Dallas Keuchel’s Fashion Statement? His Big, Lucky Beard

He doesn’t fear the beard. Dallas Keuchel, starting pitcher for the Houston Astros, has embraced the full facial hair look and it’s working for him on and off the field. Coming off a breakout season in 2014, the lefty started the 2015 All-Star Game for the American League, where he — and his beard — generated a fan following of hirsute look-alikes.

WWD caught up with the All-Star at MLB Network’s studios in Secaucus, N.J., this week to find out what started it all, the secret to a healthy beard, and why he studied fashion merchandising in college.

Tell us the story of your beard? When and why did you start to grow one?

Dallas Keuchel: It started when two of my best buddies back home kind of dared me to grow it out all season last year. I did that and once the season ended, I couldn’t really shave it just because of the superstition of me having a pretty good year. And now we’re here 17 months later.

Take us through your grooming regime — any special tricks or tips to keep your beard in shape?

DK: There were a few articles that came out about gentlemen and their beards not being clean, but I can attest that I shampoo and condition this thing twice a day, so it’s about as clean as you’re going to get it. A lot of brushing, a lot of combing, a lot of beard oil to keep it healthy. I’ve learned a few tricks the past couple months. I just try to keep it as nice as possible without it getting too bushy.

Is it high-maintenance when you’re eating or working out?

DK: I’m very cautious of when I eat — don’t want to get anything in the beard. That’s one of my biggest fears, but usually nothing really ever gets in it. I don’t ever get it tangled up. I wake up and it’s not all over the place. It’s neat just like this, it really is. I don’t know how, but it is.

Your beard has quite a fan following. Did you expect that it would be so notable?

DK: No, that wasn’t anything that I really thought about. I guess when the team started getting better, it got more notoriety. They have Keuchel’s Korner now at Minute Maid Park and then they give out T-shirts and fake beards. It’s pretty cool to see the support, but it was nothing that I thought would turn into a kind of frenzy.

We heard you were a fashion merchandising major in college. What interested you in that?

DK: I always had a love for shoes and athleticwear. And I figured I’d have a great in with baseball, if I could get in the professional ranks and up to the major leagues that would be a great boost to my life after baseball. And I know it’s not going to last forever so I might as well get my foot in the door while I’m at it.

Do you follow fashion while you’re playing?

DK: Absolutely. It’s something — not the New York fashion clothing lines — but just athleticwear and shoes. I’m a big fan of Nike and Jordans, so I collect a fair share of those sneakers. I got rid of a lot, but I’ve probably got around 65 or 70 pairs. I’m trying to get more into detailed shoes that I’m going to keep for a while.