I got to thinking about this earlier today when I was watching an old Miller beer commercial on Facebook. The player in the commercial was none other than “The Penguin”, Ron Cey. Back when I first began following the game, there were so many players with nicknames. Some were always identified by that nickname on their baseball cards.
Duke Snider, Yogi Berra, Smokey Burgess. The Dodgers first Babe was Babe Herman, much different than his given name, Floyd Caves Herman. Snider was born Edwin Donald. He got the nickname Duke from his father because of his self-confident swagger when he was a child. The other prominent Duke, John Wayne, got his from a dog that followed him everywhere he went when he was a kid.
Carl Furillo’s, Ol Skoonj, came from his love of the Italian dish, scunjilli. Drysdale was simply Big D because of his size. Pee Wee picked up his as a kid from playing marbles. Some of the stories about how they acquired their nicknames are pretty amusing.
Contrary to popular belief, the candy bar, Baby Ruth, was not named after the Babe. Size and stature were the source of many nicknames; others came from things that happened to a particular player. One of my favorites is “Death to all flying things”, a monicker placed on a player who once played for the Brooklyn Atlantics, but long after he had passed and his career was over, Robert Ferguson.
According to SABR, or the Society for American Baseball Research, during his playing days, Ferguson was simply called Bob. He came to Brooklyn in 1866 and played with various teams until 1884. He managed through 1887 and passed away in 1896 at the age of 49. The nickname was hung on him by Al Spink, the publisher of The Sporting News in a 1910 publication called, The National Game. Spink came from the same era as Ferguson, and another player, John Chapman, also a former Atlantic, when he gave the nickname to both. Not because they killed any feathered friends, but because of their ability to throw out runners who seemed to be flying. Top picture is Chapman with Ferguson below.
The Dodgers have had many players with nicknames going back to their beginnings in Brooklyn. Today, not so many get tagged with nicknames that stick. Ohtani is called “The Big Show” by some on the broadcast team, but not around the league. Recently, Dustin May was often called Code Red. Taylor, CT3, Kike is Enrique’s nickname. Justin Turner was simply JT.
Some nicknames are slightly derogatory. A person’s physical appearance or some flaw is picked up on and used for a nickname. Dick Stuart, a hard hitting first baseman was named Dr. Strangeglove because he was such a bad fielder. Of course, Strangeglove was a play on the movie Dr. Strangelove.
Some players natural name led to many clubhouse jokes, case in point, Dick Pole, who pitched for the Red Sox and Mariners over an 8-year career. He later became a coach. Johnny Dickshot, an outfielder who played for the Giants, Pirates and White Sox over a career which went from 1935-45. He was also called Ugly! You could add Rusty Kuntz, and Pete LaCock to that list.
Some of my favorites were Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd, Covelli Lloyd “Coco” Crisp, Doug “Eyechart” Gwosdz, John Lee “Blue Moon” Odom, George Henry “Stuffy” Stirnweiss, Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, Wilmer David “Vinegar Bend” Mizell, Paul David “Dizzy” Trout, Jerome Hanna “Dizzy” Dean, Joseph Jefferson “Shoeless Joe” Jackson, James A “Catfish” Hunter.
Some had more than one handle. Babe Ruth had several, Sultan of Swat, the Mighty Bambino, King of Clout. Gehrig was the Iron Horse and Larrupin Lou. Joe DiMaggio was Joltin Joe and The Yankee Clipper. Some only needed one, like Hammering Hank Aaron. Mickey Mantle was “The Commerce Comet”. Willie was the Say-Hey Kid.
The other day I heard one of the White Sox announcers refer to new Japanese arrival, Murakami as ” The Southside Samurai”. I thought that was pretty cleaver. A career minor leaguer who actually existed, and had his name used in a movie, has become one of the more famous nicknames, Archibald Wright “Moonlight” Graham. The movie, Field of Dreams, made this symbol of fleeting opportunity a household name.
Reggie Jackson was “Mr. October”, Ted Williams, “The Splendid Splinter”, Musial was “Stan the Man” and “The Donora Greyhound. Cobb, “The Georgia Peach”, Ricky Henderson, “The Man of Steal”, David Ortiz, “Big Papi”, Randy Johnson, “The Big Unit”, Bill “Spaceman” Lee, Whitey Ford was known as “The Chairman of the Board.
Ripken was known as Iron Man, probably because Gehrig was already the Iron Horse. I really wish that more players today had catchy nicknames as well. It makes the game fun.
MiLB GAME SUMMARY REPORTS from Jeff
OKC Comets 5 – Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle) 4
OKC jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Ryan Fitzgerald drew a walk, and James Tibbs III doubled (6) him home. Jack Suwinski followed by trading places with Tibbs III with his own double (6). Austin Gauthier followed with a 2-run HR (2), and a 4-0 lead.
OKC got their final run in the 3rd. Tibbs III hit his 2nd double (7) and came home on Gauthier’s single and 3rd RBI.
RHSP Ryder Ryan started for OKC and completed 5.0 innings. He allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, 23 BB, with 3K.
Chayce McDermott entered in the 7th and struck out the side. However, he came back out in the 8th and issued a BB and allowed a single and was lifted for Garrett McDaniels, who allowed a run-scoring single.
Keynen Middleton entered the 9th in a save opportunity and retired the side in order on 10 pitches.
Tulsa Drillers at Frisco RoughRiders (Texas) – Game Postponed due to Rain – Doubleheader on Wednesday. Game 1 starts at 2:30
Beloit Sky Carp (Miami) 10 – Great Lakes Loons 8
Great Lakes jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 4.0 innings. LF Charles Davalan led off the game with a HR (3). Mike Sirota followed with a double (5) and came around to score on a sac fly for a 2-0 lead after 1 inning.
Davalan hit his 2nd HR (4) in the 3rd, and DH Jose Meza hit his 4th HR in the 4th for the 4-0 lead.
24-year-old RHSP Aidan Foeller pitched a strong 4.0 innings, but lost control and got hit hard in the 5th. Two singles, a double, a BB, and two WP plated three runners, and the score was 4-3.
After RHRP Joseilyn Gonzalez retired Beloit in order in the 6th, Gonzalez and LHRP Justin Chambers allowed 6 runs in the 7th, giving the Sky Carp a 9-7 lead.
The two teams traded HRs in the 8th. Loons 3B Logan Wagner hit his 4th.
Davalan had 3 hits, including his 2 HR. Meza was 2-5, including his HR and 4 RBI. Wagner was 2-2 with 2 BB, including his HR.
San Jose Giants 12 – Ontario Tower Buzzers 2
RHSP Brady Smith had his best start of 2026. He went 3.0 innings, allowing an unearned run, 4 hits, 1 BB, and 4 K. It went downhill from there. Four relievers followed Smith, and none of them fared well. Combined, they allowed 11 runs (all earned) on 8 hits and 8 BB, to go with 4 K, in 5.0 IP.
The only scoring by Ontario was from a 7th-inning 2-out double from catcher Conner O’Neal.
No Ontario hitter had a multi-hit game.
I think it’s because these days you can hardly say anything without it being taken as an insult. You see, the Cleveland team had to change its name. It’s getting more and more sensitive for everyone. Here in my country, there was a candy called “Negrito,” which means “little black boy,” and now they’ve simply changed the name to “Nito,” and since then, that brand has disappeared; it doesn’t sell like it used to.
I agree that some can seem demeaning. Just have a nation full of snowflakes I guess.
Davalan have a little Corbin Carroll in him? Not as athletic obviously, but . . .
That is too high of a comp. Davalan is 22 in A+, while Carroll was in his first full season in MLB at 22. he was an All Star at 22 and won ROY. At 22, Carroll was a 70 run, 55 arm, 60 field, 65 hit, 50 power. Davalan has a 55 run, 45 arm, 50 field, 60 hit, 45 power. It is not a knock on Davalan, but he is not a comp for Corbin Carroll.
He said a “little”. Can’t disagree with that.
Have to wonder if the 4 games in Colorado played a small part into game 1. I always hear broadcasters say the altitude effect comes into play the series after you leave Colorado.
3 hits and 0-5 RISP and 8 LOB. Had our chance in the 5th inning but only got 1 run and the double play ground out by Alex Call really was our best shot at getting back in the game.
Very uninspiring road trip so far 2-3 against the 2 teams pulling up the bottom of the NL West.
Mets fans are sure having fun with 12 game losing streak. Cubs won 7 in a row and that is who we play over the weekend with them facing our backend of the rotation.
Series played in Colorado always affect the next series. Just the change in altitude. But early in the year with it as cold as it was, many balls, just like those hit in April in LA, die because of the moist air. When they return to Colorado in August, balls will fly out of that stadium.
Nicknames went the way of the squeeze play and the hit and run. And bunting in baseball is now the festive fabric and flag decorations on fences and walls during the playoffs.
Ryder Ryan with 23 BB. That sounds like a lot. And 3 earned in 5 isn’t that impressive in the minors. Are there any starters down there that could offer a Quality Start in the Majors. A qualified QS is really not that impressive either. 3 earned in 6 is 4.5 ERA. Personally I’d call a quality start as 2 earned in 6. 3.0 ERA. And anyone we could expect to be promoted for an emergency start should be able to that in the minors.
Negrito. Yeah, try something like that in this country. And you’re right Jorge, we are somewhat touchy about those things here in this country. But I have a few friends here in Orange County that I can call Indians without it being an insult. They’re from India.
Yes, they did. Although Rojas laid down a beauty the other night and ended up beating it out when the pitcher flubbed the play.
Ryder Ryan is a starter in OKC by default. He is not a prospect. He is 31 years old (in May). He does not have 23 BB. He has 7 with 11 K in 21.1 IP
But to say that Dodgers pitchers walk too many is not a news break. If you can find a LAD prospect pitcher with a BB/9 < 2, now that would be newsworthy. To answer your question as to if there is a starter at OKC who could come up and give a QS, the answer is no. I think Jackson Ferris MAY (not will), but not this year. But don't get caught up in PCL stats. That is an impossible pitchers league. Coors would be a pitcher's field in the PCL.
The 23 BB was an obvious misprint. I was making a joke.
The fact there are no starters ready to help is no joke.
Totally agree Badger about a quality start. How is an era of 4.5 referred to as quality? Pitching sure seems thin down on the farm but we have 9 guys in Ontario OPSing over .800, 7 guys .900 or better!
Jeff is right. Roki is starting until Snell gets back
Other than supermoto, a very uninspiring performance from the team last night. A few thoughts.
(1) . Maybe Tucker should be dropped in the lineup.
(2). Maybe Teo should get hit in the other toe! His timing is a little off!
(3). Maybe the change from Colorado to San Francisco is a good excuse for the dreary performance.
(4). Maybe the outfielders should yell a little louder when calling for the ball!
(5). Maybe Max should “bottle “ some of that Colorado air and “snort” some before games.
(6). Maybe Alex Freeland will eventually hit! (Hope so!)
(7). Maybe Kim should bunt every once in awhile!
(8). Maybe Doc should let Dalton finish what he started. He did hit a bomb off a lefty in Colorado.
(9). Maybe Ohtani will not hit tonight? Don’t count on it!
(10). Maybe we shouldn’t get too worried this early! Everything always seems to work out for the best!
And finally. The cubbies come to town this weekend. Another test for Sasaki.. I hope he studies hard and takes notes!!! He needs to pass his test so he can graduate to “big boy” baseball! He is going to be needed this season!
75 and beautiful here today in the new River valley! Spring and Fall so beautiful here! Never been to Blacksburg? Drop in sometime! You won’t be disappointed!
Ive been there.
Clemson fan and went to see em play VT. We stomped em!!!
WIN TONIGHT
Muncy’s numbers at Coors: .270/18/55 .595 Slg, .954OPS. Muncy’s numbers at Oracle Park: .268/11/33 .549 Slg .946 OPS in 11 fewer games. His career BA against both the Giants and Rockies is exactly the same .256. He has 26 career homers against the Giants and 28 against Colorado. Last night was more about the pitcher than it is Max. Maybe, just maybe, it was just one game on a bad road trip. Way too early to nitpick.
Didn’t think I was nitpicking buddy. Just a thought. The whole team looked lethargic last night. Hell , I almost fell asleep watching it! Wasn’t criticizing Max at all. If truth be told, the whole team(except Yamamoto) was not exempt from criticism last night.
So happy you enjoyed your visit to Blacksburg Matt!
Just pointing out history, and the fact that just maybe they were not seeing Roupp all that well. He has been after all the Giants best pitcher so far this year.
PGood thoughts dad.
I’m not worried. Not about the Dodgers anyway.
I think Tucker will do what what is expected of him eventually. His career splits show his best months are May, June, August and September/October. He’s currently on pace for 0.0 WAR (I’ve never said that about any player) and we know that will improve. We also know he won’t earn $60 million, but the Dodgers knew that too when they signed him.
“Snort air”. Good one. I think we all should do that occasionally. Deep breaths. It’s going to be ok.
Blacksburg. Had to look it up. And it looks beautiful. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. My sister’s favorite place. And she has motor-homed just about everywhere.
Ryan Ward’s stay was brief. Maybe the Dodgers cut the guy a break and trade him somewhere he will get some playing time. At least he got a memory that will last a lifetime.
The thing that really has me worried is Muncy. What if he hits 35 Homer’s this years and ends up with 36 RBI?! (JK)
Well, that would be historic. A record that would never be broken.
Polar Bear?
Mookie?
The Judge (that’s a weird one, admittedly)
Hockey has a lot more nicknames. Not sure why.
Big Dumper.
Maybe a good reason to stop with the nicknames in baseball.
The Call DP bummed by out. Have to be trying to lift one in that situation.
The left hand of God
Minnie Minoso
Al ‘the bull’ Ferrara
No neck Williams
The toy cannon Jimmy Wynn
JT was Redturn 2
Smokey Burgess
Mark ‘The Bird’ Fydrich
Bulldog
Biff Pocaroba
Roger the Dodger
The Rocket
Book em
Phil ” The Scooter” Rizzuto, Johnny “The Big Cat” Mize, Steve ” Boomer” Yeager, Steve ” Popeye” Garvey, Al” The Grey Eagle” Simmons, Rogers “The Rajah” Hornsby, you can go on and on, but over the last several years, not that many have earned nicknames that stick. Among his teammates, some called Snider the Silver Fox.
Padres Sign Lucas Giolito
“Lucas Giolito‘s protracted 2025-2026 free agency stint has finally ended. The Padres signed the right-hander to a one-year, $3-million prorated base salary (per Jon Heyman) for 2026 with a mutual option for 2027. To make room on the 40-man, the Padres announced that righty Bryan Hoeing has been transferred to the 60-day IL. Per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Giolito will start with Single-A Lake Elsinore and must be on the Major League roster within the next 25 days”.
Well the Dodgers are now committed to what they have in house. IMO, this was a missed opportunity. Ruben Niebla has been very good at resurrecting careers for San DIego.
Well, I guess they could re-sign Tyler Anderson.
Stone,Ryan and Snell when healthy are all better options.
When healthy.
So true!
No we dont need Lucas Giolito…..
We have 10 of those guys in the minors….we doesnt move the needle. AT ALL
I just noticed that Brock Stewart pitched a clean inning at Oklahoma City last night with 2 strikeouts. Getting closer to a return.
It was his first game at OKC. We should start to see some back to back games for him before too long. He needs to be activated by May 14.
Edwin Díaz’s elbow surgery was successful. He underwent the procedure on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. Expected return in three month in the second half of the season.
Hopefully Tucker will be back (to normal) then as well.
How about “striker” for Mookie considering his bowling skills