Former major league reliever Brian Wilson ditches his iconic beard

Brian Wilson, a former reliever for the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers, has not played in the majors since 2014.

But new years are for new beginnings, right?

Wilson is attempting to return to baseballafter a near three-year absence -- and hopes to do so as a knuckleballer.

It seems that Wilson's new baseball persona requires a new look.

The pitcher is sporting a clean-shaven face while taking what appears to be some practice throws. Normally, going beardless wouldn't be that remarkable for anyone; but Wilson's full-grown beard was his trademark look -- the James Harden of baseball, one might say.

Will losing the beard help Wilson win a spot on a major league roster? Time will tell.

--Meaghan Latella