The Nicknames of Major League Baseball 2021

Introduction

This book was designed as a reference tool. The authors have included as many nicknames as we could possibly find. When possible, the origins of those nicknames are included. Many players had more nicknames than years of major league experience, some even more than Major League games played. Some of the names were gained at birth for a variety of reasons. Others were acquired during their playing careers. Some make sense. Some make no sense.

In addition to serving as a general reference, the book will also provide enjoyable reading and a guidebook for some baseball-related word games. Try making a menu for dinner using only baseball nicknames from Major League players.

That is fairly easy because there are so many choices, from breakfast cereal to after-dinner cookies or nuts.

Here is a word game for baseball fans. If we say BABE, what is the first name that comes to mind? Most fans will say Ruth. But there are at least 30 other Babes listed in this book who played in the Major Leagues.

Babe is not the most common nickname. That unimaginative moniker belongs to

Lefty. The authors found nearly 200 instances where a player, pitchers for the most part, were called Lefty. Following that were more than 170 players who were big: Big Stan, Big Bill, Big whatever or whomever. Some were called big because they were, at least in size, sometimes in stature. Others were called big because they were extremely short for the major leagues.

Another category was based on hair color: 145 were Red; only 35 were Whitey.

The 13 players referred to as Baldy or Bald [anything] were probably underrepresenting that particular group.

There were at least 83 players referred to as Doc and another 10 as Dr. or

Doctor. Some of these actually were doctors, either before, during, or after their baseball careers.

Other more popular nicknames included, in no particular order, Buck, Bud, Cy, and Rube. Twenty-one players were referred to as the Franchise. Kid may sometimes have referred to a player whose coach or manager could not pronounce or remember his name.

Some players were referred to by a location. For instance, Casey Stengel got his nickname because he was from Kansas City, which became KC, which in turn became Casey. Nearly 100 players had a nickname including a reference to a location, either a city, state, or region.

Many players used their middle names. We tried to ignore these. More than 50

players chose to be known simply by their initials, either first and last or first and middle, occasionally all three.

Species of bird were considerably under-represented. We found Warbler, Vulture, Sparrow, Robin, and just plain Bird.

For those interested in food, there are 43 mentions of various foods from Buttermilk to Yams. That does not include animals that provide food, such as chicken, various varieties of seafood, and beef. That list has names from Ant to Weasel. There are birds, real and imagined, along with some non-existent creatures like Unicorn, Werewolf, Dragon, or Ghost.

Many players have adopted names of people. Some were given these names at birth. Why their parents did not give those players their nicknames as actual names is something we will probably never know. Others received them in honor or memory of a favorite player, someone to strive to emulate. Most interesting in that category is Mickey Mantle. He was named after Mickey Cochrane. Mantle was said to be very happy that his parents did not know that Cochrane was really named Gordon. Mantle hated the thought of being named Gordan Mantle.

Some players were called Pat, Bill, Marty, or almost anything else. Some had female names, like Mary or Liz. Others were named after cartoon characters.

For readers who crave their childhood memories of cops and robbers, or cowboys and Indians, good news awaits: there is only one Outlaw and three Killers. They have only eight Bullets and five Shotguns. They would undoubtedly lose to the 18

Sheriffs, one member of the Police, and two Officers . The good guys report to 14

Captains, 35 Chiefs, 6 Colonels, 3 Generals, 4 Majors, and The Lone Ranger.

Mention the King of Swing: baseball fans again think of Babe Ruth. Many older folks think of Benny Goodman. Benny did not play baseball, but that’s all right.

Ruth didn’t play the clarinet. Many of the older readers may have liked Ike, but that is not referring to the 17 Major League baseball players with that nickname.

We hope you enjoy this book as much as we enjoyed preparing it. We relied on information available from hundreds of sources and hundreds of writers. We remain eternally grateful for their efforts.

All errors are ours.

The authors

A Note About Certain Nicknames

A number of nicknames are very common. Every player, primarily pitchers, who bats and throws left-handed is going to be nicknamed Lefty at some point. Every player with red hair or a reddish complexion is eventually going to get stuck with the nickname Red or 'Reddy. The nickname of

Whitey generally refers to light or white hair. We leave off those explanations. In less politically correct times, almost every player who came to the big leagues from a country or foreign background, often uneducated, was nicknamed something akin to 'Rube' or Dutch by his

more worldly colleagues. Similarly, a lot of players who bore a dark complexion were called Nig

or Niggy, the origin of the term requiring no further explanation.

Many players have a familiar name that is just a shortened version of one of their given names or a name with a ‘y’ or ‘ie’ added, while some prefer to be known just by their initials or a middle name instead of an actual nickname. The former can't be considered actual nicknames by any standards and are often not included in this list. It is debatable whether the latter should be properly considered nicknames, but they are included here for the unique manner in which they identify the individual. Also not necessarily included in this list are interchangeable names such as 'Jack' for 'John' and 'Hal' for 'Harold', etc.

Some players are given nicknames by their peers that recall another player who was highly regarded, because they seem to have a certain respected quality that characterized that other player. The context in which such a nickname is given is important, since the two players will have also played the same positions. A pitcher might be nicknamed Cy or Rube in this way, in reference to Cy Young or Rube Waddell; a power hitter might be tagged with 'Babe', for Babe Ruth, and so on.

In many cases, it isn't at all clear why the player got his unique nickname – Wagon Tongue and

Dorf, for example - and in other cases it is all too obvious – Three-Fingered and One-Armed

being the prime examples of that situation. Who first gave a nickname may also be a mystery that may be lost in time, unless someone who actually knows first-hand can fill in the blanks and provide that information for baseball historians.

NOTES:

For this book, we have accepted the definition of a Major League and of team names from Baseball-Reference.com, even when the MLB website may disagree, especially for those teams which played in the early days of the sport. For that reason, we also do not include the Negro Leagues, although some great players played in that venue and, based on recent MLB action, will surely be included in the next edition of this book.

We have used parentheses to indicate middle names, even if only an initial or two middle names: (James, Billy John). For first and middle names that do not match the listed name, brackets: [John David]. For pronunciation, we use braces: {MAR-tell}. Some pronunciations are not listed exactly as editors may like but are listed as the authors deem easiest for broadcasters.

Some names may not appear as they do on Baseball-Reference.com. That has more to do with the quirks of putting together this tome than for any other reason. Please do not attempt to insert any importance to that ocurrence.

In the index, many nicknames have names attached (for instance, Uncle Tom, Miltie, etc.; or Happy Jack, Bill, etc.). These may be referenced only by the adjective (Honest, Home Run, Rowdy) but are listed completely by player.

The Players

Aardsma David (Allan)

The DA

Giants, Cubs, White Sox, Red Sox, Mariners, Yankees, Mets, Braves, 2004-2015

Aaron, Henry (Louis)

Hammer;

Hammerin’ Hank

From teammates for his power.

Bad Henry

Given by opposing pitchers.

Pork Chops

First nickname ( minor leagues), given because it was the only thing I knew to order off the menu.

Braves, Brewers, 1954-1976

Abad, Fausto (Andres)

Andy

Athletics, Red Sox, Reds, 2001-2006

Abbaticchio, Ed [Edward James]

Batty

A shortened version of his name and not because of his mental actions.

Beaneaters, Pirates, Doves, Phillies, 1897-1910

Abbott, Dan [Leander Franklin]

Big Dan

Inspired by his size (5’11", 190 lbs.).

Maumees, 1890

Aber, Al [Albert Julius]

Lefty

Indians, Tigers, Athletics, 1950-1957

Abernathy, Talmadge (Lafayette)

Ted

An easier nickname than Tal.

Athletics, 1942-1944

Aberson, Clifford (Alexander)

Kif

Cubs, 1947-1949

Ables, Harry (Terrell)

Hans

Browns, Naps, Highlanders, 1905-1911

Abrams, Cal [Calvin Ross]

Abie

Dodgers, Reds, Pirates, 1949-1954

Abreu, Bobby [Bob Kelly] {ah-BRAY-oo}

El Come Dulce

La Leche

Astros, Phillies, Yankees, Angels, Dodgers, Mets, 1996-2014

Abreu, José (Dariel) {ah-BRAY-oo}

Oso

Yogi

Mal Tiempo

White Sox, 2014-

Abstein, William (Henry)

Big Bill

Six foot, 185, he was big for the time.

Pirates, Browns, 1906-1910

Aceves, Alfredo {a-SEV-ess}

Ace

Yankees, Red Sox, 2008-

Acosta, José

Acostica

In Spanish, meaning Little Acosta.

Senators, White Sox, 1920-1922

Acuña, Ron Jr. (Jose) [ah COON ya]

The Beast

From teammates for his rookie performance.

Braves, 2018-

Adair, Jerry [Kenneth Jerry]

Towhead

Casper the Friendly Ghost

Iceman

College football nickname.

Mr. Clutch

From broadcaster Ken Coleman.

Orioles, White Sox, Red Sox, Royals, 1958-1970

Adair, Jimmy [James Aubrey]

Choppy

Cubs, 1931

Adams, Charles (Benjamin)

Babe

The story of his nickname was given as: 1. A woman asking for an autograph said he had a nice round face like a baby’s; or 2. A female fan yelled at him, Oh, you babe.

Cardinals, Pirates, 1906-1926

Adams, Dan Le [Daniel Leslie]

Rube

Packers, 1914-1915

Adams, Dan Lu [Daniel Lucius]

Doc

Graduated from Harvard and had a general medical practice in New York.

Knickerbockers, 1853-1859

Adams, Earl (John)

Sparky

Cubs, Pirates, Cardinals, Reds, 1922-1934

Adams, Joe [Joseph Edward]

Wagon Tongue

His bat feels too heavy in the late part of the season, like the tongue of a wagon wheel stuck in the mud.

Cardinals, 1902

Adams, Karl (Tutwiler)

Rebel

Born in Georgia (rebel territory).

Reds, Cubs, 1914-1915

Adams, Lane (Weston)

LA Swiftness

Royals, Braves, 2014-2018

Adams, Matt [Matthew James]

Big City

Cardinals, Braves, Nationals, 2012-

Adduci, Jim (Charles)

Deuce

Rangers, Tigers, Cubs, 2013-2019

Addy, Bob [Robert Edward]

The Magnet

Forest Citys, Whites, Red Stockings, Dark Blues, White Stockings, Reds, 1871-1874

Adkins, Grady (Emmett)

Butcher Boy

White Sox, 1928-1929

Adleman, Tim [Timothy Max] {add-ull-man}

The Microwave

Reds, 2016-2017

Adrianza, Ehire (Enrique) {AY-ray ad-dree-AHN-zuh}

Guarenero

Giants, Twins, 2013-

Agganis, Harry

The Golden Greek

Greek heritage.

Red Sox, 1954-1955

Agnew, Sam [Samuel Lester]

Slam

Browns, Red Sox, Senators, 1913-1919

Aguilar, Jesus (Alexander) {AH-gee-lar}

Dino

Indians, Brewers, Rays, Marlins, 2014-

Ainsmith, Ed [Edward Wilbur]

Dorf

Senators, Tigers, Cardinals, Robins, Giants, 1910-1924

Aker, Jack [Jackie Delane]

Chief

A strong reliever.

Athletics, Pilots, Yankees, Cubs, Braves, Mets, 1964-1974

Akers, William (G)

Bump

Tigers, Braves, 1929-1932

Alberto, Hanser (Joel)

Radio

Rangers, Orioles, 2015-

Alberts, Francis (Burt)

Butch

Preceded his baseball career.

Blue Jays, 1978

Alberts, Frederick (Joseph)

Cy

Cardinals, 1910

Albosta, Edward (John)

Rube

Dodgers, Pirates, 1941, 1946

Alcock, John (Forbes)

Scotty

Played way before the Star Trek era, when Scotty became a household name.

White Sox, 1914

Alexander, David (Dale)

Moose

6’3", 210 lbs.

Tigers, Red Sox, 1929-1933

Alexander, Grover (Cleveland)

Pete

He called himself Pete, so his teammates did also.

Old Pete

Old Pete played until he was well into his 40s.

Alexander the Great

Leadership skills were likened to those of the ancient Greek ruler.

Phillies, Cubs, Cardinals, 1911-1930

Alexander, William (Henry)

Nin

Predates baseball career.

Cowboys, Browns, 1884

Alfaro, Jorge (Mario) {HOAR-hay al-FAR-oh}

The Legend

El Oso

Phillies, Marlins, 2016-

Alfonseca, Antonio {al-fahn-SAKE-ah}

El Pulpo

Spanish for ‘The Octopus.’

The Octopus

Ability to snag everything within arm’s reach.

Marlins, Cubs, Braves, Rangers, Phillies, 1997-2007

Alfonzo, Edgardo (Antonio)

Fonzie

Fonzie Fonzarelli of TV sitcom fame was the epitome of cool.

Mets, Giants, Angels, Blue Jays, 1995-2006

Allen, Artemus (Ward)

Nick

Roarin’ Nick

He had a penchant for arguing with umpires.

Buffeds, Blues, Cubs, Reds, 1914-1920

Allen, Cody (Edward)

Pollo

Indians, Angels, 2012-

Allen, Cyrus (Alban)

Jack

Stars, Blues, 1879

Allen, Fletcher (Manson)

Sled

Browns, 1910

Allen, Frank (Erwin)

Ham

Mansfields, 1872

Allen, Harold (Andrew)

Hank

Senators, Brewers, White Sox, 1966-1973

Allen, Horace (Tanner)

Pug

Robins, 1919

Allen, Jesse (Hall)

Pete

Spiders, 1893

Allen, Myron (Smith)

Zeke

Blues, Cowboys, Gothams, Beaneaters, 1883-1888

Allen, Richard (Anthony)

Wampum Walloper

Extreme strength, ability to hit the long ball, was born in Wampum, PA.

Crash Helmet

He wore his batting helmet on the field.

Crash

Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers, White Sox, Athletics, 1963-1977

Allen, Robert (Earl)

Thin Man

At 6’1", only 165.

Phillies, 1937

Allred, Dale (LeBeau)

Beau

Indians, 1989-1991

Almeida, Rafael (D)

Mike

Reds, 1911-1913

Almonte, Abraham

El Varon

Mariners, Padres, Indians, Royals, Diamondbacks, 2013-Almora, Albert [Reinaldo Albert]

Tico

Cubs, 2016-

Alomá, Luis

Witto

White Sox, 1950-1953

Alomar, Santos Jr. {AL-oh-mar}

Sandy

A common nickname for Santos.

Padres, Indians, White Sox, Rockies, Rangers, Dodgers, Mets, 1988-2007

Alomar, Santos Sr. {AL-oh-mar}

Sandy

A common contraction of his first name.

Iron Pony

Played in 648 consecutive games.

Braves, Mets, White Sox, Angels, Yankees, Rangers, 1964-1978

Alonso, Pete [Peter Morgan]

Polar Bear

Mets, 2019-

Alonso, Yonder

Mr. 305

Reds, Padres, Athletics, Mariners, Indians, White Sox, Rockies, 2010-Alou, Felipe (Rojas)

El Panqué de Haina

Translates to Sweet bread from Haina. He was born in Bajos de Haina, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.

Giants, Braves, Athletics, Yankees, Expos, Brewers, 1958-1974

Alou, Jesús {HAY-Zeus}

Jay

Given by sportswriters to avoid headlines like, Jesus Saves Giants, before they determined the pronunciation.

Giants, Astros, Athletics, Mets, 1963-1979

Alpermann, Charles (Augustus)

Whitey

Superbas, 1906-1909

Alston, Walter (Emmons)

Smokey

G iven in high school because of his fastball.

The Quiet Man

G enerally calm, quiet demeanor.

Cardinals, 1936

Alten, Ernie [Ernest Matthias]

Lefty

Tigers, 1920

Altherr, Aaron (Samuel) {all-TAIR}

The Fresh Prince of Altherr

Rhineland Rocket

Phillies, Giants, Mets, 2014-2019

Altizer, David (Tilden)

Filipino

Born in Pearl, Illinois. He served in the Philippines during the Spanish-American war.

Daredevil

G iven to him in later stories.

Senators, Naps, White Sox, Reds, 1906-1911

Altman, George (Lee)

Big George

He was 6’4", 200 lbs.

Cubs, Cardinals, Mets, 1959-1967

Alvarado, José (Antonio)

El Pocho

Rays, 2017-

Alvarado, Luis (Cesar)

Pimba

‘Pimba’ is generally suggestive of sexual pleasures and bad behavior.

Mijita

Spanish term of endearment meaning my dear child.

Red Sox, White Sox, Cardinals, Indians, Mets, Tigers, 1968-1977

Alvarez, Henderson (Javier III)

The Entertainer

Blue Jays, Marlins, Phillies, 2011-

Álvarez, Pedro (Manuel)

El Toro

Pirates, Orioles, 2010-2018

Alvord, William (Crawford)

Uncle Bill

Usually given to an older player, but he was only 21 when he made the majors.

Cowboys, Maumees, Spiders, Statesmen, 1885-1893

Amarista, Alexi (Jose) {ah-mah-REE-sta}

Little Ninja

Versatility and strength, despite his small (5’5", 150 lbs.) body size.

Mighty Mouse

Small, but powerful.

Angels, Padres, 2011 -

Ambres, Raymond (Payne) {AM-briss}

Chip

Royals, Mets, Padres, 2005-2008

Ames, Leon (Kessling)

Red

Giants, Reds, Cardinals, Phillies, 1903-19

Amole, Morris (F) {ah- MOE-lee}

Doc

From boyhood. Not educational.

Orioles, Senators, 1897-1898

Amorós, Edmundo {AM-or-ohs}

Sandy

Resemblance to boxing champion Sandy Saddler.

Dodgers, Tigers, 1952-1960

Andersen, Larry (Eugene)

LA

Mr. Jello

Indians, Mariners, Phillies, Astros, Red Sox, Padres, 1975-1994

Anderson, Arnold (Revola)

Red

Senators, 1937-1941

Anderson, Brian (James)

Antic

Angels, Indians, Diamondbacks, Royals, 1993-2005

Anderson, Chase [Robert Chase]

Texas

Diamondbacks, Brewers, Blue Jays, 2014-

Anderson, Edward (John)

Goat

Pirates, 1907

Anderson, George (Lee)

Sparky

Given by a broadcaster for his feisty play in the Texas League in 1955.

Captain Hook

Penchant for yanking his starting pitcher at the first sign of weakness.

Phillies, 1959

Anderson, Harry (Walter)

Harry the Horse

6’3", 205 lbs.

Phillies, Reds, 1957-1961

Anderson, John (Joseph)

Honest John

Rarely protested calls by umpires.

Long John

Because he was 6’2" tall.

Big John

Lest anyone forget how tall he was.

Terrible Swede

He was born in Norway.

Swedish Apollo

For his Scandinavian roots.

Grooms, Bridegrooms, Senators, Superbas, Brewers, Browns, Yankees, Senators, White Sox,1894-1908

Anderson, Karl (Adam)

Bud

Indians, 1982-1983

Anderson, Tim [Timothy Devon]

B. Moss

White Sox, 2016-

Anderson, Tyler (John)

Ricky F

Rockies, Giants, 2016-

Anderson, Walter (Carl)

Lefty

Athletics, 1917, 1919

Anderson, William (Edward)

Lefty

Braves, 1925

Andres, Ernest (Henry)

Junie

He was Ernest Jr.

Red Sox, 1946

Andrews, Ivy (Paul)

Poison

Named after poison ivy because his pitching ability was noxious poison to opposing batters.

Yankees, Red Sox, Browns, Indians, 1931-1938

Andrews, Stanley (Joseph)

Polo

Bees, Dodgers, Phillies, 1939-1945

Andrus, Elvis (Augusto) {an-DROOS}

Comando

Rangers, 2009-

Ankenman, Frederick (Norman)

Pat

Cardinals, Dodgers, 1936-1944

Anson, Adrian (Constantine)

Capt

From teammates; he was the captain of the Chicago White Stockings.

Uncle

He was the oldest member of the team.

The Marshalltown Infant

Pop

Obvious - he played for 27 years.

Cap

From baseball writers and historians after his retirement.

Forest Citys, Athletics, White Stockings, Colts, 1871-1897

Aparicio, Luis (Ernesto) {ap-pa-REESE-ee-oh}

El Grande de Venezeula

Spanish for the big guy from Venezuela. Obviously, he was born in Venezuela.

Little Louis

His father was also Luis.

Luisito

Spanish for Little Louie.

White Sox, Orioles, Red Sox, 1956-1973

Appier, Kevin [Robert Kevin] {APE-ee-er}

Ape

Royals, Athletics, Mets, Angels, 1989-2004

Applegate, Frederick (Romaine)

Snitz

Athletics, 1904

Appleton, Edward (Samuel)

Whitey

Robins, 1915-1916

Appleton, Peter (William)

Jake

Jabby

A short version of his birth name, Jablonowski.

Polish Wizard

Polish extraction.

Reds, Indians, Red Sox, Yankees, Senators, White Sox, Browns, 1927-1945

Appling, Lucius (Benjamin)

Luke

Luscious Luke

Ol’ Aches and Pains

Given by teammates because of the constant complaining of a hypochondriac.

White Sox, 1930-1950

Aragón, Ángel (father)

Pete

Yankees, 1914-1917

Aragón, Angel (son)

Jack

Giants, 1941

Archdeacon, Maurice (John)

Flash

Comet

Both nicknames came from his minor league days when he set a speed record of 13.4 seconds to circle the bases. It

was a pre-game exhibition.

White Sox, 1923-1925

Archer, Chris [Christopher Alan]

Flaco Fuerte

Rays, Pirates, 2012-

Archer, Frederick (Marvin)

Lefty

Athletics, 1936-1937

Arcia, Orlando (Jesus) {ARR-see-ya}

El Nino

Brewers, 2016-

Ardizoia, Rinaldo (Joseph)

Rugger

Yankees, 1947

Ardner, Joseph (A)

Old Hoss

No relation to Dan Blocker (Hoss Cartwright of Bonanza).

Blues, Spiders, 1884, 1890

Arenado, Nolan (James)

Sandblaster

Rockies, 2013-

Arencibia, Jonathan (Paul) {ar-en-SEE-bee-ah}

J.P.

Blue Jays, Rangers, 2010 -

Arft, Hank [Henry Irven]

Bow Wow

His name sounds like Little Orphan Anñe’s dog, Sandy, in the radio show.

Bill Veeck sent a teletype message offering to sell Arft’s contract. The machine jammed and printed, ARFARFARFARFARFARFARF. Hank Greenberg replied that Veeck should keep that dog in St. Louis. It may have had something to do with getting the nickname to stick.

Browns, 1948-1952

Arlett, Russell (Loris) {ar-LET}

Buzz

Cut through opposing batters like a buzz saw.

Phillies, 1931

Armstrong, Noble (George)

Dodo

Athletics, 1946

Arnold, Willis (S)

Billy

Mansfields, 1872

Arnovich, Morris

Snooker

Proficient at the British style of billiards.

Son of Israel

As a Jewish player, he kept kosher for his entire career.

Phillies, Reds, Giants, 1936-1946

Arntzen, Orie (Edgar)

Old Folks

Major league debut at the age of 33.

Athletics, 1943

Arrieta, Jake [Jacob Joseph] {air-ee-etta}

Snake

Orioles, Cubs, Phillies, 2010-

Arroyo, Bronson (Anthony)

Saturn Nuts

From a Red Sox booster club because he was viewed as a young kid pitching in high pressure situations but not letting anything get to him.

Smokey

Tacks

Dirty

BroYo

Free Love

Pirates, Red Sox, Reds, Diamondbacks 2000-2017

Arundel, John (Thomas)

Tug

Athletics, Blue Stockings, Hoosiers, Nationals, 1882-1888

Asbell, James (Marion)

Big Train

Cubs, 1938

Asbjornson, Robert (Anthony)

Casper

He changed his name to Asby, after his career was under way.

Red Sox, Reds, 1928-1932

Ashburn, Richie [Don Richard]

Put-Put

A name given him by either Ted Williams or Stan Musial because he ran so fast you would think he had twin motors in his pants.

Tilden Flash

He was born in Tilden, Nebraska.

Whitey

Phillies, Cubs, Mets, 1948-1962

Asher, Alec (Edward)

The Big Cat

Phillies, Orioles, Brewers, 2015-2018

Ashford, Thomas (Steven)

Tucker

Padres, Rangers, Yankees, Mets, Royals, 1976-1984

Ashley, Billy (Manual)

Light-Tower Power

A strong hitter with enough power to put the ball over the light towers.

Dodgers, Red Sox, 1992-1998

Astudillo, Willians (Jose) {ah-stew-DEE-yo}

Tortuga

Twins, 2018-

Atherton, Charles (Morgan Herbert)

Prexy

His father was the president of Penn State University.

Senators, 1899

Atkins, Francis (Montgomery)

Tommy

Athletics, 1909-1910

Atkinson, Hubert (Burley)

Lefty

Senators, 1927

Atwell, Maurice (Dailey)

Toby

Cubs, Pirates, Braves, 1952-1956

Atz, Jacob (Henry)

John

John is a nickname because some people mistakenly thought he changed his name. He didn’t.

Senators, White Sox, 1902-1909

Aubrey, Harry (Herbert)

Chub

Beaneaters, 1903

Auerbach, Frederick (Steven)

Rick

A not-very-common shortening of his first name.

Brewers, Dodgers, Reds, Mariners, 1971-1981

Auker, Elden (LeRoy) {OCK-er}

Submarine

A submarine style pitcher.

Big Six

A college nickname. He played in the Big Six conference.

Mule Ears

From and used by manager Mickey Cochrane.

Tigers, Red Sox, Browns, 1933-1942

Aulds, Leycester (Doyle)

Tex

Grew up in Corpus Cristi, Texas.

Red Sox, 1947

Austin, James (Philip)

Pepper

The Pepper Kid

Given by manager George Stallings because he liked Austin’s hustle.

Yankees, Browns, 1909-1929

Autry, Martin (Gordon)

Chick

Yankees, Indians, White Sox, 1924-1930

Autry, William (Askew)

Chick

Reds, Doves, 1907, 1909

Averill, Howard (Earl) {A-ver-ill}

Rock

He had a powerful build and bulging forearms.

The Earl of Snohomish

Born in Snohomish, Washington.

Indians, Tigers, Braves, 1929-1941

Avila, Alex [Alexander Thomas]

Titanium Catcher

Tigers, White Sox, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Twins, 2009-Avrea, James (Epherium)

Jay

Reds, 1959

Axford, John (Berton)

The Ax Man

Either a pun based on his last name or a name given him for his ability to give batters the axe.

Brewers, Cardinals, Indians, 2009-

Ayala, Benigno {eye-ALL-ah}

Felix

Félix was his mother’s maiden name.

Mets, Cardinals, Orioles, Indians, 1974-1985

Aybar, Erick (Johan) {EYE-bar}

Admiral

Angels, Braves, Tigers, Padres, 2006-

Ayers, Yancy (Wyatt)

Doc

Went to medical school, although he quit to concentrate on baseball.

Senators, Tigers, 1913-1921

Aylward, Richard (John)

Dandy

Indians, 1953

Azcue, José (Joaquin)

The Immortal Azcue

Known for his strong throwing arm.

Reds, Athletics, Indians, Red Sox, Angels, Brewers, 1960-1972

Babe, Loren (Rolland)

Bee Bee

Yankees, Angels, 1952-1953

Babitt, Mack (Neal)

Shooty

Athletics, 1981

Backman, Walter (Wayne)

Cabbage Patch

Mets, Twins, Pirates, Phillies, Mariners, 1980-1993

Baczewski, Fred [Frederic John] {BAA-jess-key}

Lefty

Cubs, Reds, 1953-1955

Bader, Lore (Verne)

King

Iron Man

Two Pairs

He loved playing cards. Given by the Sporting News, based on his minor league career.

Giants, Red Sox, 1912-1918

Badgro, Morris (Hiram)

Red

Browns, 1929-1930

Baerga, Carlos (Obed) {By-AIR-ga}

One if...

Chris Berman-ism; One if by land, two if by sea, three if by air-ga, because of his ability to hit triples.

Indians, Mets, Padres, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, 1990-2004

Báez, Javier [Ednel Javier]

El Mago

Cubs, 2014-

Báez, Pedro (Alberys)

The Human Rain Delay

La Mula

Dodgers, 2014-

Bagby, James Sr. (Charles Jacob)

Sarge

From teammates, based on a character in a Broadway play at the time.

Reds, Indians, Pirates, 1912-1923

Bagwell, Jeff [Jeffrey Robert]

Brown Paper

A Chris Berman-ism, introducing his name as "Jeff Brown Paper Bagwell.

BagPipes

Astros, 1991-2005

Bagwell, William (Mallory)

Big Bill

His 6’1", 175 lb. stature.

Braves, Athletics, 1923, 1925

Bahnsen, Stanley (Raymond)

Bahnsen Burner

Based on the chem lab instrument.

Stanley Struggle

Was able to keep runners stranded.

Bonce

Yankees, White Sox, Athletics, Expos, Angels, 1966-1982

Bailey, Abraham (Lincoln) Sweetbread

Cubs, Robins, 1919-1921

Bailey, David (Dewitt)

Homer

Terrible name for a pitcher but he was actually named for his grandfather.

Reds, Royals, Athletics, Twins, 2007-

Bailey, Frederick (Middleton)

Penny

Braves, 1916-1918

Bailey, Harry (Lewis)

Bill

The popular song of the era was, Won’t you come home, Bill Bailey?

Yankees, 1911

Bailey, Linwood (Clifton)

King

Ace of his minor league team.

Reds, 1895

Baker, Charles

Bock

Smiling Bock

Blues, Athletics, 1901

Baker, Jesse

Tiny

Senators, 1919

Baker, John (Franklin)

Home Run

Teammates gave him this name because of two home runs. They were hit in championship games, where they counted most. He consistently led the league in home runs . . . with 12 in his best season.

Athletics, Yankees, 1908-1924

Baker, Johnnie (B)

Dusty

Braves, Dodgers, Giants, Athletics, 1968-1986

Baker, Kirtley

Whitey

Alleghenys, Orioles, Senators, 1890-1899

Baker, Thomas (Calvin)

Rattlesnake

Dodgers, Giants, 1935-1938

Bakley, Edward (Enoch)

Jersey

Athletics, Keystones, Quicksteps, Cowboys, Blues, Spiders, Infants, Statesmen, Orioles, 1883-1891

Balas, Mitchell (Francis)

Mike

Bees, 1938

Balboni, Stephen (Charles)

Bye-Bye

He said that to the ball when he hit a home run. Pitchers said it to him when he struck out.

Bones

A malapropism for Balboni.

Ug From high school

Yankees, Royals, Mariners, Rangers, 1981-1993

Baldelli, Rocco (Dan)

The Woonsocket Rocket

He was fast and from Woonsocket, RI.

Devil Rays, Rays, Red Sox, 2003-2010

Baldwin, Charles (B)

Lady

Because of his quiet ways and his refusal to swear or come into contact with liquor or tobacco.

Brewers, Wolverines, Bridegrooms, Bisons, 1884-1890

Baldwin, Clarence (Geoghan)

Kid

A nickname given in the 19th century to scrappy, feisty little athletes.

Cowboys, Browns, Unions, Red Stockings, Reds, Athletics, 1884-1890

Baldwin, Henry (Clay)

Ted

Phillies, 1927

Baldwin, Howard (Edward)

Harry

Giants, 1924-1925

Baldwin, Mark [Marcus Elmore]

Fido

White Stockings, Solons, White Sox, Pirates, Giants, 1887-1893

Baldwin, Robert (Harvey)

Billy

Tigers, Mets, 1975-1976

Bamberger, Harold (Earl)

Dutch

Giants, 1948

Bancker, John (V)

Studs

Elm Citys, 1875

Bancroft, David (James)

Beauty

Given by other players for his habit of calling good pitches he missed as a beauty.

Phillies, Giants, Braves, Robins, 1915-1930

Bando, Sal [Salvatore Leonard]

Captain Sal

Athletics, Brewers, 1966-1981

Bandy, Jett (Adam)

Sinker-Slider

Angels, Brewers, 2015-2018

Banks, Ernie [Ernest]

Mr. Cub

Spent his entire career with one club.

Mr. Sunshine

This speaks to his disposition.

Cubs, 1953-1971

Bannon, James (Henry)

Foxy Grandpa

Strange, since he was in his 20s as a player. Thomas Bannon was his OLDER brother.

Browns, Beaneaters, 1893-1896

Bannon, Thomas (Edward)

Ward Six

Uncle Tom

Giants, 1895-1896

Barbare, Walter (Lawrence) {BAW-bar}

Dinty

Naps, Indians, Red Sox, Pirates, Braves, 1914-1922

Barbary, Donald (Odell)

Red

Senators, 1943

Barbeau, William (Joseph)

Jap

Naps, Pirates, Cardinals, 1905-1910

Barclay, George (Oliver)

Deerfoot

He was fleet of foot.

The Rose

He had an eye for the ladies and was concerned with his looks.

Cardinals, Beaneaters, 1902-1905

Barfoot, Clyde (Raymond)

Foots

Cardinals, Tigers, 1922-1926

Barger, Eros (Bolivar)

Cy

Highlanders, Superbas, Dodgers, Rebels, 1906-1915

Barker, Len [Leonard Harold]

Large Lenny

Rangers, Indians, Braves, Brewers, 1976-1987

Barker, Raymond (Herrell)

Buddy

Orioles, Indians, Yankees, 1960-1967

Barmes, Bruce (Raymond)

Squaky

Senators, 1953

Barna, Herbert (Paul)

Babe

Athletics,