Fingers Invited to Get a Shave

[bernieh]

[i:670ab89954]originally printed: The Sporting News, February 17, 1986[/i:670ab89954]

CINCINNATI — How much do the Cincinnati Reds adhere to their no-mustache rule? Here's how much: Rollie Fingers, whose 341 saves in 18 years are the major league record, has been invited to spring training with the Reds on condition that he go to camp as a non-roster player and that he shave the handlebar mustache that has been his trademark.

Fingers, 39, had arm problems and was released by the Milwaukee Brewers after last season. The Reds are interested in giving the righthander a trial as a middle reliever.

General Manager Bill Bergesch said Fingers' agent, Jerry Kapstein, initiated the talks with the Reds. "I don’t know if it’s going to work out, but I believe he's interested in us,” he said of Fingers.

As for Fingers' mustache, Bergesch said, "I don't know how he feels about it, but its important to us.”