mustache gave him his mojo, and maybe it did not. But I guarantee it did.

And for some reason, Giambi believes his ’70s-style stache has contributed to his recent batting resurgence. Giambi started growing his mustache during his early-season slump, but now has 18 homers and 54 RBI and was a candidate for the final roster spot for the American League All-Star team but ultimately lost out.

After all, Johnny Damon, before he became a Yankee, had quite an impressive batting reputation and a full beard. Now, he is visiting the disabled list for the first time in his career — sans beard. Coincidence? I think not.

There may or may not be a correlation to one’s mojo and facial hair. One of our production artists — Nick Perry — said he believes a beard is a place in which pheromones are collected and stored. And that is direct evidence mojo is not necessarily perceived. However, the theory will be placed into action next week since I offered him $20 to grow a mustache for one week. We will see how it goes and grows.

Daily Journal publisher Jerry Lee didn’t shave for a few weeks when his wife was about to give birth for some sort of solidarity. That’s mojo.

Daily Journal Sports Editor Nathan Mollat reports his wife has yet to see his face without his goatee and mustache. And Daily Journal Copy Editor Erik Oeverndiek says he is trying to determine if a beard or goatee is the right choice for him. And just by looking at my column, you should know I’ve had the facial hair for quite some time. In fact, some might claim I look to be a combination of Anton LaVey, Nikolai Lenin and Andre Aggasi. Not to mention that the bald head and goatee also has me looking eerily like many bank robbers in the county. Mojo? I don’t know.

I still go for the look that I have, but I have yet to decide if it gives me any mojo. Maybe I should get some wax. Just like Max.

Jon Mays is the editor in chief of the Daily Journal. He can be reached at jon@smdailyjournal.com.