Why Is Joe Growing a Beard?

I started growing a beard pretty innocently when I was in El Paso, TX on a business trip. The reason?  I just forgot to pack a razor, but now my beard means so much more.

So I travel a lot for work. On a trip to El Paso in September, I forgot razors so I didn't shave for a few days. I did, however, get to pump my own gas!

Then I came home, and just didn't shave. So I started posting selfies using the hashtag #ScruffyJoe.

I am a HUGE (lifelong) fan of the Chicago Cubs. So it was when I posted that selfie that a coworker suggested I grow "a playoff beard." A playoff beard is more common in the NHL and NBA playoffs, but lots of professional athletes grow them when their team is in the playoffs.

I decided to do it. But I WAS going to shave it before last night's NLDS game 1 (The Cubs vs. the Giants). I figured I'd start fresh.

Then I got tired around 7 o'clock (because the game was a 9 o'clock start). So I held off, and promised myself I would shave my beard today (Saturday) IF the Cubs lost last night.

The Cubs won a nail biter of a game last night! So I won't be shaving anytime soon (I hope). The next I shave the Cubs will either be the World Champions or have been eliminated from playoff competition.

The last scheduled day for possible playoff competition in baseball's season is November 2. So somewhere between now and November 3, I'll be shaving. But if you see #ScruffyJoe on the streets this week just know I am doing it for the Cubs.