'The Splendid Splinter' and the 50 Best Nicknames in MLB History

Nicknames and baseball go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

There are literally thousands of different nicknames that baseball players have acquired though their careers, and we all have our favorites. 

Making a list of the top 50 nicknames is difficult, because there are some great players and nicknames that have to be left off the list.  So I guess I'm apologizing in advance if I left your favorite off the list.

Here are the top 50 nicknames in MLB history:

Catfish and Shoeless

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NEW YORK - DECEMBER 5: 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson's bat stands on display during an auction preview at Sotheby's December 5, 2005 in New York City. The bat, called 'Black Betsy,' will be auctioned December 10 and was last purchased at a 2001 auction for $577

Catfish

A great nickname, but completely fabricated by legendary A’s owner Charlie Finley.  Finley wanted Hunter to have a colorful nickname, so he made him memorize a story about catching a lot of catfish after running away as a child.  The rest is history.

Shoeless

Say it ain’t so, Joe.  Shoeless Joe Jackson is one of the fallen heroes of the game, and his nickname colorfully represented his playing career as one of baseball’s greatest ball players. 

Sparky and Captain Hook

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 22: Former manager of the Detroit Tigers Sparky Anderson throws out the first pitch before the Tigers take on the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Two of 2006 World Series October 22, 2006 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo b

Sparky

Both Sparky Lyle and Sparky Anderson had major contributions to baseball, ranking among the best closers and managers of all time, respectively.  Anderson got his nickname as a player because he argued with umpires too much, a trend he would continue as manager of the Big Red Machine and the Tigers.

Captain Hook

Speaking of Sparky Anderson, his other nickname, Captain Hook was well earned due to his willingness to use his bullpen if a pitcher faltered.  

The Georgia Peach and The Tall Tactician

The Georgia Peach

Anyone who saw the film Cobb knows this is one of the more ironic names in baseball, but it still is one of the most long-standing nicknames of all time.

The Tall Tactician

Connie Mack was such a visionary for the game of baseball, he became known as "The Tall Tactician." 

Mr. Cub and Home Run

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CINCINNATI - MAY 15: Ernie Banks throws out the first pitch before the Gillette Civil Rights Game between the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park on May 15, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Mr. Cub

When we think of Cubs, we think of the lovable losers and Ernie Banks.  Banks was an all-time great who loved baseball so much, he started the popular “let’s play two” saying.

Home Run

Before Babe Ruth, there was Frank "Home Run" Baker, a slugger so feared that "Home Run" became his nickname.  He earned the moniker after hitting a clutch home run during the 1911 World Series.

Little Napoleon and Buck

Some old footage of John McGraw

Little Napoleon

Speaking of visionaries and great tacticians, John McGraw started the granddaddy of all managing trees that still exists today in the form of Don Mattingly, Buck Showalter and many others. 

He was a brilliant manager that well earned the nickname "Little Napoleon" for both his on- and off-the-diamond maneuverings to forward his baseball career.

Buck

A lot of baseball men earned the nickname Buck, but none quite like "Buck" Showalter, who used to hang out in the locker rooms “Buck” naked. I hope that he doesn’t anymore.

Mr. Tiger and Killer

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 21: Former Tigers Al Kaline (L) and Willie Horton throw out the cerimonial first pitch prior to Game One of 2006 World Series between the Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals October 21, 2006 at Comerica Park in Detroit Michigan.

Mr. Tiger

Outside of Ty Cobb, who else means more to Tiger baseball than Al Kaline?

Killer

Harmon Killebrew killed the ball, and the first two syllables of his last name sounds like “killer.”  This was simply a match made in heaven.

Maz and Yaz

Maz

Bill Mazeroski was one of the best defensive second basemen ever, but he will forever be known as the man who hit the walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series to defeat the Evil Empire. 

Yaz

Few players struck more fear into the heart of pitchers like Yaz.  Carl Yastrzemski represented Boston baseball for parts of three decades, and he is the most important person in team history outside of Ted Williams.

The Man and The Wizard

The Man

Stan “The Man” Musial is St. Louis Cardinals baseball, so it’s appropriate he is called “The Man” in St. Louis, and around the country.

The Wizard

One of St. Louis’ most beloved ballplayers, Ozzie Smith graced the diamond for decades, and his defensive mastery earned him the moniker, “The Wizard of Oz.” 

The Babe and The Iron Horse

The Babe

How many people know Babe Ruth’s real name was George Herman Ruth?  Babe was the greatest ballplayer of all time, and it’s only fitting his nickname makes this list.

The Iron Horse

Was there ever a nickname that better suited its owner?  Gehrig was an iron horse, because he played for 15 years without missing a game, and was one of the best players of all time. 

In fact, he was well on his way to breaking all of Babe Ruth’s records before he was tragically stricken with ALS.

The Yankee Clipper and Yogi

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Hall of Famer Yogi Berra of the New York Yankees throws out the ceremonial first pitch against the Minnesota Twins during Game Three of the ALDS part of the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2010 in the Bronx boroug

The Yankee Clipper

Joe DiMaggio embodied the Yankee way like no one else.  He was one of the greatest players and Yankees of all time, and he did everything to perfection.

DiMaggio’s commitment to excellence made it only fitting that he be called the Yankee Clipper.

Yogi

Yogi Berra’s nickname was so good, a cartoon was made using his name: Yogi Bear.  One thing’s for sure, Yogi was smarter than the average catcher.

Mr. October and Mr. November

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SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 1: Infielder Derek Jeter #2 and Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson of the New York Yankees talk in the on deck circle before play against the Cincinnati Reds March 1, 2009 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmi

Mr. October

Who was better than Reggie Jackson in October?  Enough said.

Mr. November

Derek Jeter’s clutch performance in the 2001 World Series earned him the moniker of Mr. November. 

Sure, he didn’t hit for a high average, but he got clutch hits when they counted, and it’s tough to dispute the awesomeness of five World Series rings.

The Splendid Splinter and Double X

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BOSTON - CIRCA 1955: (UNDATED FILE PHOTO) Baseball legend Ted Williams (1918 - 2002) of the Boston Red Sox holds a bat circa 1955. The 83-year-old Williams, who was the last major league player to bat .400 when he hit .406 in 1941, died July 5, 2002 at C

The Splendid Splinter

Ted Williams could rake, and was possibly the greatest hitter of the modern era of baseball.  No nickname could be better for such a great pure hitter.

Double X

Jimmie Foxx is one of the greatest players in the history of the game, and XX went well for him because of the two X’s at the end of his last name.

The Kentucky Colonel and The Big Train

Whoops, wrong Kentucky Colonel.

The Kentucky Colonel

Earle Combs did not make fried chicken, but was known as one of the most gallant and gentlemanly players both on and off the field. 

"They wouldn't pay baseball managers as much a salary if they all presented as few problems as did Earle Combs," said legendary Yankee manager Joe McCarthy.

The Big Train

Walter Johnson was at the forefront of baseball’s first crop of great pitchers in the modern era.  He pitched at a high level for years and was unstoppable, like a train.

Charlie Hustle and Poosh ‘Em Up Tony

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CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 11: Pete Rose takes in the ceremony celebrating the 25th anniversary of his breaking the career hit record of 4,192 . He was honored before the start of the game between the Pittsburg Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds at Great Americ

Charlie Hustle

No one played harder on the diamond than Pete Rose, and no one lived harder off the field than Pete Rose, making it an appropriate nickname for the legend. 

Did you know Whitey Ford gave Rose his nickname after seeing him attempt to steal a home run from Mickey Mantle?

Poosh ‘Em Up Tony

Tony Lazzeri was one of the key cogs in the Yankees teams of the 1920’s and 1930’s. 

One of the game’s first Italian-American players, he was known for his five-tool talents, and he earned the moniker of Poosh “Em Up Tony.

Hammerin Hank and Wee Willie

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Hall of Famer Hank Aaron waves to crowd prior to the Texas Rangers taking on the San Francisco Giants in Game Four of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo

Hammerin’ Hank

Both Hank Aaron and Greenberg earned this nickname for their ability to hammer a baseball into the stratosphere.  Aaron is more synonymous with the name, and rightfully so, as he is still considered by many the true and legitimate home run king.


Wee Willie

Despite his small stature, Wee Willie Keeler made a ton of contributions to baseball.  He coined the phrase “Hit ‘em where they ain’t,” as well as being the reason bunts that go foul with two strikes are considered outs.

The Scooter and Pee Wee

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COOPERSTOWN, NY - AUGUST 3: (L) Pee Wee Reece, Phil Rizzuto and Yogi Berra clap during the 1997 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Clark Sports Center on August 3.1997 in Cooperstown, New York. ( Photo by: Tomasso Derosa/Getty Images)

Scooter

One of baseball’s all time characters, Phil Rizzuto was affectionately known as “The Scooter” to his fans because of his speed and short stature.  A teammate said he looked like a scooter going around the bases, and the nickname stuck.

Pee Wee

Another short yet brilliant ballplayer.  Pee Wee Reese was a part of the Dodger teams that consistently won NL pennants throughout the 1940s and 1950s.

The Machine and El Caballo

The Machine

Albert Pujols' production is machine-like, as he has produced at least 30 HR and 100 RBIs every year of his career. All hail "The Machine."

El Caballo

Carlos Lee’s production throughout his career earned him the nickname “El Caballo,”  which translates to the horse.  Basically, Lee is so good, he can carry an entire team on his back, much like a horse.

The Rocket and King Felix

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OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 01: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates at the end of the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics during an opening day game of Major League Baseball at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 1, 2011 in Oa

King Felix

Few pitchers had more hype than Felix Hernandez did when he entered the Major Leagues.  He was so highly thought of, that his nickname became King Felix.  His high level of production made the nickname stick.

The Rocket

Maybe the only other pitcher with as much hype as King Felix, Roger Clemens had ridiculous stuff, and a blistering fastball that earned him the nickname “The Rocket.” 

He became one of the greatest players in baseball history, but would have his reputation marred by allegations of steroid use after his career ended.

The Chairman of the Board and El Duque

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NEW YORK - JULY 17: Hall of Famer Whitey Ford is introduced during the New York Yankees 64th old timers day before the MLB game against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 17, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Ge

The Chairman of the Board

Whitey may be Whitey Ford’s better-known nickname, but he is the best big-game pitcher in baseball history, earning him the nickname “The Chairman of the Board.”

El Duque

Few players had a more publicized debut than the Cuban phenom Orlando Hernandez.  He was such an elite talent, he earned the nickname of “El Duque,” which translates to “The Duke“. 

El Duque would go on to be one of baseball’s best postseason pitchers.

The Bird and Donnie Baseball

The Bird

Few pitchers were better during a given time period than Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. He dominated for one incredible season, but his eccentricities that earned him the nickname of The Bird.

Donnie Baseball

In the 1980's and early 1990's, Don Mattingly was New York baseball.  He was well on the way to a sure-fire Hall of Fame career before nagging back injuries sapped Mattingly’s strength.  

He still accomplished enough to be affectionately remembered as Donnie Baseball.

Big Papi and Three Finger/ed

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JUPITER, FL - MARCH 24: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox warms up prior to the game against the Florida Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium on March 24, 2011 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Big Papi

David Ortiz's big-time heroics and production made him the big daddy in Boston.  Despite steroid allegations, Papi is still a legend for the Red Sox.


Three Finger

In one of baseball’s most inspirational stories, Mordecai Brown managed to recover from a series of horrible injuries to have a Hall of Fame career. 

Oh, and he did it with only three fingers on his pitching hand, hence the nickname, “Three Fingered.”

The Flying Dutchman

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370565 02: The famous T206 Honus Wagner baseball card, is shown June 6, 2000 in New York City. The legendary baseball card will be auctioned on eBay beginning on July 5, 2000. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Newsmakers)

The Flying Dutchman

Honus Wagner became known as "The Flying Dutchman" for his stellar play, super speed and his heritage. He is also the subject of the world's most expensive baseball card.

Pudge and Pronk

Pudge

Carlton Fisk was the original Pudge, and the greatest.  His large frame and big-time production made him a legend in Boston, and the greatest catcher in Red Sox history.

Pronk

A combination of “The Project” and “The Donkey,” Travis Hafner acquired this nickname for his inability to run the base paths effectively. 

However, he was still able to hammer the baseball at the plate, and became all-world for a couple of years, making the nickname stick.

Tom Terrific and Lefty

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NEW YORK - AUGUST 22: Tom Seaver speaks at a press conference commemorating the New York Mets 40th anniversary of the 1969 World Championship team on August 22, 2009 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Pho

Tom Terrific

Tom Seaver was nothing short of terrific his entire career, and is remembered as the greatest pitcher in Mets‘ history.  It’s only apropos he became known as Tom Terrific.

Lefty

Quite a few great pitchers great pitchers have earned the nickname “Lefty” over the years.  They’re always lefties, too.

The Say Hey Kid, The Mick and the Duke of Flatbush

The Say Hey Kid

Willie Mays played baseball how everyone should play it: with heart, joy and respect.  He will forever embody the youthful enthusiasm that made baseball America’s pastime.

The Mick

No player embodied an era like Mickey Mantle.  Everyone wanted to be the Mick, who ruled New York for two decades of dominance.  "The Mick" simply shortened his first name, but it was still a great way to address him.

The Duke of Flatbush

Duke Snider was the third in a triumvirate of great New York centerfielders, along with Mays and Mantle.  Together they served as the inspiration for the classic song, "Talkin’ Baseball." 

The Duke was one of baseball’s greatest players, and despite his death just weeks ago, represents the best of the old Brooklyn Dodgers.