Nestor Cortes was a just a baby-faced arm out of the Yankees’ bullpen.
And then he grew a mustache.
The rest is history.
The crafty lefty may be New York’s No. 5 starter, but he has pitched like an ace this season. His 1.41 ERA is second in the American League and no opponent has solved Cortes’ signature cutter yet.
Could Cortes’ power comes from his mustache? Sure, the spin rate and unique windup changes are also a factor, but think about it. Antiquated as the Yankees’ rule banning beards may be, those who have worn the mustache well have enjoyed success in pinstripes.