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Baseball Mullet: Business In The Front, Party In The Outfield

Written by Chris 

Published on February 22, 2024

The baseball mullet, a haircut with short hair in the front and a party in the back, is making a massive comeback in today's game. Once seen as a passing trend, the modern day baseball mullet is gaining popularity again with the younger crowd. Baseball needed a dose of fun, so seeing a bunch of 'Joe Dirts' running around on the field has definitely livened up the game and brought smiles to many faces.


I have a funny-shaped head, which made me wary of experimenting with my hair as a kid. But one day, I threw caution to the wind and joined the trend of shaving double lines above each ear. If I had stopped there, it would've been okay. But, I didn't. I asked the barber to shave my baseball number into the back of my head and to give me a flat top. The model for my daring hairstyle? Kid 'N Play.


As a white kid with super straight hair, I was in over my head. The moment of truth came when my crush asked, "Why did you do that to your hair?" It was then I realized my mistake. But I digress.


This article will get into the resurgence of the mullet in today's baseball culture. We will also share a lineup of our favorite mullet-wearing players.

History of The Baseball Mullet

In the '70s and '80s, rock stars like David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Keith Richards, and Paul McCartney each rocked a mullet, which helped influence its popularity in various subcultures. As the hairstyle became more mainstream, it soon caught the attention of many MLB baseball players who embraced the style.


The 1980s represented the peak of the mullet and it was a big hit with baseball players. Players like John Kruk, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Randy Johnson, and Cory Snyder were known for their impressive mullets. The popularity of this hairstyle in baseball really showed what many players were like back then - they weren't afraid to be bold, self-assured, and a little bit different, both during the game and in their everyday lives.


Life was quite different back then. People loved to let loose and have fun. They didn't worry as much about always saying the right thing or following strict rules. It was a more free-spirited time, and this was reflected in the way people expressed themselves, including their hairstyles.


Indeed, the mullet matched this decade perfectly. In fact, the saying "business in the front, party in the back" pretty much summed up the 80s vibe. Similarly, the short hair in the front was professional and serious, mirroring the business-like approach players took to the game. But the long hair in the back was all about having fun and showing off a wild side, much like the lively parties and the free-wheeling lifestyle people enjoyed off the field.

Iconic Baseball Mullets

The baseball mullet GOAT has to be Rod Beck. His look was complete with a mustache, making him the real-life Kenny Powers. Another famous baseball mullet belonged to Randy Johnson. Known as "The Big Unit," Johnson complemented his intimidating presence on the mound with serious baseball flow.


Mitch Williams, a former relief pitcher for the Phillies, also embraced the mullet look. His wild hair, fiery pitching style, and intense demeanor earned him the nickname "Wild Thing." Additionally, Mike Piazza, a legendary catcher for the Dodgers and Mets, had a mullet during his time in the Majors.

Top 10 baseball mullets:

1. Rod Beck

Rod Beck was not only known for his skills as a relief pitcher but also for his mullet and handlebar mustache. This combo made him one of the most recognizable figures in the game.

2. Randy Johnson

Johnson brought the heat with his pitches as well as his hair. His 6'10" frame was capped off with a magnificent mullet.

3. John Kruk 

Kruk's mullet was a testament to his no-frills approach to baseball. His hairstyle reflected the hard-nosed, everyman persona that made him a fan-favorite.

4. Dennis Eckersley

Eck was just as well-known for his hair as he was for his game. His famous mullet added a little bit of rockstar swagger to his mound presence.

5. Mark McGwire

McGwire's career was marked by numerous records, including a memorable home run race in 1998. In his early playing days, he rocked a fantastic mullet.

6. Bo Bichette

Bichette has embraced the mullet, giving it a modern twist. He's injecting a dose of retro-cool into today's game and inspiring a possible mullet resurgence.

7. Jose Canseco

Canseco was one of the biggest stars in the 90s and sported a beautiful mullet. Known for his power and charismatic personality, Canseco was also the first player in history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a season.

8. Pedro Martinez

Pedro dominated the mound as well as the haircut department. Off the field, Martinez also had a distinctive style, including an impressive mullet that added a touch of flamboyance to his persona.

9. Mitch Williams

Nicknamed "Wild Thing", Williams was a reliever known for an intense style that kept fans and opponents on their toes. Off the field, Williams sported a striking mullet haircut.

10. Jeff Bagwell

Bagwell's HOF career began with a classic baseball mullet.

Baseball Mullet Variations

As time has passed, baseball mullets have evolved into a versatile and varied style. For instance, one classic variation of the baseball mullet is the curly mullet, which adds volume and flair by incorporating natural curls or permed curls into the longer back section. Consequently, this baseball mullet perm can result in an edgier look and is popular among those with naturally curly hair.

I never thought I'd hear my son ask if I can take him to the salon to get a perm.
- baseball mom
 

For those looking for a bolder approach, the mohawk mullet combines the traditional mohawk with the longer hair of a mullet. This variation often features tapered sides leading up to a central strip of longer hair, which can be spiked or styled in various ways.


Another popular trend in baseball mullets is the integration of different fades, such as the taper fade or burst fade, which gradually blend the shorter hair on the sides into the longer hair on top and in the back. This creates a smooth and stylish transition between lengths and can be tailored for different hair types.


For a more clean-cut look, the straight-side combed mullet features combed hair on the sides and back, providing a more polished appearance. This style is good for those who prefer to keep the classic mullet design while incorporating modern trends like slick back or quiff hairstyles.


The baseball mullet continues to evolve and adapt, offering a wide variety of styles and modifications for different tastes and hair types. Whether it's a classic 80s look or something more modern, there's a baseball mullet variation out there for everyone.

Hair Care and Styling Tips

Taking care of your baseball mullet requires attention to detail and the right products. To maintain a stylish and edgy look on and off the field, follow these essential hair care and styling tips.

First and foremost, regular trims are crucial to keep your mullet looking sharp. Focus on trimming the short hair on top and maintaining the undercut on the sides.

For those who prefer a sleek and stylish look, you can use pomade for molding your short hair at the front into the shape you want it. You can also use a strong hold gel for a spiky effect. Remember that the messier your mullet is, the better it looks.

Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is also essential for maintaining the health of your mullet. Opt for products that are specifically formulated for your hair type, whether it be dry, oily, or color-treated hair.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of mullets. They're so many styles to choose from but the key is to find the right mullet style that suits your personality.

Baseball Caps and Mullet Hairstyles

Mullet hairstyles have a long history within the world of baseball. Their unique look and appeal have left a lasting impact on the sport's culture.


One of the main advantages of the mullet haircut when combined with a baseball cap is the hair's ability to flow out from underneath the cap. By having shorter hair in the front, players can comfortably wear their hats while keeping the hair out of their faces during the games.


In recent years, there has been a resurgence of the mullet among baseball players and fans. The modern mullet typically features tapered sides, longer hair in the back, and a variety of lengths in the front for added versatility. These adaptations have brought the mullet back into the spotlight, presenting a whole new generation with the opportunity to embrace this style.

Final Thoughts

The trend of baseball drip, long hair, and mullets isn't just seen in professional baseball, but also in little league games. Players of all ages, from the youngest to the most experienced, are choosing this hairstyle because it's fun and helps them stand out. Even at local games, it's not rare to see different versions of mullets. The popularity of this hairstyle isn't decreasing. In fact, it looks like the mullet is here to stay in baseball for a while.