2. “The Splendid Splinter” Ted Williams
Boston Red Sox legendary outfielder Ted Williams earned his first nickname before he stepped on the field for his first MLB game.
At 19 years old, Williams was on his way to Spring Training when a flood in his home state delayed his arrival. When he finally reached the team’s Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla., he was met by Boston’s equipment manager.
Per Ronald A. Reis’ 2009 book, Ted Williams:
"“Who are you?” Williams remembers Johnny Orlando, the Red Sox equipment manager, asking upon arrival, as recounted in My Turn at Bat. “Ted Williams,” was the instant reply. “Oh, well. ‘The Kid’ has arrived, eh,” Orlando responded. “You dress over there with the rookies, Kid.”"
The nickname “The Kid”would stick with him throughout his career, but it is not the one entrenched in the minds of baseball fans.
Williams’ most memorable nickname was “The Splendid Splinter”, an apparent ode to his tall, slender frame and magnificent hitting ability. He finished his career with best on-base percentage of all-time (.482), and is one of the greatest hitters in MLB history. Williams missed nearly five years of his prime while serving in the military during World War II and the Korean War. Regardless, he had little trouble establishing himself as an all-time great.
Aside from his incredible career numbers and hitting prowess, “The Splendid Splinter” is well-known for becoming the last player to hit .400. He finished the 1941 season with a .406 batting average.
Next: 1. Charlie Hustle