Perhaps looking to channel their inner Samson, some sports players have let their beards and locks grow shaggy for a supernaturally hairy edge on their opponents. The practice was first noticed in the NHL, but has since spread to athletes from across all other sports. Most notably — especially for a sport that prides itself on its clean-cut image — tennis great Bjorn Borg would grow out his beard for Wimbledon. The tradition resulted in five consecutive tournament wins from 1976-1980. Perhaps the World Anti-Doping Agency should add Rogaine to its list of performance-enhancing drugs.
Top 10 Sports Superstitions
From the playoff beard to lucky shorts, sport stars are fond of using of unconventional measures to ensure their team's success in the big game. As the 2011 World Series kicks off, TIME takes a look at superstitions that have become intertwined with the wide world of sports