Tampa Bay Rays: RIP Colby Rasmus’ Beard

Colby Rasmus became an internet sensation for a couple of days after Picture Day for the Tampa Bay Rays due to his beard. Unfortunately, the beard has met its untimely end.

Picture Day in Spring Training can be a wondrous time of year. Some truly entertaining pictures can happen, from players photobombing one another to just the general awkwardness of the subjects. Then, there are those pictures that just stand out for their own merit.

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Colby Rasmus had a picture that did exactly that. With his long, Amish style beard, Rasmus’ image went viral, turning him into a household name for a few days. Given the popularity of his beard, one had to hope that it would last throughout the season.

Alas, that was not the case. Rasmus showed up at camp yesterday sans beard, almost unrecognizable as he was clean shaven. Apparently, he had decided to grow his hair back out, leading to an ultimatum from his wife to lose the beard. She was fine with either the beard or the long hair, but not with both.

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As the long hair and the beard would have made Rasmus look like the caveman from the old Geiko advertisements, one can understand Mrs. Rasmus’ objections. After all, she is the one that needs to live with him, putting up with that look for an extended period of time.

And yet, as fans, we cannot help but feel as though we have lost something truly magical. That combination of the long, straggly hair from his time with the Astros, coupled with the Amish beard, would have been quite the look. No one would have been able to mistake Rasmus at any point in time. And if he was able to hit for the Rays, he could have quickly become a fan favorite.

Fortunately, there is hope that we can have our dream come true, and Rasmus will complete the look. He admitted to being surprised with the attention that his beard had received, and quite enjoyed it. Despite his wife’s disapproval, he is considering bringing it back, possibly leading to quite the look in the outfield by the end of the year.

Next: New faces for 2017

Colby Rasmus may have shaved his beard, but it may not be gone for good. Instead, the Tampa Bay Rays outfielder is already contemplating its return.