It was just the latest development in a long line of facial hair history in Boston, the home of not only America's best sports city, but also some of the best facial hair in sports.
Mankins' beard is right near the top of the list, thanks to his ability to change things up on the fly. He can rock one gnarly beard when he grows it all the way out, but he's also shown versatility in going with an above-average fu manchu.
Johnny Damon drew comparisons to arguably the most recognizable beard in the history of, well, history, when he showed up to spring training of 2004 with a full beard and long hair. However, he may lose points because of his decision to leave Boston for New York, and as a result, trade in the beard for the clean-cut look.
Of course, it's not all about beards in Hub facial hair history. A couple of Boston's greatest athletes were mustachioed men. Celtics legend Larry Bird did much of his work with a soup-strainer on his upper lip (seriously, it's there), and Tim Thomas is all about his mustache when he's not growing out his bushy playoff beard.
Then, you have your X-factors. There's the late, great Rod Beck's pristine fu manchu. Scot Pollard's brief Celtics tenure gave us gems like this, and Kevin Youkilis continues to put on a facial hair clinic from year to year.
Who has the most memorable facial hair in Boston sports history?
