Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers was a thorn in the side of the Reds in the 1972 World Series, appearing in six games in the Oakland A’s 4-3 series win. But, in the offseason of 1986 he almost signed with Cincinnati, except he refused to shave off his trademark handlebar mustache.
On Feb. 21, 1986, Fingers called the Reds’ clubhouse and informed General Manager Bill Bergesch that he wasn’t going to part with his mustache and turned down the team’s invitation to spring training. The Reds at the time had a no beards or mustache policy.