A quiz: MLB stars’ real first names

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