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 /
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May 24, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Former professional baseball player Ken Griffey Kr. talks with Boston Red Sox left fielder Mike Carp (37) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Former professional baseball player Ken Griffey Kr. talks with Boston Red Sox left fielder Mike Carp (37) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Ken “Junior” Griffey

On August 31, 1990, Ken Griffey, Sr. and Ken Griffey, Jr. became the first father-son duo to appear in a major league game. It was only fitting that the son would come to be known as “Junior”.

Griffey Jr. became one of the faces of baseball from the very beginning of his MLB career. He broke into the majors with the Seattle Mariners in 1989 as a 19-year old rookie and former No. 1 overall draft pick with five-tool potential. He made the All-Star Game every year from 1990 to 2000, and at one point, appeared to be a threat to Hank Aaron’s record of 755 career home runs.

Griffey Jr. was two home runs shy of 400 at 30 years old, when he signed $116.5 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He got off to a successful start in Cincinnati, hitting 40 home runs in his first year with the team. This would be the high point of his career, though, as injuries halted Griffey Jr.’s quest to become the MLB’s all-time home run leader.

Despite injury issues in his 30s, he still managed to have one of the most prolific careers in recent memory.

Griffey Jr. was named to the All-Star team 13 times, won the 1997 American League MVP and was a four-time home run leader. He ranks sixth in MLB history with 630 career home runs.

Next: 23. Big Train

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