When Atlanta Braves starter Spencer Strider took the mound against the Cubs on Tuesday, something was very different. The good news is that Strider actually looked quite good and pitched himself out of trouble when things got rocky. While most fans will take six innings of two-run ball with eight strikeouts from Strider every time especially given his recent struggles, it was the absence of Strider's mustache that stole the show.
For the entirety of Strider's big league career, he sported what was a majestic mustache. While not exactly to the level of King Kelly's legendary 'stache, Strider's mustache was becoming his calling card and he may have had the best facial hair in all of baseball. It was admittedly weird when it included a beard as well given that a mustache that glorious needs to have the whole spotlight.
However, when Strider began his start against Chicago, he was completely clean shaven and Braves fans were shook.
Spencer Strider pitched great against the Cubs, but at what cost?
To say that Braves fans were shocked to see Strider clean-shaven like he had just signed with the Yankees is a bit of an understatement. Some simply couldn't understand what they were looking at including additional observations on what socks he was wearing.
High socks, no beard, I don't even know who this is anymore
— Min Sub (Mitchell) (@MinSub4) September 9, 2025
Where is the real Spencer Strider?? pic.twitter.com/xnhKE5XWa8
This was far from an isolated opinion. Fans and experts alike weighed in all evening long on the absence of his mustache with most hoping that he would bring it back because he looks like a teenager without it and it freaked folks out. If the results hadn't been good, we probably would have seen more references to the cutting of Samson's hair and that could still easily happen the next time he struggles.
Strider was probably just looking to change things up as he searches for answers as to why his stuff hasn't played the way it used to and how to fix it. Given that he looked stronger in that start than he has in a while, there is a real chance that he could just stay clean shaven. Is that worth the cost?
No, it isn't. Spencer, take a dive. Figure out some other good luck charm to bring the ride in your fastball. Baseball fans everywhere need your mustache back.