Fansided

MLB power rankings: Top 30 nicknames of all-time

By John Buhler

Aug 14, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) smiles after a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) smiles after a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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OAKLAND, CA – CIRCA 1977: Bill Lee #37 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Oakland Athletics during an Major League Baseball game circa 1977 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Lee played for the Red Sox from 1969-78. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – CIRCA 1977: Bill Lee #37 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Oakland Athletics during an Major League Baseball game circa 1977 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Lee played for the Red Sox from 1969-78. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

4. Bill Lee: Spaceman

How does a left-handed relief pitcher from the 1970s have one of the best all-time nicknames? Well, if you were as eccentric and unforgettable as Bill “Spaceman” Lee, then you’d understand. Lee had a successful 14-year MLB career with the Boston Red Sox and the Montreal Expos, but it was antics that set him apart.

He did things differently like perfecting his own version of the Eephus pitch, known as the Leephus pitch and habitual use of marijuana, as it was the best way to deal with Boston bus fumes as he would jog to Fenway Park to go to work.

He once ran for president on the Rhinoceros Party ticket, wanting to bulldoze the Rocky Mountains so Alberta could get some more sunshine and therefore a longer growing. Other political platforms included banning guns and butter because both are harmful to one’s health.

Whether it was winning games on the mound, telling fans to berate umpires or protesting the release of Expo teammates, The Spaceman was always out of this world. He was so iconic, he now has a spot in the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

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