The first name in second reads.
A real Bastardo
Rookie inspires list of unfortunately named big leaguers
When a 23-year-old rookie pitcher allows just four hits, surrenders one run and strikes out five in six innings en route to his first major league victory, you'd think that line would be enough to grab my attention.
But when the Phillies' Antonio Bastardo beat Jake Peavy on Monday night, it was the left-handed hurler's name that had me doing a double-take... Bastardo? Really?!?
So in honor of Antonio's first Big League 'W,' I'm drudging up a list of some of baseball's most unfortunately-named.
His given name, John Paul Bonser, was obviously far to regal for the husky right-hander. He legally adopted his childhood nickname a few years back.
Why Russell Jay Kuntz would ever want to be called "Rusty" is beyond me. Though it is actually pronounced "Koontz," the current Royals first base coach has a name that reads like the beginning of a crank call.
Slowey is the most ironic name on this list, considering the right-hander's best pitch is his 90mph+ fastball. And, if memory serves, wasn't Slowey the least-nimble of the Seven Dwarves?
Considering it was completely contrived by A's owner Charlie Finley, you'd think he'd have come up with something better than "Catfish." BTW, you don't "hunt" catfish... you "fish" for them.
When your epithet matches that of the man (and subsequent company) that brought the world classic board games like Battleship, Yahtzee! and Twister, you're bound to be the butt of a few jokes. Perhaps that is the catalyst behind Bradley's occasional outbursts. That, or his inability to win at Simon.
No story here; Powell's moniker is literally derived from the word "booger." Apparently, as a child, John Wesley Powell was a bit of a troublemaker, often being referred to a "little booger." Sadly, the name stuck (pun intended).
Get ready to snicker like a adolescent; This guy's name is "B.J."... and he plays for the Toronto B.J.'s?!? It's a sophomoric innuendo overload.
Who'd I miss? Coco Crisp? Dick Pole? Drop your favorite names in the Post Game below.
But when the Phillies' Antonio Bastardo beat Jake Peavy on Monday night, it was the left-handed hurler's name that had me doing a double-take... Bastardo? Really?!?
So in honor of Antonio's first Big League 'W,' I'm drudging up a list of some of baseball's most unfortunately-named.
1. Boof Bonser
Pitcher, Minnesota Twins (Current)His given name, John Paul Bonser, was obviously far to regal for the husky right-hander. He legally adopted his childhood nickname a few years back.
2. Rusty Kuntz
Outfielder, Detroit Tigers (1980s)Why Russell Jay Kuntz would ever want to be called "Rusty" is beyond me. Though it is actually pronounced "Koontz," the current Royals first base coach has a name that reads like the beginning of a crank call.
3. Kevin Slowey
Pitcher, Minnesota Twins (Current)Slowey is the most ironic name on this list, considering the right-hander's best pitch is his 90mph+ fastball. And, if memory serves, wasn't Slowey the least-nimble of the Seven Dwarves?
4. Catfish Hunter
Pitcher, KC/Oakland A's (1970s)Considering it was completely contrived by A's owner Charlie Finley, you'd think he'd have come up with something better than "Catfish." BTW, you don't "hunt" catfish... you "fish" for them.
5. Milton Bradley
Outfielder, Chicago Cubs (Current)When your epithet matches that of the man (and subsequent company) that brought the world classic board games like Battleship, Yahtzee! and Twister, you're bound to be the butt of a few jokes. Perhaps that is the catalyst behind Bradley's occasional outbursts. That, or his inability to win at Simon.
6. Boog Powell
First base, Baltimore Orioles (1960-70s)No story here; Powell's moniker is literally derived from the word "booger." Apparently, as a child, John Wesley Powell was a bit of a troublemaker, often being referred to a "little booger." Sadly, the name stuck (pun intended).
Extra-point: B.J. Ryan
Pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays (Current)Get ready to snicker like a adolescent; This guy's name is "B.J."... and he plays for the Toronto B.J.'s?!? It's a sophomoric innuendo overload.
Who'd I miss? Coco Crisp? Dick Pole? Drop your favorite names in the Post Game below.
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