MLB

MUSTACHE INSTITUTE BACKS GIAMBI

The Yankees have discarded their stiff upper lip and called on the American Mustache Institute to help Jason Giambi make the American League All-Star team.

Giambi is one of five AL candidates in the “Final Vote” competition, which adds a player to each league’s team after fan and player voting selected the starters and reserves.

A press release put out by the Yankees states, “The American Mustache Institute officially offered their support for Giambi’s All-Star candidacy today.”

SEE THE PHOTOS: Famous New York Mustaches

“It doesn’t take a mathematician to figure out that Jason Giambi’s hitting prowess, plus a fashionable mustache, equals a bona fide All-Star,” Aaron Perlut, executive director of The American Mustache Institute, says in the release.

“Giambi’s significant first-half production as well as his powerful lip fur — indicating great intellect and good looks — make two very compelling reasons for his place on the American League All-Star roster.”

Giambi was batting .256 (63-for-246) with 13 doubles, 18 home runs, 53 RBIs in 78 games this season, leading the Yankees in walks, tying for tops in homers, and ranking second in RBIs.

He was tied for fifth in the American League in home runs, ranked seventh with a .393 on-base percentage, and ninth with a .537 slugging percentage.

Fans can vote for Giambi at http://www.yankees.com, or by texting ‘A2’ to 36197 (or 88555 for Yankees fans in Canada).

By voting online, fans will be entered to win one of five authentic Giambi autographed prizes, the release says.

The other contenders are White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, Royals outfielder Jose Guillen, Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, and Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts.

Voting ends at 5 p.m. Thursday.