Josh Donaldson on Playoff Beards, Losing David Price and Grooming Like an MVP
In 2015, Josh Donaldson became the most electrifying man in baseball. The 30-year-old third baseman rocketed 41 homers and notched 123 RBIs, walked off a handful of the most exciting runs of the year, led the Jays to the postseason for the first time since 1993, and then capped it all off by claiming the American League MVP.
But can we talk about his hair for a minute? That glorious, totally bizarre side-shorn pseudo-ponytail augmented by inexplicable shaved lines was a spectacle in and of itself, yet another massive victory for a man who can’t stop winning. (Though, to be clear, we definitely wouldn’t recommend trying it at home.) All the talk about Donaldson’s next-level grooming choices this year have, inevitably, led him to become the new brand ambassador for Philips. So, naturally, we had to catch up with the Bringer of Rain to get his advice for looking fresh all season long.
Congrats on winning MVP. Was that ever in your sights during the season?
Thank you. You know, I really didn’t think about the MVP voting at all really throughout the year. It was probably when I hit the third walk-off homer this year against the Rays to end our season at home when I kind of knew it would become one of those signature moments. But that’s also being able to look back at it now. When you’re involved it in at the time, you’re wrapped up in helping your team win games.
A few weeks ago, everyone was talking about Toronto losing David Price. What was your take on it?
It was definitely tough. You want to have guys like that around. He was a big boost for our team last year. Especially in an area that we needed. Losing him this year, we have the opportunity fill the void left by him. But, he’s definitely going to be a missing piece of our team. It’s just a fact that he’s one of the best in the game.
On the other side of things, you must have been pretty happy that the offense has been kept intact.
Yeah! Everybody’s coming back, which is great. I mean, we were the best offense in the game last year. That’s always a good thing to be able to fall back on.
How do you prep for a new season?
The same way I always prep for every season: get my body ready, get my mind ready and to make sure I’m going to spring training. Those are the best ways I can help my team.
You’ve become pretty infamous for your facial hair and hairstyles. What does your daily grooming regime look like?
Well, to be honest, it changes throughout the year depending on where I want to go with my look. I like to switch up my hair and my beard occasionally. My Philips Shaver Series 9000 is great because it helps to get those tough-to-reach spots so nothing gets left behind. It’s how I keep my facial hair tight.
I already had a mullet! And if I felt like I needed it, I would go back and do it again.
Hockey seems to get all the glory when it comes to playoff beards, but I think baseball has some pretty respectable ones. Who do you think has the best beard in baseball, past or present?
I have to say, I think Russell Martin had a great beard this year. And, actually, Mike Napoli has a pretty nice beard himself, too.
We saw lots of fans in the stands rocking two things: a beard like Bautista and hair like yours. What’s it like to start a trend?
It’s definitely pretty cool just for the sheer fact that people are trying to copy you. And at the same time the reason they want to look like you is because of the part that you’re playing on the field. Which, of course, means that you have to continue doing your part.
Is there any grooming trend or look that you would never try out?
No. I don’t think there’s anything that I wouldn’t at least think about.
Even a mullet?
I already had a mullet! In 2012. And if I felt like I needed it, I would go back and do it again. [Laughs.] It’s been a long time since I shaved my head. It takes so long for my hair to grow, so I don’t know that I’d want to do that.
What are you looking forward to next season?
Hopefully taking that next step, reaching the World Series and winning the whole thing.
Any interesting run-ins with fans?
I rode my scooter to the field a lot this last season, and I’d get some pretty gnarly looks whenever people would recognize me. [Laughs.] But I was gone so quickly that by the time they realized, I was out of there. The fans were great this year. Some of the chants they’d get going really made me feel welcome and supported.
I read that you collect baseball cards. Is there one you’re hoping to add to your collection?
Yeah, I’d love to have the Mickey Mantle rookie card, either the Bowman or the Topps. They’re pretty expensive as of right now, but they’re both something that any baseball card collector would want. They’re priceless to collectors.
