Stayin’ Alive
When I wrote this, Hall of Fame hurler Dennis Eckersley had just announced his retirement from baseball following a legendary pitching career and as a Boston Red Sox announcer after 20 glorious years at the mic. A well-deserved conclusion for one of the sport’s consummate gentlemen.
Aside from his astute commentary and effortless elegance, one thing has always gone unspoken about him. Eckersley, whose pop star good looks earned him a sizable female following in his day (see also Yankees heartthrob Bucky Dent), hails from the Disco era. And by his appearance, it seems he never left. While most stylish men who peaked in the 1970s have since morphed into overweight, ponytailed Harley-riding clones, Eckersley, at 67, aged remarkably well-preserved. He may be the last man on earth who rocks a feathered, longish center-part, over the ear, clipped sideburns, party in back, blow-dried hairstyle and porn ’stache, an uninterrupted throughline to the BeeGees. On anyone else it would be mocked mercilessly. Though, against all odds, Eckersley pulls it off with aplomb. It suits him, and it’s hard to imagine him any other way. If anyone could make it cool again, it’s Eck. The only other American legend who defies stylistic gravity and remained true to themselves is Dolly Parton. So Dennis, as for staying the course, you’re in rarefied company. Enjoy your sunset years, sir, and thanks for the memories. As an ace pitcher, sports ambassador, and family man, you made America a better place. —JH
