It’s time again for Baseball Roundtable’s Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye. (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” one-of-a-kind MLB accomplishments or statistics. This week, rather than digging into (what some might deem) obscure statistics, I decided on something more festive – an updated version of Baseball Roundtable’s all nickname (best and worst) teams.
Ted Williams collected nicknames like he collected base hits – The Kid, Splendid Splinter, The Thumper, Teddy Ballgame.
Nicknames have always been a part of our national pastime – some complimentary (Joe “The Yankee Clipper” DiMaggio and David “Big Papi” Ortiz); some less so (Fred “Bootnose” Hoffman and Dick “Dr. Strangeglove” Stuart). Here are two purely subjective nickname-based lineups – one focused on baseball’s best nicknames, the other on some of the national pastime’s worst. Keep in mind, obscure or “inside joke” nicknames, did not qualify. I tried to limit myself to nicknames that were in common use and likely to be recognized by even casual fans of the national pastime. Also, the ranking reflects a rating of the nicknames, not player performance. Although, as you will see, solid performance often results in a solid (and memorable) nickname. Let’s lead off with the Roundtable’s Best Nicknames Lineup.
—–BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S BEST BASEBALL NICKNAMES—
Starting Pitcher – “Sudden” Sam McDowell
Yes, there are some Hall of Fame Pitchers with great nicknames. Walter “Big Train” Johnson and “Rapid Robert” Feller are just two. However, that “Sudden” nickname is my favorite. McDowell – whose blazing heater could be past you with amazing suddenness – was a six-time All Star and five-time league strikeout leader. In a 15-year MLB career (1961-75, with the Indians, Giants, Yankees and Pirates), McDowell went 141-134, 3.17 and fanned 2,453 hitters in 2,492 1/3 innings.
Honorable Mentions: Randy “The Big Unit” Johnson; Walter “Big Train” Johnson; Leroy “Satchel” Paige; “Rapid Robert” Feller. Hall of Famers all, they each more than earned a spot on this list. As for the nicknames: The Big Unit comes in at 6’ 10”; The Big Train’s fastball was compared to his era’s powerful and speedy express trains; Satchel held a childhood “job” carrying rail passengers’ luggage; Rapid Robert was recognized as having the quickest fastball of his time.
Relief Pitcher: Mariano “The Sandman” Rivera
Rivera, who entered games to the tune of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” was known for his ability to put opponents’ bats “to sleep” with his devastating cutter. In his 19-season MLB career (1995-2013 … Yankees), the 13-time All Star and Hall of Famer amassed an MLB-record 652 saves (plus 82 wins – versus 60 losses) and a 2.21 earned run average. He led the league in saves three times and had had 30 or more saves in 15 seasons.
Honorable Mentions: Marc “Scrabble” Rzepczynski and Al “The Mad Hungarian” Hrabosky. Scrabble was lesser known than many on this list. He put up a 14-27, 3.89 record, with two saves, over ten MLB seasons (2009-2018 … Blue Jays, Cardinals, Indians, Padres, A’s, Nationals, Mariners), but just look at that name. This nickname makes me smile and belongs on any best baseball nickname list. The Mad Hungarian is a nod to Hrabosky’s Hungarian ancestry and his demeanor on the mound.
C – Johnny “The Little General” Bench
Catchers are supposed to take charge on the field and this nickname fits Hall of Famer Johnny Bench both behind and at the plate. Bench was a leader for the Reds for 17 seasons (1967-83). He was a 14-time All Star, ten-time Gold Glover, two-time league HR leader, two-time league MVP, 1968 Rookie of the Year and 1976 World Series MVP. When Bench was on the field, he was in charge.
Honorable Mention: Cal “The Big Dumper” Raleigh. Now, here’s a nickname that could have been headed for the “worst” list, but Raleigh turned it into one of the best MLB nicknames. The nickname was coined by a teammate – a reference to the Seattle backstop’s ample backside. Reportedly, Raleigh was not initially pleased with the moniker, but as he began dumping home runs over outfield walls, the nickname took on a very positive life of its own. In 2025, when Raleigh won the All Star Game Home Run Derby and turned in a 60-homer campaign, the deal was sealed. The Big Dumper joined MLB’s beat nicknames. Side note: Raleigh has not only hit 124 home runs over the past three seasons, he won a Gold Glove in 2024 – and Big Dumper merchandise has been a home run with the fans.
1B – Tie Lou “The Iron Man” Gehrig and Stan “The Man” Musial
Photo by rchdj10 
Lou “The Iron Man” Gehrig earned his nickname and spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame for with combination of power and durability (until it was broken by Cal Ripken, Jr. in 1995, Gehrig held the record for consecutive games played at 2,130). Gehrig played 17 seasons with the Yankees (1923-39), producing a .340 career average, with 493 home runs, 1,995 RBI and 1,888 runs scored. He was a seven-time All Star, two-time AL MVP, won one batting, title, led the AL in home runs three times, RBI five times, runs scored four times, doubles three times and triples once.
Hall of Famer Stan “The Man” Musial goes head-to head with Gehrig at first base (despite playing more than half his career games in the outfield, I had to put Musial here because he played more games at 1B than any other position). What could be more of an honor than being simply known as “The Man.” Musial was indeed The Man – and not just in Saint Louis (where he played from 1941-63). He was respected for his bat and his attitude around baseball. Musial was a seven-time batting champ and three-time MVP, who also led the NL in hits six times, runs scored five-times, doubles eight times, triples five times and RBI twice. He retired with a .331 average, 3,630 hits 1,946 runs scored and 1,951 RBI.
Honorable Mentions: Frank “The Big Hurt” Thomas; Jimmy “The Beast” Foxx; Don “Donnie Baseball” Mattingly. The Big Hurt (at 6’5”/240 lbs.) put the hurt on baseballs and opposing pitchers to the tune of a .301-521-1,704 stat line (and a spot in the Hall of Fame); The Beast, another Hall of Famer, put fear into the hearts of moundsmen with a .325-534-1,922 stat line; Donnie Baseball was known for his hardworking professionalism and consistent performance at the plate an in the field. (He was the 1985 AL MVP, a six-time All Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner and put up a.307-222-1,099 career stat line.)
2B – Felix “The Cat” Millan
Felix Millan earned his nickname with his catlike reflexes and slick fielding around the keystone sack. In 12 MLB seasons (1966-77, with the Braves and Mets), Millan was a three-time All Star and two-time Gold Glover. He put up respectable offensive numbers with a career line of .279-22-403, with 699 runs scored. The tie-in with the popular Felix the Cat cartoon character (and the public acceptance of the nickname) give this moniker a slight edge over the honorable mention.
Honorable Mention: Charlie “The Mechanical Man” Gehringer – noted for flawless, but not flashy All Star level play, Gehringer was given this nickname by Hall of Fame pitcher Lefty Gomez. The 1937 AL MVP, Gehringer finished in the top four in MVP voting five times. He stat line of .320-184-1,427 outpaced Millan, but this lineup is about nicknames not stats.
Third Base: Brooks “Hoover” Robinson
Brooks Robinson, a Hall of Famer with 16 Gold Gloves and 18 All Star selections, was known as both “Hoover” and “The Human Vacuum Cleaner.” He really did scoop everything up over at the hot corner. He played 23 seasons (1955-77 … all for the Orioles). At the plate, he went .267-268-1,357. He holds the MLB record among third baseman for defensive games played, put outs, assists and double plays.
SS – Ozzie “The Wizard of Oz” Smith
In Ozzie Smith’s 19 MLB seasons (1978-96, with the Padres and Cardinals), the Hall of Famer’s defensive wizardry earned him 13 Gold Gloves. He was truly a Wizard in the center of the diamond. The 15-time All Star had a career average of .262, with 28 home runs, 793 RBI, and 1,257 runs scored.
Honorable Mention: Ernie “Mr. Cub” Banks. Let’s face it, for close to two decades, Hall of Famer Banks was the face of the Cubbies.
LF – Ted “The Splendid Splinter” Williams
Photo by Wicker Paradise
Ted Williams’ nickname – the Splendid Splinter – reflects his lanky, splinter-like build and his splendid skills. Notably, Williams’ play earned him a team’s worth of nicknames – The Kid, Teddy Ballgame and The Thumper also among them. Williams’ career on-base percentage of .482 is the best in baseball history. Think about it – reaching base, basically, one of every two trips to the plate. Williams was a 19-time All Star, two-time MVP and two-time Triple Crown winner. In 19 seasons with the Red Sox (1939-60, time lost for service in WWII and the Korean Conflict), Williams won six batting titles, and lead the AL in runs six times, RBI four times, home runs four times, doubles twice, walks eight times and total bases six times. He retired with a .344-521-1,839 stat line – and is the last MLBer to hit .400 for a season (.406 in 1941).
CF – Tie – Joe “The Yankee Clipper” DiMaggio and Jimmy “The Toy Cannon” Wynn
I really wanted this to be far-ranging outfielder Franklin “Death to Flying Things” Gutierrez, but his case was hurt by a lack of common knowledge of the nickname and the fact two other players from the 1800s – Jack Chapman and Bob Ferguson – were honored with the nickname before Gutierrez, who played 12 seasons (2005-13, 2015-17 … Indians, Mariners Dodgers).
Joe “The Yankee Clipper” DiMaggio. Pretty much every baseball fan knows this classic nickname for a “class” ballplayer. The Hall of Famer played in 13 seasons for the Yankees (1936-42, 1943-52), losing three seasons to military service. A three-time AL MVP, DiMaggio was thought to be near flawless at the plate, on the field and in the clubhouse. His final stat line was .325-361-1,537. He was an All Star in every one of his 13 seasons. The imagery of this one got my attention.
Jimmy “The Toy Cannon” Wynn’s nickname stems from the cannon-like power he delivered from his small frame (5’20”/160 pounds). He played in 15 MLB seasons (1963-77 … Astros, Dodgers, Braves, Yankees, Brewers), going .250-291-964.
Honorable Mentions: Willie “The Say Hey Kid” Mays and James “Cool Papa” Bell. The Say Hey Kid emerged in response to a young Willie Mays’ youthful energy, and penchant for greeting everyone with some version of a high-pitched “Say Hey.” Cool Papa was known for his class, composure and “cool” on and off the field – not to mention his Hall of Fame skills and performance.
RF – Henry “Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron
Let’s face, Henry Aaron – who I knew as a kid by the nickname “Bad Henry” and who also was sometime referred to simply as “The Hammer,” did bad things to baseballs (at least from the opposition’s point of view. Over his 23 seasons MLB career (1954-76 … Braves, Brewers), he hammered 755 (regular seasons) horsehides over the fence, to go along with a .305 average and an MLB-record 2,297 career RBI (also 3,771 base hits). The nickname says it all, and Aaron lived up to its implications on the field.
Honorable Mentions: Jose “Joey Bats” Bautista. How can you not like a nickname with “Bats” right there in it? I might have put Joey Bats ahead of Hammerin’ Hank, except I had to consider that Bats had the advantage of social media to promote the nickname, Still, it deserves mention, as does Bautista’s 15-season MLB career (2004-18 … Orioles, Devil Rays, Royals, Pirates, Blue Jays, Braves, Mets, Phillies). He did most of his bat-driven damage while with the Blue Jays, made six All Star teams and put up a career stat line of .247-344-975. Harry “Suitcase” Simpson’s nickname takes us back to a time when playing for six teams, in three leagues, in 11 MLB seasons could earn you the nickname “Suitcase.” (Movement from team to team is not so unusual anymore.) Simpson played for the Negro National League II Philadelphia Stars (1946-48); the American League Indians (1951-53, 1955); AL Athletics (1955-59); AL Yankees (1957-58); AL White Sox (1959); National League Pirates (1959). He played for two MLB teams in three seasons and three MLB teams in another. His final state line was .269-76-434 (1,012 games)
Utility – Pete “Charlie Hustle” Rose
Pete “Charlie Hustle” Rose, MLB’s all-time hits leader (4,256) hustled all over the diamond, playing more than 500 games each at 1B, 2B, 3B, LF and RF. I had to make a place for a player whose nickname so accurately reflected his aggressive style of play. Rose played 24 seasons in the majors (1963-86) – with the Reds (19), Phillies and Expos. Rose was a 17-time All Star, three-time batting champion and two-time Gold Glover, as well as the 1963 NL Rookie of the Year and 1973 NL MVP. He led the NL in games played five times, hits seven times, double five times and runs scored four times.
DH: David “Big Papi” Ortiz
Hall of Famer David “Big Papi” Ortiz earned the nickname and the affection of Boston Fans as one of the best clutch hitters and largest personalities in the history of the game. He played 29 MLB seasons (1997-2016 … Twins, Red Sox), made 10 All Star squads and put up a .286-541-1,768 stat line. And, Big Papi got big hits, in big spots in big games.,
—BASEBALL’S WORST NICKNAMES LINEUP—
P – Hugh “Losing Pitcher” Mulcahy
Ouch! Hugh Mulcahy “enjoyed” a nine-season major league career (1935-47, minus five WWII years), during which he earned his nickname. He ran up a career record of 45-89, with a 4.49 ERA (all with the Phillies), leading the NL in losses twice, hits allowed once, earned runs allowed twice, walks allowed once, hit batsmen twice and wild pitches once. Notably, he made one MLB All Star squad; in 1944, when he led the NL with 22 losses (versus 13 wins), despite a respectable 3.60 ERA.
C – Gabby “Old Tomato Face” Hartnett
Hall of Fame catcher Gabby Hartnett reportedly picked up his nickname as he gained weight and developed a ruddy complexion. Notably, even “Gabby” was a nickname (real name Charles Leo Hartnett) – reflecting Hartnett’s career-long shyness and reluctance to speak to anyone, particularly reporters. Harnett played 20 MLB seasons (1922-41, all but the last season with the Cubs), hitting .297, with 236 home runs and 1,179 RBI. He was a six-time All Star and the 1935 NL MVP.
1B – Lou “Biscuit Pants” Gehrig
Lou Gehrig was a great player with multiple nicknames –ranging from Biscuit Pants on the low end to Buster in the middle to Iron Man on the high side. Biscuit Pants – an early Gehrig nickname – acknowledged Gehrig’s baggy uniform pants, thick legs and sturdy derriere. Read about nis career in the Best Nicknames section.
2B – Charlie “Piano Legs” Hickman
At 5’9” and 215-pounds, it’s easy to imagine the source of Charlie Hickman’s nickname. Hickman played 1B, 2B and OF during his 12-year MLB career (1897-1908), delivering a .295 career average, with 50 home runs and 614 RBI. Hickman led the AL in hits and total bases in 1902, when he split time between Boston and Cleveland.
3B – Gary “The Rat” Gaetti
Despite the uncomplimentary nickname, Gary Gaetti was anything but a rat on the field. Also known as G-Man, Gaetti had a 20-season MLB career (1981-2000 with the Twins, Angels, Royals, Cardinals, Cubs and Red Sox). He was a career .255 hitter, with 360 home runs and 1,341 RBI. Gaetti was a two-time All Star, four-time Gold Glover at third base and the 1987 American League Championship Series MVP.
SS – Bill “Wagon Tongue” Keister
Unlike Gabby Hartnett (see the catcher on this list), Bill Keister earned a reputation as a player who just wouldn’t shut up. Couple Wagon Tongue withKiester and you’ve got quite a baseball name. In a seven-season MLB career (1896-1903), Keister played for Brooklyn, Boston, Saint Louis and Philadelphia in the NL and Baltimore and Washington in the AL. He hit .312, with 18 home runs, 400 RBI and 131 stolen bases – spending time at shortstop, third base and second base.
LF – Johnny “Ugly” Dickshot
Not the best looking of men, it’s reported that Johnny Dickshot granted himself the title of the ugliest man in baseball. Clearly, the combination of his nickname and actual name earns Dickshot a spot on this list of worst baseball nicknames. In six major-league seasons (spread over 1936-45), he played in 322 games (Pirates, Giants, White Sox), hitting .276, with seven home runs and 116 RBI. More than half his career offensive production came in his final season (1945, White Sox), when he hit .302, with seven home runs and 58 RBI.
CF – Hunter “Captain Underpants” Pence
The story has it that, during a minor-league game, an aggressive heckler thought that (on the minor-league PA system) “Hunter Pence” sounded a lot like “Underpants” and proceeded to taunt him with the Underpants chant, which apparently had more staying power when teammates promoted Mr. Underpants to “Captain.” Pence played 14 MLB seasons (2007-20 … Astros, Phillies, Giants), going .279-244-292. He was a three-time All Star. Remember, the “worst” label in this lineup reflects the nickname, not player performance.
RF – “Bucketfoot” Al Simmons
Hall of Famer Al Simmons’ nickname (which he disliked) was drawn from his batting stance. The bucketfoot stance seemed to work for him. In 20 MLB seasons (1924-1944; Athletics, White Sox, Tigers, Senators, Braves, Reds, Red Sox), Simmons hit .334, with 307 home runs and 1,828 RBI. He led his league in batting average, hits and total bases twice each and RBI once.
So, there is BBRT’s worst nickname lineup. If I had a bench, it would be manned by such notables as: Fred “Bootnose” Hoffman; Walt “No Neck” Williams; Jeff “Penitentiary Face” Leonard; Ernie “Schnozz” Lombardi; Harry “Stinky” Davis; Dick “Dr. Strangeglove” Stuart; and Bris “The Human Eyeball” Lord.
Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; Having Fun with Baseball Nicknames, by Phil Blazovich, MLC Publications 1996.
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