Table of Contents
(*Using Players Only With Cool Nicknames)
By Bob Eckstein, of The Bob
1st Base
The Iron Horse –– Triple Crown, 7 World Series championships, 2 American League MVPs, and
2,130 consecutive games played. Nickname’s origin: After 17 straight years at first base, the
media and fans nicknamed him the “Iron Horse.” The phrase was originally what the Native
Americans called steam locomotives of the 1880s.
Back-up, Stan the Man –– 24-time All-Star, 3 World Series championships, 3 National League
MVPs, and 7 times NL batting champion. Nickname’s origin: During a June 23, 1946 game
against the Dodgers at Ebbets Field, Sportswriter Bob Broegheard of the St. Louis Post-
Dispatch heard Dodger fans chanting whenever he came to bat, “Here comes the man.” and
changed that to Stan the Man.
2nd Base
Little Joe –– 10-time All-Star, 2 World Series championships, 2 National League MVPs, 689
stolen bases and 5 Golden Gloves. Nickname’s origin: He was 5’ 7”.
Ed it
Back-up, Sir Rodney –– 18-time All-Star, 2 World Series championships, 7 American League
Batting Championships. 580 stolen bases and Roberto Clemente Award.
3rd Base
The Human Vacuum Cleaner –– 18-time All-Star, 2 World Series championships,
Roberto Clemente award and 16 Golden Gloves (most in history for a 3rd baseman). Nickname’s
origin: From his legendary performance in the 1970 World Series.
Back-up, The Penguin –– 6-time All-Star, World Series MVP, and only one of two players on
the lineup not to be in the Hall of Fame. Best nickname in baseball history. Nickname’s origin: his
college coach gave him that nickname for his slow, waddling walk.
Shortstop
The Wizard of Oz –– 15-time All-Star, 5 World Series championships, World Series
MVP, National League MVP, Roberto Clemente award, 580 stolen bases, and 13 Golden Gloves
(most in history for a shortstop). Nickname’s origin: His fielding play prompted the Yuma Daily
Sun to give him that nickname.
Back-up, Captain Clutch –– 14-time All-Star, 5 World Series championships, World Series MVP,
3,465 hits, .321 World Series batting avg., and elected Hall of Fame in the first year (99.75%, 2nd-
highest in history behind only teammate Mariano Rivera). Nickname’s origin: Due to his
outstanding play in the postseason.
Left Field
The Great Bambino or Sultan of Swat–– 7 World Series championships, 714 home
runs, 2,214 RBIs, and a 94-46 pitching record. Even had a candy bar and a great backup nickname,
The Bambino. Nickname’s origin: Means baby boy in Italian and Sultan of Swat is from the
famous 1888 poem, Casey at Bat.
Back-up, Charlie Hustle. 3 World Series championships, 17-time All-Star at five different
positions, had 4,256 hits, and 3 batting titles. Only player in this lineup, aside from the Penguin not in
Hall of Fame. Nickname’s origin: Whitey Ford gave him the nickname after he sprinted to first
base on a walk.
Center Field
Joltin’ Joe –– 9 World Series championships, 13-time All-Star, 56-game hitting
streak, and 3-time American League MVP. The Yankee Clipper married Marilyn Monroe and is in
a Simon & Garfunkel song. Nickname’s origin: His hard-hitting earned nickname from fans and
writers.
Back-up, The Say Hey Kid –– 24-time All-Star, 12-time Golden Glove, and twice National
League MVP. Nickname’s origin: Unknown as many lay claim including his manager Leo
Durocher.
Right Field
Hammerin’ Hank –– 755 home runs, 2,297 RBIs, 25-time All-Star (MLB record),
and 3-time Golden Glove. Has a candy bar named after him. Nickname’s origin: Teammates
rookie year.
Back-up Mr. October–– 5 World Series championships, 14-time All-Star, and 563 home runs.
Had a candy bar named after him. Nickname’s origin: Clutch hitter in playoffs and hit 3 home
runs in one World Series game.
Catcher
Yogi –– 13 World Series championships, 18-time All-Star, 3-time American League
MVP. Managed the Yankees and Mets. Nickname’s origin: His friend thought he resembled a
yogi from India whenever he sat around with arms and legs while looking sad after a losing
game.
Back-up, The Black Babe Ruth –– 12-time All-Star, twice Triple Crown, and .374 batting avg.
Considered among the best power hitters in baseball history. Some called Babe Ruth The White
Josh Gibson.
Pitcher
The Left Arm of God–– 2.76 ERA, 7-time All-Star, 4 World Series championships, 3-
time Cy Young Award, 4 no-hitters, 1 perfect game, and 4-time MLB strikeout leader. Nickname’s
origin: Short for Sanford.
Back-ups; The Big Unit –– 10-time All-Star, World Series MVP, 5-time Cy Young Award, 1
perfect game, 9-time MLB strikeout leader. Tallest player in MLB history Nickname’s origin,
layman’s guess: We shudder to think why he has this nickname. Truth: Collided head-first with
outfielder Tim Raines who screamed, “Damn! You’re a big unit!” and the nickname stuck.
Tom Terrific –– 2.86 ERA, 12-time All-Star, 3-time Cy Young Award, 5-time National League
strikeout leader.
Catfish –– 8-time All-Star, 5 World Series championships, and 1 perfect game. Nickname’s
origin: Owner Charley Finley gave the 19-year-old rookie the nickname as a marketing ploy.
Relief Pitcher
Sandman –– 2.21 ERA, 13-time All-Star, 5 World Series championships, World
Series MVP, and 652 saves (MLB record). Nickname’s origin: He grew up on the beach.
Back-ups; Rollie –– 2.90 ERA, 7-time All-Star, 3 World Series championships, Cy Young
Award, and World Series MVP. Nickname’s origin: Short for Roland, his legal name.
Goose –– 9-time All-Star. Nickname’s origin: First nickname Goss didn’t stick. A friend noted he
looked like a goose when he extended his neck to see the signs given by the catcher.
Designated Hitter
The Big Hurt –– Twice American League MVP, 521 home runs, and 5-time All-Star.
Nickname’s origin: White Sox announcer Ken Harrelson
Back-up, Big Papi –– 3 World Series championships, World Series MVP, 10-time All-Star, 3-
time American League MVP, and 541 home runs. Nickname’s origin: Red Sox broadcaster Jerry
Remy gave him the name because Papi is bad with names and calls everyone Papi.
MLB FAQs
How do you play baseball survivor pool?
In a MLB Survivor pool, players pick one MLB team every week that they think will win. Each team can only be picked one time per season. A player survives to the next week if their chosen team wins at least half of its games that week. Administrators can select how many incorrect picks (strikes) before a player is eliminated.
What is a baseball survivor pool?
In a MLB Survivor pool, players choose one pro team each week that they believe will win. They may only pick a team once per season. If their selected team wins 50% or more of its games for that week they survive until the next week. Pool commissioners may select how many 'strikes' (incorrect picks) before a player is eliminated.
What is a 13-run baseball pool?
A 13 Run Baseball pool is a simple but fun pool for Pro Baseball. Each member (maximum of 30) is assigned a professional team. The goal is to be the first member to have their team score every number of runs, from 0 to 13. In some pools the number of runs can be changed to be from 6 to 13.
What are MLB props?
Each game, MLB players have certain prop lines that are assigned to them. These can be for base hits, strikeouts, walks, and other stats. For example, Mike Trout could have a line of over 1.5 base hits for a game. If he has 2 base hits that game, his prop would go over.
