Baseball is full of colorful characters, but sometimes the nicknames given to players are even more bizarre than their batting stances. From strange abbreviations to monikers that feel like inside jokes we’re not in on, these names leave us wondering who signed off on them.
Some MLB nicknames are head-scratchers, whether a play on words gone wrong or a completely random label. Let’s swing through 20 nicknames that make you go, “Wait, what?”
20. The Big Donkey – Adam Dunn
Sure, a power hitter with a big frame, but who decided “donkey” was the move? It somehow stuck, even though it sounds more like a Shrek sidekick than a slugger.
19. Chicken Man – Wade Boggs
It’s because he ate chicken before every game, but that’s not exactly nickname-worthy. We’re talking about a Hall of Famer, not someone running a poultry farm.
18. The Greek God of Walks – Kevin Youkilis
Yes, he had a great eye at the plate, but this one feels like it came from a fantasy baseball forum in 2005. It’s oddly grand for a guy who mainly just got on base.
17. Kung Fu Panda – Pablo Sandoval
We get it; he was agile for his size and had a rounder build. But naming a grown man after a DreamWorks character is still a wild decision.
16. Tony Plush – Nyjer Morgan
This alter ego situation was a choice. Anytime your nickname has to be explained with a whole backstory, it’s probably doing too much.
15. El Caballo – Carlos Lee
Translating to “The Horse,” this one feels unnecessarily aggressive. It’s like someone opened a Spanish-English dictionary and went with the first thing that sounded tough.
14. Dirtbag – Chase Utley
It was meant as a compliment to his gritty style of play, but come on. Try explaining to your grandma why your favorite player is proudly called Dirtbag.
13. The Big Puma – Lance Berkman
He gave it to himself, which is already a red flag. Also, pumas aren’t known for their connection to baseball or Houston.
12. Dr. Smooth – Michael Brantley
This sounds like a jazz DJ, not a left fielder. He did have a smooth swing, but the name still feels like it belongs in a late-night infomercial.
11. Captain Underpants – Hunter Pence
A lot is going on here, and none of it makes sense. The energy is chaotic, much like Pence’s playing style.
10. Baby Giraffe – Brandon Belt
It started because of how he ran, which is both weirdly specific and a little mean. Somehow, it caught on and never left.
9. The Flying Squirrel – Jeff McNeil
This nickname jumped the shark. Unless he’s gliding through the air, it’s a stretch.
8. Crime Dog – Fred McGriff
It’s a reference to McGruff the Crime Dog, but honestly, why? It’s a strange crossover between baseball and anti-crime cartoons.
7. Spaceman – Bill Lee
We know he was a bit out there with his thoughts and lifestyle, but naming him after celestial exploration is dramatic. At least he leaned into it.
6. Joey Bats – José Bautista
It sounds like a comic book villain with a bat-shaped lair. It was not terrible, but it was confusing enough to make you wonder if a better option existed.
5. Yogi – Yogi Berra
Yes, it’s iconic now. But imagine being a young guy getting compared to a cartoon bear and rolling with it.
4. Salty – Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Sure, it’s short for Saltalamacchia, but he’s always mad. Not exactly a glowing vibe for a nickname.
3. Bam Bam – Hensley Meulens
You name a guy after a Flintstones toddler and expect us to take him seriously? It’s playful, sure, but not exactly intimidating.
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2. Oil Can – Dennis Boyd
This is allegedly what they called beer in his hometown, which is a niche reference. “Oil Can” just raises more questions than it answers.
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1. The Freak – Tim Lincecum
He was dominant, sure, but this one always felt a little harsh. Calling someone “The Freak” feels like a playground insult that got wildly out of hand.
Read More: The 10 Weirdest Nicknames in MLB History
