Joe Maddon growing a beard to help Cubs win World Series

Joe Maddon has noticed a pattern among championship-winning coaches in Chicago, they all had facial hair.

Joe Maddon has noticed a pattern among championship-winning coaches in Chicago, they all had facial hair.

In an effort to get his new team out of its century-long title slump, the formerly clean-shaven skipper has been doing his best to grow a beard this season.

Maddon recently explained his theory in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times’ Marc Topkin, adding that growing a beard is not exactly his strong suit.

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"So since facial hair is the key, I thought I would take it the next level," Maddon said. "I'm trying. I've always been challenged. But I'm not giving up on it."

The Cubs are currently in third place in the NL Central and positioned in the final National League Wild Card slot.