Fansided

27 best MLB nicknames of all-time

By Josh Criswell

Oct 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits an RBI double in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits an RBI double in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
14 of 28
Next
Jun 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Former Cleveland Indians manager Mike Hargrove waves to the crowd during a pre-game celebration for the 1995 Indians team before the game between the Cleveland Indians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Former Cleveland Indians manager Mike Hargrove waves to the crowd during a pre-game celebration for the 1995 Indians team before the game between the Cleveland Indians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

15. “The Human Rain Delay” Mike Hargrove

When Mike Hargrove entered the MLB in 1974, it marked the beginning of a 27-year career in professional baseball.

Hargrove’s greatest MLB accomplishments came as a manager, when he led the Cleveland Indians to five consecutive American League Central Division Championships and two World Series appearances from 1995 to 1999. His one-of-a-kind nickname would be earned during his playing career, however.

Hargrove earned the nickname “The Human Rain Delay” as a reference to his notoriety for driving pitchers insane at the plate. Not with his hitting prowess, but with an absurdly long batter’s box routine.

Per Business Insider:

"Before every pitch, Hargrove would step out of the batter’s box following each pitch and: adjust his helmet; adjust his batting gloves making sure they fit exactly right especially around the thumbs; pull each sleeve up about an inch; wipe each hand on his uniform pants; reach back to adjust his rear pockets; knock the dirt from his cleats – both feet – with the bat; flex his shoulders; adjust the gloves again; rub his nose; adjust the rubber ring to protect his thumb; and then repeat the entire sequence."

Hargrove picked up Rookie of the Year honors in his first year in the league, and would make the All-Star Game the following season. But his legendary nickname and managerial success with the Indians is what he is best known for.

Next: 14. The Say Hey Kid

Home/Arizona Diamondbacks