Posted By:
Gilbert MainesI have to agree with warshawlaw that those nicknames which have totally replaced the players given name, and therefore usually appear on baseball cards are among my favorite (Babe, Cy, etc.). But those somewhat less colorful names which have totally replaced the player's actual name are also intriguing (such as "Billy" Martin, Jungle Jim Rivera, "Pete" Runnels, etc.).
Some people collect baseball cards based on nicknames. The "Avian" subset of nicknames is increasing in popularity (Goose, Ducky, Birdie, etc.). 1940 Playballs are a treasure of nicknames.
I like those names which are more sayings than mere names: the Sultan of Swat, the Wild Hoss of the Osage, the Chairman of the Board, and more.
Gil