Last Updated: August 21st, 2026 by Jake Cain
There have been well over 20,000 players who have logged at least one Major League Baseball game. That's over 20,000 names. Imagine how many more have been able to play at least one Minor League game. Not all of them are just the run-of-the-mill ordinary American names.
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As you probably know, baseball has some of the most fun names in sports. Let's go through a long list of them.
How We Made This List
Just so we're clear, we do have a number of players who went by their nicknames, not just their given names. Every single one on this list of fifty has seen at least a Minor League field as their place of work at some point in time. We're checking our MLB resources and record books to verify all of the fun names that you are about to read.
50. Boof Bonser
Let's start with one from the 21st century. This reliever actually is in between what I just talked about. Boof was his childhood nickname, and he went by that for most of his life until he legally changed his first name to Boof. He gave Minnesota some quality innings throughout his short career.
| Boof Bonser — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 19 |
| L | 25 |
| ERA | 5.18 |
| G | 111 |
| IP | 416.2 |
| SO | 334 |
| WHIP | 1.46 |
| SV | 0 |
49. Dick Pole
Oh yeah, this is just the start of what is to come on this list. There isn't much that I need to say to justify Dick's placement on this list in general. Funny enough, Dick needed to avoid the pole when he played his four seasons in Fenway. I'm talking about the "Pesky Pole" since he was trying to prevent opposing hitters from hitting it for a home run.
| Dick Pole — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 25 |
| L | 37 |
| ERA | 5.05 |
| G | 122 |
| IP | 531.0 |
| SO | 239 |
| WHIP | 1.54 |
| SV | 1 |
48. Johnny Dickshot
This is the first of many names on this list where I just cannot believe that it's a surname. Johnny was able to play some outfield in the late 30s, mostly. His teammates didn't do him any favors, as he got an additional nickname to add, which was "Ugly".
| Johnny Dickshot — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 322 |
| AB | 990 |
| H | 273 |
| HR | 7 |
| RBI | 116 |
| SB | 23 |
| AVG | .276 |
| OBP | .345 |
| SLG | .371 |
| OPS | .716 |
47. Rusty Kuntz
Here's a World Series champion that I think many in Detroit remember. For as much as I've heard of this name, it's hard to believe he was never an everyday starter throughout his seven-year career. That's just how much of a contributor he was off the bench.
| Rusty Kuntz — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 277 |
| AB | 441 |
| H | 104 |
| HR | 5 |
| RBI | 38 |
| SB | 5 |
| AVG | .236 |
| OBP | .328 |
| SLG | .322 |
| OPS | .650 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
46. Pete LaCock
Such elegance for a name that can be perceived as hilarious. For those who enjoyed the old game show Hollywood Squares, LaCock's dad was the original host, Peter Marshall. So unlike his father, son Pete helped to make his own (sur)name for himself with the Cubs and Royals.
| Ralph LaCock — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 715 |
| AB | 1729 |
| H | 444 |
| HR | 27 |
| RBI | 224 |
| SB | 8 |
| AVG | .257 |
| OBP | .326 |
| SLG | .366 |
| OPS | .692 |
45. Oil Can Boyd
Here's a pure nickname but also a pure legend. Oil Can Boyd was a fan favorite for his colorful personality and great spirit for the game. He was a mainstay on the Red Sox pitching staff in the 80s and logged over 1,000 innings in eight years.
| Oil Can Boyd — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 78 |
| L | 77 |
| ERA | 4.04 |
| G | 214 |
| IP | 1389.2 |
| SO | 799 |
| WHIP | 1.29 |
| SV | 0 |
44. Urban Shocker
Hope this one wasn't a "shock" to you. Okay, I'll see myself out. Anyway, Urban Shocker is actually one of the great pitchers of his time. He had a four-year streak of 20-win seasons and was one of the bright spots for the St. Louis Browns. Then he was picked up by the Yankees for the second time and enjoyed an 18-6 record on that legendary 1927 squad.
| Urban Shocker — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 187 |
| L | 117 |
| ERA | 3.17 |
| G | 412 |
| IP | 2681.2 |
| SO | 983 |
| WHIP | 1.26 |
| SV | 25 |
43. Coco Crisp
Maybe the most well-known name on this list from the 21st century, Coco Crisp was just the definition of a solid ballplayer. Any kid growing up during that time who came across his name would start to follow his game. Then they would eventually realize that he was actually a really good player to emulate.
| Coco Crisp — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1586 |
| AB | 5930 |
| H | 1572 |
| HR | 130 |
| RBI | 639 |
| SB | 309 |
| AVG | .265 |
| OBP | .327 |
| SLG | .402 |
| OPS | .729 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
42. Wonderful Terrific Monds
This is Wonderful Terrific Monds III, to be specific. His dad, known more as Wonder Monds, played in the NFL for the 49ers in 1978. Monds III got to contribute to some Minor League teams after he was selected by the Atlanta Braves. He never graced us with his presence at the Major League level, but the name is still… terrific.
41. Cannonball Titcomb
Just a fantastic name here, and we're still not even a third of the way through. Titcomb hails from the late 1880s. He was able to go 14-8 with a 2.24 ERA in 1888 with the old New York Giants, leading them to an NL championship.
| Cannonball Titcomb — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 30 |
| L | 29 |
| ERA | 3.47 |
| G | 63 |
| IP | 528.2 |
| SO | 283 |
| WHIP | 1.37 |
| SV | 0 |
40. Doug Gwosdz
This former Padre from the 80s wasn't quite able to log 100 MLB games, but he is still in the record books as one of the more peculiar surnames in history. He also brings in a solid nickname, as teammates weren't able to read his name when they saw it on paper. They just thought that it looked like what they would end up calling him, an "Eyechart".
| Doug Gwosdz — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 69 |
| AB | 104 |
| H | 15 |
| HR | 1 |
| RBI | 8 |
| SB | 0 |
| AVG | .144 |
| OBP | .242 |
| SLG | .202 |
| OPS | .444 |
39. Razor Shines
This name sounds like it's straight from the comics. Razor Shines is just a really cool name. Razor is actually his middle name, but I think I'm right in saying we're all thankful that he chose to go by that instead of his actual first name, Anthony.
| Razor Shines — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 68 |
| AB | 81 |
| H | 15 |
| HR | 0 |
| RBI | 5 |
| SB | 1 |
| AVG | .185 |
| OBP | .239 |
| SLG | .198 |
| OPS | .437 |
38. Bud Weiser
Just a legendary baseball name for a legendary American company. Whether you like the beer or not, just know that there has been someone in history who has enjoyed Budweiser enough to name their son after it. No real stats to talk about, but he did play in Philadelphia; unfortunately, not St. Louis.
| Bud Weiser — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 41 |
| AB | 74 |
| H | 12 |
| HR | 0 |
| RBI | 9 |
| SB | 2 |
| AVG | .162 |
| OBP | .244 |
| SLG | .203 |
| OPS | .447 |
37. Stubby Clapp
The wonderfully named Stubby Clapp hails from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and we are all lucky that he was able to find his way onto an MLB field. He was basically brought up by the St. Louis Cardinals to be a pinch hitter in 2001. Now, he is still with the team (as of this writing) as their first base coach.
| Stubby Clapp — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 23 |
| AB | 25 |
| H | 5 |
| HR | 0 |
| RBI | 1 |
| SB | 0 |
| AVG | .200 |
| OBP | .231 |
| SLG | .280 |
| OPS | .511 |
36. Jack Glasscock
"Pebbly Jack" is probably the greatest player that we have covered so far on this list. He is one of the pioneers of the shortstop position and really paved the way for it to become a spot where elite defense is played. Oh yeah, he won a batting title in 1890 with the New York Giants, proving his hitting ability as well.
| Jack Glasscock — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1736 |
| AB | 7030 |
| H | 2040 |
| HR | 27 |
| RBI | 825 |
| SB | 372 |
| AVG | .290 |
| OBP | .337 |
| SLG | .374 |
| OPS | .711 |
35. Lil Stoner
Sometimes the simplest of nicknames can complete a legendary one. Ulysses Stoner ended up just getting a three-letter nickname: Lil. From then on, Lil Stoner became known as one of the greatest names in baseball of the 1920s. He logged 50 wins over seven years with the Tigers.
| Lil Stoner — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 50 |
| L | 58 |
| ERA | 4.71 |
| G | 229 |
| IP | 1003.2 |
| SO | 299 |
| WHIP | 1.55 |
| SV | 14 |
34. Chicken Hawks
We have now reached our first animal name. In fact, it's not just one bird; it's two! Chicken Hawks, when you think about it, is a juxtaposition of predator and prey names. He found that in the MLB teams he played for as well. He experienced the powerhouse 1921 Yankees and then the weaker 1925 Phillies.
| Chicken Hawks — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 147 |
| AB | 393 |
| H | 124 |
| HR | 7 |
| RBI | 60 |
| SB | 3 |
| AVG | .316 |
| OBP | .377 |
| SLG | .453 |
| OPS | .830 |
33. Mysterious Walker
This is a puzzling one. A pitcher who earned just seven wins in 61 games pitched throughout his five-year career. Mysterious Walker unfortunately couldn't solve opposing offenses. We also unfortunately don't have an explanation for his name, as he was born in 1884, so this mystery will have to remain unsolved.
| Mysterious Walker — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 7 |
| L | 23 |
| ERA | 4.00 |
| G | 61 |
| IP | 297.1 |
| SO | 143 |
| WHIP | 1.49 |
| SV | 1 |
32. Buttercup Dickerson
In American media, I think the name Buttercup is thought of differently nowadays. Still not a common nickname for a guy. Buttercup Dickerson was able to carve out a seven-year career from 1878 to 1885. He was a good hitter too, building a career OPS+ of 121.
| Buttercup Dickerson — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 408 |
| AB | 1762 |
| H | 500 |
| HR | 4 |
| RBI | 127 |
| AVG | .284 |
| OBP | .304 |
| SLG | .377 |
| OPS | .681 |
31. Pussy Tebeau
Speaking of uncommon nicknames for guys, Pussy Tebeau purrs his way onto this list through the two games that he was able to play with the Cleveland Spiders in 1895. I don't know how he wasn't given more chances, as he had three hits in six at-bats in those games.
| Pussy Tebeau — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2 |
| AB | 6 |
| H | 3 |
| HR | 0 |
| RBI | 1 |
| SB | 1 |
| AVG | .500 |
| OBP | .625 |
| SLG | .500 |
| OPS | 1.125 |
30. Tony Suck
Traveling the world and living in big cities, I have seen my fair share of unique last names. But here is another one on this list where I am baffled. We do have a nickname on our hands, but it's just a regular nickname for Tony. The reason he's on this list is that Suck is his real last name. I know I've never heard it before, and I don't know if I'll ever hear another person with that surname again.
| Tony Suck — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 58 |
| AB | 205 |
| H | 31 |
| HR | 0 |
| RBI | 0 |
| AVG | .151 |
| SLG | .161 |
29. Phenomenal Smith
Sometimes a nickname can be a lot to live up to. John Francis Smith had a phenomenal one. He had an eight-year MLB career mostly in the 1880s. He couldn't quite achieve a winning record. It wasn't for lack of trying, though. He once won 25 games in 1887. He had a solid 3.79 ERA. Unfortunately, he didn't have much help, as he also tallied 30 losses that season.
| Phenomenal Smith — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 54 |
| L | 74 |
| ERA | 3.89 |
| G | 140 |
| IP | 1169.1 |
| SO | 519 |
| WHIP | 1.42 |
| SV | 0 |
28. Blue Moon Odom
The Athletics had a pitching staff that was full of terrific names. Blue Moon Odom, definitely one of them. You can bet one of his teammates is on this list too. Unfortunately, I'll tell you now, Vida Blue did not make the cut. So we'll honor both Blues in this place. Odom was a two-time All-Star and gave Oakland a chance to win every time he was on the mound. We all know Vida Blue did so too, with his Cy Young and MVP season.
| Blue Moon Odom — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 84 |
| L | 85 |
| ERA | 3.70 |
| G | 295 |
| IP | 1509.0 |
| SO | 857 |
| WHIP | 1.42 |
| SV | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 2 |
| World Series titles | 3 |
27. Biff Pocoroba
A name with great rhythm to it, Biff Pocoroba gave the name a positive light. He spent a decade with the Braves, earning an All-Star selection in 1978 to prove his worth behind the plate as a solid catcher. He retired in 1984, a year before Biff Tannen gave the Biff name a bad rap in Back to the Future.
| Biff Pocoroba — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 596 |
| AB | 1457 |
| H | 374 |
| HR | 21 |
| RBI | 172 |
| SB | 6 |
| AVG | .257 |
| OBP | .339 |
| SLG | .351 |
| OPS | .690 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
26. Biff Schlitzer
Alright, we'll keep the Biff train going as we welcome Biff Schlitzer to the list. His last name has a little bit more zing to it. He was a Philadelphia A's pitcher way back in 1908. He only got to the major leagues in three separate seasons. I wish he were born later to team up with Pocoroba. That would be some battery.
| Victor Schlitzer — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 10 |
| L | 15 |
| ERA | 3.60 |
| G | 44 |
| IP | 217.1 |
| SO | 87 |
| WHIP | 1.24 |
| SV | 1 |
25. Snuffy Stirnweiss
Okay, now we have an exciting speedster to talk about. Snuffy Stirnweiss was hardly snuffed on the basepaths in 1944 when he stole 55 bases for the New York Yankees. He was top five in MVP voting in back-to-back seasons. For a second baseman, Stirnweiss brought some electricity to those great Yankee teams.
| Snuffy Stirnweiss — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1028 |
| AB | 3695 |
| H | 989 |
| HR | 29 |
| RBI | 281 |
| SB | 134 |
| AVG | .268 |
| OBP | .362 |
| SLG | .371 |
| OPS | .733 |
24. Count Sensenderfer
There have been a few Counts in MLB history, but this may be the closest of those names to one that you would find in an old novel about a secluded place in a different era. Sensenderfer really did play in a different era. There are four years logged for him from 1871-1874. Just a different time indeed.
23. Peek-A-Boo Veach
Okay, you've heard of a game within a game. How about a game playing a game? Peek-A-Boo Veach might be the most whimsical name in baseball history. One can only wonder: if he saw a baby in the crowd, would he start actually playing peekaboo with it?
| Peek-A-Boo Veach — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 100 |
| AB | 353 |
| H | 76 |
| HR | 3 |
| RBI | 37 |
| SB | 9 |
| AVG | .215 |
| OBP | .319 |
| SLG | .309 |
| OPS | .628 |
22. Hugh "Losing Pitcher" Mulcahy
We now highlight the most brutal nickname on this list. You don't have to do much research to know what position he played and how successful he was at it because, unfortunately, it is all in his nickname. Funny enough, one of the seasons that he led the major leagues in losses was 1940. He went 13-22, yet he was still selected as an All-Star.
| Hugh Mulcahy — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 45 |
| L | 89 |
| ERA | 4.49 |
| G | 220 |
| IP | 1161.2 |
| SO | 314 |
| WHIP | 1.51 |
| SV | 9 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
21. Pretzel Pezzullo
I took some Italian in college, so I know my way around a little bit of Italian pronunciation. I'm not assuming that Pezzulo is of Italian lineage, but the nickname Pretzel actually makes me think that it is.
The way you would pronounce his last name would make me think that he would correct people to the point where they could use the nickname Pretzel to remember how to say Pezzullo.
| John Pezzullo — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 3 |
| L | 5 |
| ERA | 6.36 |
| G | 42 |
| IP | 86.1 |
| SO | 24 |
| WHIP | 1.93 |
| SV | 1 |
20. Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown (HOF)
Okay, it's time for some Hall of Fame talent. Mordecai Three Finger Brown not only has a legendary name, but his career is also the stuff of legend. A 1.04 ERA in 1906 converts to an unfathomable 253 ERA+.
Even when you consider that it was the Dead-Ball Era, you have to remember that his nickname describes his pitching hand. Yup, he pitched with three fingers and dominated while doing so.
| Mordecai Brown — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 239 |
| L | 130 |
| ERA | 2.06 |
| G | 481 |
| IP | 3172.1 |
| SO | 1375 |
| WHIP | 1.07 |
| SV | 49 |
| World Series titles | 2 |
19. Vinegar Bend Mizell
Back in the day, there were up-and-coming players who would play in nearby towns to get better competition and more looks. Vinegar Bend Mizell found his playing time and his name in Vinegar Bend, Alabama. He parlayed that experience into a successful two-time All-Star career and later a political career as a U.S. Representative for North Carolina.
| Vinegar Bend Mizell — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 90 |
| L | 88 |
| ERA | 3.85 |
| G | 268 |
| IP | 1528.2 |
| SO | 918 |
| WHIP | 1.38 |
| SV | 0 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
18. Yo-Yo Davalillo
One of the shortest players of all time, Yo-Yo Davalillo is also one of the more important ones. He was the fourth player from Venezuela to reach Major League Baseball, as he played for the Washington Senators in 1953. His elite play in Venezuelan leagues and his pioneering MLB appearance earned him a spot in the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame.
| Pompeyo Davalillo — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 19 |
| AB | 58 |
| H | 17 |
| HR | 0 |
| RBI | 2 |
| SB | 1 |
| AVG | .293 |
| OBP | .305 |
| SLG | .310 |
| OPS | .615 |
17. Dizzy Trout
I know modern fans are familiar with a different Trout, but Dizzy Trout saw his own fair share of success. He was a two-time All-Star and nearly won an MVP award in 1944, except it went to some guy named Hal Newhouser. He was also a key cog for the Tigers when they won a World Series championship in 1945.
| Dizzy Trout — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 170 |
| L | 161 |
| ERA | 3.25 |
| G | 521 |
| IP | 2725.2 |
| SO | 1256 |
| WHIP | 1.35 |
| SV | 35 |
| All-Star selections | 2 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
16. Boots Poffenberger
Yet another name on this list where I am less interested in the origin of the nickname and more interested in the origin of the surname. Poffenberger had a short career in the MLB. He mostly pitched for the Tigers in the late 30s.
He racked up 16 wins and 13 complete games over three seasons. I almost wish they had stuck with him longer so we could all learn more about his family lineage.
| Boots Poffenberger — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 16 |
| L | 12 |
| ERA | 4.75 |
| G | 57 |
| IP | 267.1 |
| SO | 65 |
| WHIP | 1.68 |
| SV | 4 |
15. Steamboat Struss
Here is an entry on the list that had just one game logged in the MLB. Steamboat Struss was called upon to pitch in the final game of the 1934 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. What an appropriately named pitcher to match the team he played for.
| Clarence Struss — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 0 |
| L | 1 |
| ERA | 6.43 |
| G | 1 |
| IP | 7.0 |
| SO | 3 |
| WHIP | 1.86 |
| SV | 0 |
14. Shoeless Joe Jackson
Here's an example of a legendary player elevating a nickname to atmospheric heights. So many stories have been told and created about Shoeless Joe Jackson that it has really helped his case as a positive influence on the game.
Everyone knows of the scandal. Everyone believes he wasn't really a part of it. I'm sure there will always be at least one voice saying that Shoeless Joe should not just be immortalized in media, but immortalized in Cooperstown.
| Joe Jackson — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1332 |
| AB | 4981 |
| H | 1772 |
| HR | 54 |
| RBI | 785 |
| SB | 202 |
| AVG | .356 |
| OBP | .423 |
| SLG | .517 |
| OPS | .940 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
13. Icicle Reeder
I get that this entire list is about names that we just naturally want to know more about. This one sticks out to me. Icicle Reeder is just so unique, yet he played so little in the MLB. Just six games in 1884, and that's all we have to work off of. I wish he played more; I wish we knew more. I wish somebody would tell me where Icicle Reeder got his name.
| Icicle Reeder — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 6 |
| AB | 26 |
| H | 4 |
| HR | 0 |
| AVG | .154 |
| OBP | .154 |
| SLG | .154 |
| OPS | .308 |
12. Jigger Statz
Here's a guy that we actually know a lot about, even if he didn't have a notable MLB career. Jigger Statz was actually a misspelling of his original nickname, Chigger, which is another name for a small bug or harvest mite found in America.
He does have one remarkable season where he batted .319, accumulating 209 hits in 1923 for the Cubs. He's even more known for his legendary Minor League career as a member of the original Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League.
| Arnold Statz — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 683 |
| AB | 2585 |
| H | 737 |
| HR | 17 |
| RBI | 215 |
| SB | 77 |
| AVG | .285 |
| OBP | .337 |
| SLG | .373 |
| OPS | .710 |
11. The Only Nolan
There are multiple stories about how The Only Nolan got his nickname, but nothing can be confirmed. All we know is that he had only one full season in the MLB. He went 13-22 in 1878 with a 2.57 ERA, which was high for the time. He totaled five seasons of MLB service with five different teams, all of whom were able to get to know The Only Nolan.
| The Only Nolan — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 23 |
| L | 52 |
| ERA | 2.98 |
| G | 79 |
| IP | 676.0 |
| SO | 274 |
| WHIP | 1.26 |
| SV | 0 |
10. Mark Lemongello
Here's a pitcher from the 70s who has a memorable name and some memorable outbursts. Mark Lemongello had a reputation for destroying locker room equipment when he got mad.
He had some ups and downs on the mound for Houston, but managed to keep his ERA under 4.00 for the three seasons he was there. I'm sure some of you who enjoy 70s music will be familiar with his cousin, Peter Lemongello.
| Mark Lemongello — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 22 |
| L | 38 |
| ERA | 4.06 |
| G | 89 |
| IP | 537.0 |
| SO | 209 |
| WHIP | 1.35 |
| SV | 1 |
9. Catfish Hunter (HOF)
I don't think I need to give you his numbers or accolades. Maybe just tell you the quick story of how he got his Catfish name. It's pretty simple, actually, and is the reason why Blue Moon Odom and the rest of the team were pretty fun.
Charlie Finley, the A's owner, always tried to bring more entertainment to the game of baseball. So he gave his players nicknames with backstories that he just made up. The story for Catfish was that he ran away as a boy and came home with two catfish he caught. That stuck with him all the way to Cooperstown.
| Catfish Hunter — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 224 |
| L | 166 |
| ERA | 3.26 |
| G | 500 |
| IP | 3449.1 |
| SO | 2012 |
| WHIP | 1.13 |
| SV | 1 |
| Cy Young | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 8 |
| World Series titles | 5 |
8. Sugar Cain
Sugar is not that uncommon a nickname, but when it is combined with this last name, it is very unique. He was a steady hand in pitching rotations throughout the Depression era. He went from the Philadelphia Athletics to the St. Louis Browns and finished off with the Chicago White Sox.
| Sugar Cain — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 53 |
| L | 60 |
| ERA | 4.83 |
| G | 178 |
| IP | 987.1 |
| SO | 279 |
| WHIP | 1.71 |
| SV | 1 |
7. Moonlight Graham
I think Moonlight Graham is a name we're probably all familiar with. He is featured in Field of Dreams as the player who played in one game in the MLB and then eventually became a doctor. Well, that's a real story. Not completely accurate in the movie, but the gist is real.
The real Moonlight Graham is that rare stats page where there are no actual stats. Just that one game where he came in for defense and didn't get a single ball his way.
| Moonlight Graham — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1 |
| AB | 0 |
| H | 0 |
| HR | 0 |
| RBI | 0 |
| SB | 0 |
| AVG | .000 |
| OBP | .000 |
| SLG | .000 |
| OPS | .000 |
6. Boileryard Clarke
Here's another rough nickname. Boileryard Clarke apparently had a terrible voice that could be heard throughout the field. He was a rough-and-tumble catcher for 13 years and saw the ultimate achievement in his final year. He won the 1905 World Series with the New York Giants. A perfect way to end a career.
| William Clarke — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 950 |
| AB | 3346 |
| H | 858 |
| HR | 20 |
| RBI | 429 |
| SB | 54 |
| AVG | .256 |
| OBP | .310 |
| SLG | .326 |
| OPS | .636 |
5. Heinie Meine
There are actually a lot of baseball players in history named Heinie, so we chose the one that's most fun. Not only was his name perfect to say or hear on the radio, but he had a nickname that was fun as well.
The Count of Luxemburg is because he operated a tavern in the Luxemburg section of his home city, St. Louis, Missouri. I don't know which part I like most about this guy. The name, the nickname, and the tavern all add up to one cool person.
| Heinie Meine — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 66 |
| L | 50 |
| ERA | 3.95 |
| G | 165 |
| IP | 999.1 |
| SO | 199 |
| WHIP | 1.41 |
| SV | 3 |
4. Van Lingle Mungo
There are so many legendary aces in the history of the Dodgers, but it's hard to believe that we forget about a name like Van Mungo that is on that list. He was a four-time All-Star during some trying times for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 30s.
He led the league with 238 strikeouts in 1936. So, on the list of Dodgers single-season strikeouts leaders, you can see Koufax, Drysdale, Kershaw, Valenzuela, and Van Lingle Mungo. Incredible.
| Van Mungo — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 120 |
| L | 115 |
| ERA | 3.48 |
| G | 364 |
| IP | 2113.0 |
| SO | 1242 |
| WHIP | 1.34 |
| SV | 16 |
3. Wonderful Terrific Monds III
A name that's so nice we had to put it here twice. Really, I just want to see who actually read through this entire list. Let us know if you were able to spot this repeat, because kudos to you.
2. Orator Shafer
He's got a pretty cool name and has a pretty cool record. The game was very different back when Orator Shafer played; he was pretty elite for his time. His 50 outfield assists in 1879 are a record that still stands today. He had some great hitting seasons as well.
An 184 OPS+ in 1878 led the National League. In 13 seasons, Shafer bounced around to 10 different teams, sharing his apparent gift of gab with everyone.
| George Shafer — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 842 |
| AB | 3442 |
| H | 974 |
| HR | 10 |
| RBI | 308 |
| SB | 32 |
| AVG | .283 |
| OBP | .328 |
| SLG | .369 |
| OPS | .697 |
1. Mudcat Grant
We conclude our list with a trailblazer. Mudcat Grant had a cool name and a cool career. He became the first black pitcher to win 20 games in a season in the American League in 1965. That was also the year he earned his second of two All-Star selections.
He helped lead the Minnesota Twins to a World Series appearance in that same year, pitching two complete-game victories, becoming the first black pitcher to do that as well in the American League. Capping off this list, we celebrate Mudcat Grant, who helped pave the way for the future of baseball.
| Mudcat Grant — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 145 |
| L | 119 |
| ERA | 3.63 |
| G | 571 |
| IP | 2441.2 |
| SO | 1267 |
| WHIP | 1.29 |
| SV | 53 |
| All-Star selections | 2 |
