Skip to content

Joba Chamberlain has a beard, new glasses, and has lost 15 to 20 pounds

Click here to access our MLB Tracker, which includes every offseason rumor, trade and signing.

Joba Chamberlain is a new man. The Detroit News' Lynn Henning writes that Chamberlain, freed from facial-hair constraints in the Bronx, has a beard (photo evidence in the post below this one), is sporting new glasses, and has lost 15 to 20 pounds since signing with the Tigers:

"Chamberlain was placed on a conditioning and nutrition program designed and supervised by Javair Gillett, the Tigers’ strength and conditioning coordinator. The new program, which has resulted in a new Chamberlain, is part of a long, two-year recovery from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

"The regimen is so customized to Chamberlain’s needs it involved the hiring of a personal chef, Aaron Young, who has become a pitcher’s super-hero in the weeks since Young began serving up protein-rich, sugar-poor menus."

The secret to Chamberlain's weight loss (other than the personal chef)? Seafood. He has fish three or four times a week. 

As for the glasses, Chamberlain thinks they make him look smarter. And the beard, well, everyone who leaves the Yankees has to grow a beard. Simply because he can. 

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski is expecting big things from Chamberlain this year:

"We like him, we’ve liked him in the past. He’s in great shape. Sometimes, you need a change in scenery. We think he’s going to be a very important part of our bullpen."

Part of Chamberlain's makeover is also going back to his roots. His fastball, in particular:

"I walked too many batters last year. It was frustrating. I don’t walk guys. Part of it is trusting my fastball again, too."

Chamberlain walked 26 batters in 42 innings last year, his walk rate a sky-high 5.57. The 2013 season was a nightmare for Chamberlain all around. His 4.93 ERA, 5.64 FIP, and 1.74 WHIP were all career highs. 

As a free agent, Chamberlain had one goal, and that was to play for the Tigers:

"It was the first place I wanted to play. From afar, I could see the ballclub and the fun they have.

"Playing baseball should not be pressure. It’s a game. I chose to join a great team, and a great organization, in a great sports town."

One last weight-loss tip from Mr. Chamberlain: water. "I probably go to the washroom 14 times a day," he said. 

We're proud of you, Joba, even though we didn't need to know that last bit of information. 

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox