You know about the exploits of all-time MLB strikeout king Nolan Ryan. But do you know his actual first name is Lynn?
The MLB record book says Tom Seaver won 311 games over the course of his illustrious 20-season career. Not true, that was actually George Seaver savoring all that glory.
And how about the man who revolutionized the role of the closer. No, not Bruce Sutter…Howard Sutter.
Throughout history, ballplayers – not unlike many in other professions – rose to prominence and sometimes immortality under names that weren’t strictly speaking theirs. Often they used a middle name they simply liked better, but it could also be a family nickname or merely a name they acquired along the way.
It’s no different with the stars of today. So let’s see how well you know the real identities of current Major League players.
The following quiz presents 25 current and well-known big league players. Each shares one common trait: the name you know them by is NOT their actual first name. Your task is simple; From the options that are presented, identify the player by his actual given first name.
So if Babe Ruth was on the list, you’d respond ‘George.’ The same with Lou Gehrig, who was actually Henry.
You get one clue: The correct first name is never a derivative of the name by which the player is commonly known. That means Alexander “Alec” Bohn is not on this list.
Each name is accompanied by three possible options, one of which is the player’s actual first name. The correct answers are at the end.
1. Javier Baez. Mets infielder: Cristian, Ednel, Magnervius
2. Mookie Betts, Dodger outfielder: Franklin, Marcus, Roberto
3. Miguel Cabrera, Tiger infielder: Jose, Lamaberto, Vincenzo
4. Aroldis Chapman, Yankee reliever: Albertin, Carlos, Desiderata
5. Jazz Chisholm, Marlins infielder: Jasrado, Ricardo, Stellan
6. Corey Dickerson, Marlins outfielder: David, Horace, McKenzie
7. Kyle Farmer, Reds infielder: James, Kasmir, Enzo
8. Adolis Garcia, Rangers outfielder: Antonio, Dagoberto, Jose
9. Niko Goodrum, Tigers infielder. Cartier, Rolando, Santrucito
10. Didi Gregorius, Phillies infielder: Mariekson, Phillip, William
11. Zack Greinke, Astros pitcher: Donald, Kevin, Peter
12. Odubel Herrera, Phillies outfielder: Bronson, David, Jose
13. Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks pitcher: Alan, Kenneth, Thomas
14. Nate Lowe, Rangers infielder: David, Dennis, Samson
15. Lance Lynn, White Sox pitcher: Alejandro, Carlos, Michael
16. Trey Mancini, Orioles outfielder: Joseph, Willis, Woodson
17. Cedric Mullins, Orioles outfielder: Boyce, Celestino, Durham
18. David Peralta, Diamondbacks outfielder: Estancio, Geraldo, Senger
19. Buster Posey, Giants catcher: Gerald, Randall, Stuart
20. Hunter Renfroe, Red Sox outfielder: Dustin, Frederick, Michelin
21. Austin Riley, Braves infielder: Anson, Francis, Michael
22. Dansby Swanson, Braves infielder: Aiden, James, Jeremiah
23. Rowdy Tellez, Blue Jays infielder: Kendrick, Malachi, Ryan
24. Luke Voit, Yankees infielder: Louis, Miles, Omar
25. Alex Wood, Giants pitcher: Quin, Robert, Roy
Here are the correct answers:
1. Ednel Javier Baez
2. Markus Lynn Betts
3. Jose Miguel Cabrera
4. Albertin Aroldis Chapman
5. Jasrado Hermis Arrington Chisholm
6. McKenzie Corey Dickerson
7. James Kyle Farmer
8. Jose Adolis Garcia
9. Cartier Niko Goodrum
10. Mariekson Julius Gregorius
11. Donald Zack Greinke
12. David Odubel Herrera
13. Kenneth Merrill Kelly
14. David Nathaniel Lowe
15. Michael Lance Lynn
16. Joseph Anthony Mancini
17. Boyce Cedric Mullins
18. Senger David Peralta
19. Gerald Dempsey Posey
20. Dustin Hunter Renfroe
21. Michael Austin Riley
22. James Dansby Swanson
23. Ryan John Tellez
24. Louis Linwood Voit
25. Robert Alexander Wood