Los Angeles Dodgers Edition of NBA Nickname Jerseys
What If The Los Angeles Dodgers Wore Nicknames On Their Jerseys?
The NBA tried out a new style of jerseys yesterday in the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets game. For the first time, players were allowed to wear their nicknames on the back of their jerseys. As arrogant as it seems, LeBron James naturally wore “King James” across his back, Dwayne Wade sported his classic “D-Wade” nickname and Andre Kirilenko wore “Кириленко,” which is just his last name in Russian – apparently the NBA nixed his preferred nickname, AK-47.
With this new fashion statement in the NBA, I got to thinking about the MLB and their jerseys. Although this trend is not practical for the long run, it could be fun to try out for a game or two during the long and sometimes monotonous 162-game season. A simple break in the lengthy stretch with something new and different could be a fun way for fans to remain interested and engaged. The league could even allow the fans to vote on which teams would use the nickname jerseys or which nicknames the players would bear on their backs.
Although it is not likely the MLB will follow the NBA’s example in this regard, it is fun to speculate. As such, I have put together a slideshow of the Los Angeles Dodgers' most prominent players and even included some of the minor league guys who have great nicknames. Keep in mind that some players have more than one nickname, so it was my discretion to pick which one I thought was best. I have not sorted them in any particular order but have included the players with the best and most fitting nicknames, so get the slideshow started by clicking the “Next” button above.
Isaac Comelli is a Los Angeles Dodgers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @IsaacComelli, “Like” him on Facebook or follow him on Google.
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Yasiel Puig – The Wild Horse
There is hardly a nickname more fitting on the Dodgers’ roster than that of star outfielder, Yasiel Puig. From reckless plays in the outfield to reckless driving, Puig goes 100% (or 100 MPH) at all times. He truly is, “The Wild Horse.”
Juan Uribe – Uribear
Juan Uribe is just the big, brown, cuddly bear of the Dodgers organization. This nickname is perfect for him and makes for great illustrations just like the one featured here from the creator of the PaintTheCorners blog.
Clayton Kershaw – The Claw
Just like the claw in an arcade game, you cannot control “The Claw” that is Clayton Kershaw. The funny thing is, Kershaw’s own nickname is not even as good as the one given to his curveball, “Public Enemy Number One.”
Scott Van Slyke – Scott Van Stache
The “Stache” speaks for itself. The Dodgers’ minor leaguer and occasional visitor to the clubhouse sports one of the dirtiest mustaches in the league. Scott Van Slyke could make a 1970s detective sitcom and call it “Scott Van Stache.”
Brian Wilson – The Beard
“The Beard” is not very creative, but it is hard to find a more fitting nickname for the intriguing man that is Brian Wilson. I mean, come on. Look at that beard. It is so extravagant, it deserves its own name.
Adrian Gonzalez – El Titan
Dodgers fans celebrate Adrian Gonzalez’s monstrous home runs and rightfully call him “El Titan.” But Los Angeles fans are fickle and call him “La Tortuga” (The Turtle, in Spanish) when his slow-as-molasses legs get him thrown out.
Justin Sellers – Sell Block
Justin Sellers, the Dodgers’ minor league infielder, boasts an awesome nickname. With prison connotations making him sound tough and fitting in perfectly with his last name “Sell Block” would be an fantastic nickname to see on a jersey.
Andre Ethier – Captain Clutch
Andre Ethier’s bat may not always show up in the everyday situation, but “Captain Clutch” has an uncanny ability to show up in the big moments. From late inning home runs to walk off doubles, Ethier makes Dodgers fans shout “Captain Clutch!” in ecstatic joy.
Hanley Ramirez – El Niño
Just like the South American warming trends, Hanley Ramirez can get hot in a moment’s notice and wreak havoc on opposing pitching staffs. “El Niño” is a perfect nickname for the Dodgers’ star shortstop.
Dee Gordon – Flash Gordon Jr.
Speed kills and Dee Gordon uses it steal bases left and right. “Flash Gordon Jr.” takes his namesake from his father, Tom “Flash” Gordon and upholds the family name and tradition of blazing speed well.
Matt Kemp – Beast Mode
It may not seem as fitting anymore as “Beast Mode” has been “Bench Mode” with all of his recent injuries, but Matt Kemp’s nickname surfaced during his 2011 campaign in which he rightfully deserved to win the NL MVP. He will resurge and will return to his “Beast Mode” form.
That does it for this slideshow. Let me know if I missed any good nicknames and tell me which is your favorite. I would also love to hear any suggestions for guys who don't have a nickname, like Kenley Jansen and Paco Rodriguez.
