The Samson Effect

Forbes’ Tom Van Riper wonders whether the razor will sap the strength of the mighty CC Sabathia:

In order to join the Yankees, Sabathia will be required to shave off the beard he sported during his 2007 Cy Young Award season in Cleveland and his 2008 second-half surge in Milwaukee, when he carried the Brewers to the post season with an 11-2 record down the stretch. The Yankees should be hoping his pitching prowess doesn’t go with it.

Sabathia is just the latest in a long line of expensive acquisitions forced to face the Yankee clippers before being fitted for pinstripes. The wild look isn’t allowed in Yankee land–a basic mustache is OK, but long hair and beards are out. And the list of onetime wild men who found their strength sapped after leaving the barber’s chair is impressive. But don’t shed too many tears for the Samsons of the Bronx. They all know the rules: Take the Yankees money; bow to their corporate culture. It’s a tough deal to pass up; who wouldn’t shave for $161 million?

You laugh, but if it wasn’t for their rule against sideburns, Don Mattingly would probably be the Yankees’ manager this very day.