Sean Doolittle's clean-shaven photo was an elaborately planned April Fool's joke

A's reliever Sean Doolittle is known for his huge red beard, so this Tuesday tweet was quite a surprise:

After the game last night, I decided it was time for a change. New season, new look! Keepin it clean in 2K14! pic.twitter.com/1xHssTSxH8

- Sean Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) April 1, 2014

The Twittersphere's reaction was one of shock:

@whatwouldDOOdo A little warning would've been nice before something that drastic.

- Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) April 1, 2014

@Athletics @whatwouldDOOdo whoa!! mind blown!

- Thomas Attila Lewis (@tomdog) April 1, 2014

@whatwouldDOOdo It is like I don't even know you

- Sully Baseball (@sullybaseball) April 1, 2014

Doolittle's girlfriend, Eireann Dolan, let her thoughts on the news be known:

@whatwouldDOOdo what does @EireannDolan think of the new look?!?!

- Jamie Campbell (@CampbellJamie) April 1, 2014

@CampbellJamie @whatwouldDOOdo I'm still in mourning

- Eireann Dolan (@EireannDolan) April 1, 2014

There's no question that bare face is Doolittle's, but it turns out he hasn't submitted to the razor after all:

April Fools! I took the previous pic in Jan '13 specifically for this joke! Been setting you guys up this whole time! pic.twitter.com/PvhxWEZvvA

- Sean Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) April 1, 2014

In other words, this April Fool's joke was in the works for at least 15 months. Well played, Doolittle.