The Lesser Knowns

Put simply, a "lesser known" is a baseball player who reminds you of a more famous person. I categorize these players into a few groups:

• Players with a more famous baseball player in the family.
• Players sharing the same name with a more famous baseball player.
• Players sharing the same name with a more famous athlete in a different sport.
• Players sharing the same name with another more famous person. 

Posts featuring some lesser knowns can be viewed by clicking here:

These are the "lesser knowns" with a card in my collection:

Updated: 8/16/24

Lesser Known Player - More Known

• Tommie Aaron - Hank Aaron (Brother)
• Jim Abbott - Jim Abbott (Angels P)
• Ronald Acuna Sr. - Ronald Acuna Jr. (Son)
• Hank Allen - Dick Allen (Brother)
• Larry Allen - Larry Allen (NFL - HOF)
• Juan Andujar - Joaquin Andujar (Brother)
• Mark Anthony - Mark Anthony (Musician)
• Jonah Arenado - Nolan Arenado (Brother)
• Marcos Armas - Tony Armas (Brother)
• Tony Armas Jr. - Tony Armas (Father)
• Aaron Ashby - Andy Ashby (Father)
• Earl Averill Jr. - Earl Averill (Father)
• Darren Baker - Dusty Baker (Father)
• Frank Baker - Frank "Home Run" Baker (HOF)
• Chris Bando - Sal Bando (Brother)
• Juan Bell - George Bell (Brother)
• Mike Bell - David Bell (Brother), Buddy Bell (Father)
• Josh Bell (3B - BAL) - Josh Bell (Pirates 1B)
• Todd Bellhorn - Mark Bellhorn (Brother)
• Clay Bellinger - Cody Bellinger (Son)
• Alan Benes - Andy Benes (Brother)
• Dale Berra - Yogi Berra (Father)
• Dante Bichette Jr. - Dante Bichette (Father)
• Conor Biggio - Craig Biggio (Father)
• Jake Blalock - Hank Blalock (Brother)
• Todd Blyleven - Bert Blyleven (Father)
• Brett Bochy - Bruce Bochy (Father)
• Bobby Bonds Jr. - Bobby Bonds Sr. (Father), Barry Bonds (Brother)
• Jim Boudreau - Lou Boudreau (Father)
• Jim Bowie - Jim Bowie (American Pioneer)
• Milton Bradley - Milton Bradley (Board Game Creator)
• Terry Bradshaw - Terry Bradshaw (Steelers QB)
• Ryan Braun - Ryan Braun (Brewers OF)
• Michael Brenly - Bob Brenly (Father)
• Ken Brett - George Brett (Brother)
• Zach Britton - Zach Britton (Orioles, Yankees Pitcher)
• Aaron Brooks - Aaron Brooks (NFL QB)
• Bobby Brown - Bobby Brown (Musician)
• Chris Brown - Chris Brown (Musician)
• Dee Brown - Dee Brown (NBA)
• Larry Brown - Larry Brown (NBA)
• Ray Brown - Ray Brown (Hall of Fame)
• Tim Brown - Tim Brown (NFL WR)
• Kevin Brown (Catcher) - Kevin Brown (All-Star P, Padres, Marlins, etc.)
• Kevin Brown (LHP) - Kevin Brown (All-Star P, Padres, Marlins, etc.)
• Paul Brown b. 1941 - Paul Brown (NFL)
• Paul Brown b. 1965 - Paul Brown (NFL)
• Jim Buckner - Bill Buckner (Brother)
• Garrett Buechele - Steve Buechele (Father)
• Shawn Buhner - Jay Buhner (Brother)
• Daz Cameron - Mike Cameron (Father)
• Jim Campanis - Jim Campanis (Father), Al Campanis (Grandfather)
• Jose Cano - Robinson Cano (Son)
• Ozzie Canseco - Jose Canseco (Brother)
• Chris Carpenter - Chris Carpenter (STL P)
• Cris Carpenter - Chris Carpenter (STL P)
• Anthony Carter - Anthony Carter (NFL)
• Yoelqui Cespedes - Yoenis Cespedes (Brother)
• Eric Chavez - Eric Chavez (A's 3B)
• Royal Clayton - Royce Clayton (Brother)
• Kody Clemens - Roger Clemens (Father)
• Edgard Clemente - Roberto Clemente (Uncle)
• Mike Colangelo - Michaelangelo
• Phil Collins - Phil Collins (Musician)
• Griffin Conine - Jeff Conine (Father)
• William Contreras - Willson Contreras (Brother)
• Gary Cooper - Gary Cooper (Actor)
• Chris Cron - C.J. Cron (Son)
• Nelson Cruz (P) - Nelson Cruz (DH-OF)
• Jeff Darwin - Danny Darwin (Brother)
• Anthony Davis - Anthony Davis (NBA)
• Glenn Davis - Glenn Davis (Astros)
• Tommy Davis - Tommy Davis (Dodgers)
• Doug Davis (Catcher) - Doug Davis (P)
• Tim DeCinces - Doug DeCinces (Father)
• Ivan DeJesus Jr. - Ivan DeJesus (Father)
• Pat Dempsey - Rick Dempsey (Brother)
• Jose Devers - Rafael Devers (Cousin)
• Kyle Drabek - Doug Drabek (Father)
• Tim Drew - J.D. Drew, Stephen Drew (Brothers)
• Shawon Dunston Jr. - Shawon Dunston (Cubs)
• Chad Durham - Ray Durham (Brother)
• Cutter Dykstra - Lenny Dykstra (Father)
• Luke Dykstra - Lenny Dykstra (Father)
• Devon Ethier - Andre Ethier (Brother)
• Jeff Farnsworth - Kyle Farnsworth (Brother)
• Jon Farrell - John Farrell (Manager)
• Jeff Fischer - Jeff Fisher (Titans, Rams Head Coach)
• Derek Fisher - Derek Fisher (NBA)
• Michael Flacco - Joe Flacco (NFL QB - Brother)
• Joe Frazier - Joe Frazier (Boxer)
• Kyle Gaedele - Eddie Gaedel (Great Uncle)
• Joe Gaetti - Gary Gaetti (Father)
• Freddy Garcia - Freddy Garcia (SEA, PHI pitcher)
• Michael Garciaparra - Nomar Garciaparra (Brother)
• Ralph Garr Jr. - Ralph Garr Sr. (Father)
• Ryan Garvey - Steve Garvey (Father)
• Jeremy Giambi - Jason Giambi (Brother)
• Bob Gibson - Bob Gibson (Cardinals HOF)
• Marcus Giles - Brian Giles (Brother)
• Mike Glavine - Tom Glavine (Brother)
• Jerry Goff - Jared Goff (NFL - Son)
• Edgar Gonzalez - Adrian Gonzalez (Brother)
• Juan Gonzalez (b. 1973 - P) - Juan Gonzalez (TEX OF)
• Juan Gonzalez (b. 1982 - 3B) - Juan Gonzalez (TEX OF)
• Tony Gonzalez - Tony Gonzalez (NFL TE)
• Luis Gonzalez (b. 1995) - Luis Gonzalez (Diamondbacks OF)
• Luis Gonzalez (b. 2002) - Luis Gonzalez (Diamondbacks OF)
• Alex Gonzalez (Pitcher) - Alex Gonzalez (SS)
• Alex Gordon - Alex Gordon (Royals)
• Bo Greenwell - Mike Greenwell (Father)
• Trevor Gretzky - Wayne Gretzky (Father)
• Craig Griffey - Ken Griffey Jr. (Brother)/Ken Griffey Sr. (Father)
• Antonio Grissom - Marquis Grissom (Brother)
• Wilton Guerrero - Vladimir Guerrero (Brother)
• Juan Guzman - Juan Guzman (Blue Jays P)
• Chris Gwynn - Tony Gwynn Sr. (Brother)
• Tony Gwynn Jr. - Tony Gwynn Sr. (Father)
• Scott Hamilton - Scott Hamilton (Olympic Figureskater)
• Mike Hampton - Mike Hampton (Astros, Rockies pitcher)
• Benjamin Harrison - Benjamin Harrison (President)
• Corey Hart - Corey Hart (Musician)
• Kevin Hart - Kevin Hart (Comedian/Actor)
• Aaron Herr - Tommy Herr (Father)
• Jordan Hershiser - Orel Hershiser (Father)
• Jacob Heyward - Jason Heyward (Brother)
• Tyrone Hill - Tyrone Hill (NBA)
• Glenallen Hill Jr. - Glenallen Hill (Father)
• Glenn Hoffman - Trevor Hoffman (Brother)
• Jay Hornacek - Jeff Hornacek (NBA - brother)
• Jeff Hostetler - Jeff Hostetler (NFL QB)
• Ron Howard - Ron Howard (Actor)
• Ryan Howard - Ryan Howard (Phillies 1B)
• Sam Huff - Sam Huff (NFL HOF)
• Jim Hunter - Jim (Catfish) Hunter - (HOF P)
• Cale Iorg - Garth Iorg (Father), Dane Iorg (Uncle)
• Joe Jackson - (Shoeless) Joe Jackson
• Mark Jackson - Mark Jackson (NBA)
• Steven Jackson - Steven Jackson (NFL RB)
• Andre Johnson - Andre Johnson (NFL WR)
• Chad Johnson - Chad Johnson (NFL WR)
• Dave Johnson - Dave (Davey) Johnson - (Player, NYM Manager)
• Jack Johnson - Jack Johnson (Boxer)
• Rob Johnson - Rob Johnson (Bills, Jaguars QB)
• Randy Johnson (ATL - IF) - Randy Johnson (Mariners, D'Backs, etc. HOF P)
• Randy Johnson (MIN - OF) - Randy Johnson (Mariners, D'Backs, etc. HOF P)
• Bobby Jones - Bobby Jones (Golfer)
• Tom Jones - Tom Jones (Singer)
• Joe Kennedy - Joe Kennedy (JFK's Father)
• John Kennedy - John F. Kennedy (President)
• Grae Kessinger - Don Kessinger (Grandfather)
• Keith Kessinger - Don Kessinger (Father)
• Stephen King - Stephen King (Author)
• Tommy Kramer - Tommy Kramer (NFL)
• Steve Larkin - Barry Larkin (Brother)
• Andy LaRoche - Adam LaRoche (Brother), Dave LaRoche (Father)
• Marcus Lawton - Matt Lawton (Brother)
• Tim Leary - Tim Leary (Writer/Psychologist)
• Derek Lee - Derrek Lee (Marlins, Cubs 1B) 
• Brandon Leibrandt - Charlie Leibrandt (Father)
• Mark Leiter - Al Leiter (Brother)
• Mark Leiter Jr. - Al Leiter (Uncle), Mark Leiter (Father)
• Ray Liotta - Ray Liotta (Actor)
• James Lofton - James Lofton (NFL)
• Javier Lopez - Javier (Javy) Lopez (Braves C)
• Ryan Luzinski - Greg Luzinski (Father)
• Jason Maas - Kevin Maas (Brother)
• Earle Mack - Connie Mack (Father)
• John Madden - John Madden (NFL)
• Mike Maddux - Greg Maddux (Brother)
• Pat Mahomes - Patrick Mahomes (NFL - Son)
• John Marshall - John Marshall (Supreme Court, Sec. of State)
• Billy Martin - Billy Martin - (NYY Manager)
• Chris Martin - Chris Martin - (Musician - Coldplay)
• Russ Martin - Russell Martin (Dodgers catcher)
• Steve Martin - Steve Martin (Actor/Comedian)
• Pedro A. Martinez - Pedro Martinez (HOF)
• Ramon Martinez (b. 1968) - Ramon Martinez (Dodgers P)
• Ramon Martinez (b. 1969) - Ramon Martinez (Dodgers P)
• Ramon Martinez (b. 1972) - Ramon Martinez (Dodgers P)
• Edgar Martinez (P) - Edgar Martinez (Mariners)
• Dennis Martinez Jr. - Dennis Martinez (Father)
• Tate Matheny - Mike Matheny (Father)
• Eddie Mathews - Eddie Mathews (Braves HOF)
• Preston Mattingly - Don Mattingly (Father)
• Taylor Mattingly - Don Mattingly (Father)
• Jake Mauer - Joe Mauer (Brother)
• Lee May Jr. - Lee May Sr. (Father)
• L.J. Mazzilli - Lee Mazzilli (Father)
• Joe McCarthy - Joe McCarthy (HOF Manager, Politician)
• Terry McGriff - Fred McGriff (Cousin)
• Mark McLemore (P) - Mark McLemore (2B - CAL, TEX, SEA)
• Darrell Miller - Reggie Miller (Brother)
• Donovan Mitchell - Donovan Mitchell (NBA)
• Keith Mitchell - Kevin Mitchell (Cousin)
• Randy Moffitt - Billie Jean King (Sister)
• Jose Molina - Yadier Molina, Bengie Molina (Brothers)
• Michael Moore - Michael Moore (Film Producer)
• Joe Morgan - Joe Morgan (HOF 2B)
• Jim Morrison (b. 1952) - Jim Morrison (The Doors)
• Jim Morrison (b. 1967) - Jim Morrison (The Doors)
• Andy Mota - Manny Mota (Father)
• Jose Mota - Manny Mota (Father)
• Tony Mota - Manny Mota (Father)
• Hutton Moyer - Jamie Moyer (Father)
• Eddie Murphy - Eddie Murphy (Actor)
• Rich Murray - Eddie Murray (Brother)
• Mike Myers - Actor (Austin Powers)
• Dick Nen - Robb Nen (Son)
• Jeff Nettles - Graig Nettles (Father)
• Jim Nettles - Graig Nettles (Brother)
• Tyler Nevin - Phil Nevin (Father)
• Lance Niekro - Joe Niekro (Father), Phil Niekro (Uncle)
• Donell Nixon - Otis Nixon (Brother)
• Dan O'Brien - Dan O'Brien (Olympian)
• Rouglas Odor - Rougned Odor (Nephew)
• Orlando Palmeiro - Rafael Palmeiro (Cousin)
• Jeremy Papelbon - Jonathan Papelbon (Brother)
• Josh Papelbon - Jonathan Papelbon (Brother)
• David Parrish - Lance Parrish (Father)
• Ramon Pena - Tony Pena (Brother)
• Tony Pena (P) - Tony Pena (Catcher)
• Tony Pena (SS) - Tony Pena (Father)
• Eduardo Perez - Tony Perez (Father)
• Tony Phillips - Tony Phillips (Tigers, A's)
• Wade Phillips - Wade Phillips (NFL Head Coach)
• Mike Piazza - Mike Piazza (HOF C)
• Boog Powell - Boog Powell (Orioles)
• Tim Raines Jr. - Tim Raines (Father)
• Jose Ramirez - Jose Ramirez (CLE)
• Andre Randolph - Willie Randolph (Father)
• Cory Rasmus - Colby Rasmus (Brother)
• Johnny Ray - Johnny Ray (Angels)
• Steve Renko Jr. - Steve Renko (MON P)
• Edinson Renteria - Edgar Renteria (Brother)
• Jose A. Reyes - Jose Reyes (NYM SS)
• Don Reynolds - Harold Reynolds (Brother)
• Bill Ripken - Cal Ripken Jr. (Brother)
• Ryan Ripken - Cal Ripken Jr. (Father)
• Mariano Rivera - Mariano Rivera (Yankees HOF P)
• Mickey Rivers Jr. - Mickey Rivers (Father)
• John Roberts (b. 1963 - OF) - John Roberts (Supreme Court)
• John Roberts (b. 1973 - OF) - John Roberts (Supreme Court)
• Dereck Rodriguez - Ivan Rodriguez (Father)
• Mel Rojas Jr. - Mel Rojas (Expos P - Father)
• Pete Rose Jr. - Pete Rose (Father)
• Bob Ross - Bob Ross (Painter)
• Mason Rudolph - Mason Rudolph (NFL QB)
• Reid Ryan - Nolan Ryan (Father)
• Rob Ryan - Rob Ryan (NFL Coach)
• Jared Sandberg - Ryne Sandberg (Uncle)
• Reggie Sanders (IF) - Reggie Sanders (OF - Reds)
• Michael Sandoval - Pablo Sandoval (Brother)
• Carlos Santana - Carlos Santana (Musician)
• Dave Sax - Steve Sax (Brother)
• Jon Schuerholz - John Schuerholz (Father)
• Dan Segui - David Segui (Brother), Diego Segui (Father)
• Brad Seitzer - Kevin Seitzer (Brother)
• Cameron Seitzer - Kevin Seitzer (Father)
• Joe Sewell - Joe Sewell (HOF)
• Luke Sewell - Joe Sewell (HOF - Brother)
• Sterling Sharp - Sterling Sharpe (NFL)
• Andy Sheets - Ben Sheets (Cousin)
• Dave Sisler - George Sisler (Father)
• Dick Sisler - George Sisler (Father)
• George Sisler Jr. - George Sisler (Father)
• Alex Smith - Alex Smith (NFL QB)
• Bubba Smith - Bubba Smith (NFL)
• Robert Smith - Robert Smith (NFL)
• Steve Smith - Steve Smith (WR - Panthers)
• Will Smith (b. 1981) - Will Smith (Actor/Musician)
• Will Smith (b. 1989) - Will Smith (Actor/Musician)
• Tim Stargell - Willie Stargell (Uncle)
• Scott Stevens - Scott Stevens (NHL HOF)
• Jimmy Stewart - Jimmy Stewart (Actor)
• Mel Stottlemyre Jr. - Todd Stottlemyre (Brother), Mel Stottlemyre Sr. (Father)
• Rick Surhoff - B.J. Surhoff (Brother)
• Brent Suter - Brent Sutter (NHL)
• Don Sutton - Don Sutton (Father)
• Jose Tartabull - Danny Tartabull (Son)
• Jose Tartabull Jr. - Danny Tartabull (Brother)
• Jason Taylor - Jason Taylor (NFL)
• Trayce Thompson - Klay Thompson (NBA - brother)
• Jim Tracy - Jim Tracy (MGR)
• Mickey Tresh - Tom Tresh (Father)
• Mike Tyson - Mike Tyson (Boxer)
• Juan Uribe - Juan Uribe (SS/3B, CHW, LAD)
• Javier Valentin - Jose Valentin (Brother)
• Jesmuel Valentin - Jose Valentin (Father)
• Scott Van Slyke - Andy Van Slyke (Father)
• Cory Vaughn - Greg Vaughn (Father)
• Ben Verlander - Justin Verlander (Brother)
• Albert (Butts) Wagner - Honus Wagner (Brother)
• Larry Walker - Larry Walker (Rockies - HOF)
• Tom Walker - Neil Walker (Son)
• Mike Wallace - Mike Wallace (Reporter - 60 Minutes)
• Brett Wallach - Tim Wallach (Father)
• Chad Wallach - Tim Wallach (Father)
• Matt Wallach - Tim Wallach (Father)
• Pete Weber - Pete Weber (Bowler)
• Mike Webster - Mike Webster (NFL - Steelers)
• Dennis Werth - Jayson Werth (Stepson)
• Randy White - Randy White (NFL - Cowboys)
• Bernie Williams - Bernie Williams (Yankees CF)
• Billy Williams - Billy Williams (Cubs HOF)
• Brian Williams - Brian Williams (TV Host)
• Matt Williams - Matt Williams (SFG 3B)
• Ted Williams - Ted Williams (BOS HOF)
• Bump Wills - Maury Wills (Father)
• Owen Wilson - Owen Wilson (Actor)
• Mike Yastrzemski - Carl Yastrzemski (Father)
• Dustin Yount - Robin Yount (Father)
• Shane Zeile - Todd Zeile (Uncle)
• Tom Zimmer - Don Zimmer (Father)