Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider and bench coach Don Mattingly watch the bullpen sessions at the Blue Jays Player Development Complex. Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Don Mattingly sports new look at Blue Jays spring training

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated 2/24/24

Throughout his 14-year career with the New York Yankees, Don Mattingly famously wore a mustache. It was the extent of facial hair permitted in the Bronx but not something he rebelled against once he put on a different uniform.

While serving as manager for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins, Mattingly was generally clean-shaven.

Now in his second year serving as bench coach of the Toronto Blue Jays, Mattingly has decided to go in the exact opposite direction. Earlier this week, as the team reported for spring training, Donnie Baseball debuted his bold new look.

“Mattingly! I thought I told you to trim those sideburns!” pic.twitter.com/6oy8SpmREy

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 23, 2024

A noticeably slimmer Hulk Hogan was seen in uniform at the Blue Jays complex this morning pic.twitter.com/6k9hPSVnLz

— Not Gaetti (@notgaetti) February 23, 2024

Some were quick to speculate about Mattingly’s new look, suggesting he was sending a message to the Yankees about their out-of-date policy or perhaps to the Baseball Hall of Fame after his many snubs.

Only Mattingly knows for sure and thus far, he hasn’t elaborated on the all-salt, no-pepper beard. But one thing is for certain — the abundance of facial hair is a notable change in the book of "The Hit Man."

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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