From “The Great Bambino” to “MegaTron:” Creative Nicknames in Sports

From “The Great Bambino” to “MegaTron:” Creative Nicknames in Sports

“The Sultan of Swat.”

“The Colossus of Clout.”

“The Great Bambino.”

No, I’m not talking about that wimpy deer, I’m talking about “The Babe.”

There are a number of stories behind Babe Ruth’s nickname, but the most popular story goes something like this: Ruth was spotted and picked up by Jack Dunn, coach of the then minor-league Baltimore Orioles. When the other players began calling him “Jack Dunn’s Baby,” the nickname stuck.

“Baby” turned into “Babe” and the rest is history.

George Herman Ruth benefited from some of the greatest nicknames in sports history, but he wasn’t the only athlete to be called something other than what was printed on his birth certificate. Instead, he was part of a tradition of nicknames that spans across decades, diamonds, fields, courts and greens.

You might be surprised to know that many of the most famous names in sports are not the players’ legal names at all, but nicknames given to them by teammates, friends and family members.

Larry Jones, third baseman for the Atlanta Braves is said to be a “chip off the old block” when compared with his father. Most people only know him as “Chipper.”

Earvin Johnson Jr., former point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, was given the nickname “Magic” after recording an amazing triple-double while still in high school. Thirty-eight years later, the name Earvin Johnson without the word “Magic” thrown in would hardly turn a head.

Eldrick Woods, perhaps the greatest golfer to ever play the game, was given the nickname “Tiger” by his father. The nickname stuck and Tiger Woods was born.

Even if they don’t replace the players’ first names, nicknames are an integral part of the sports lexicon. If you still don’t believe me, just check out some of these names from the pages of sports history.

Randy “The Big Unit” Johnson (At 6’ 10”, the nickname couldn’t have been more fitting).

Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch (If you’ve seen him run, you know all about it).

William “The Refrigerator” Perry (Immovable. Massive. Square. Just like a fridge).

Bill “The Owl Without The Vowel” Mlkvy (Think about it).

Willie “The Say Hey Kid” Mays (Because he was always saying “hey”).

“MegaTron,” “The Freak,” “The Black Mamba;” new sports nicknames are being coined every day and in every sport. Will any of them be remembered like “The Babe?” Only time will tell but, for now, they’re still a ton of fun.

What are some of your favorite sports nicknames? Sound off in the comments section below!

Photo by tedkerwin.