Welcome to part three of the Donruss Names Series, where we find buried treasure on the backs of Donruss baseball cards from 1981 to 1992. In part one, we looked at some famous players who actually went by their middle name during their playing career. In part two, we learned that some guys we thought went by a nickname, really didn't. The nickname was the name!
Today's installment looks at players who have a unique first name. We'll look at what one would think their first name would be based on the name they went by, then we'll reveal their actual first name. Again, we'll go in reverse uniqueness order. We have a nine player lineup, and though I didn't plan it this way, it looks like we'd have every position covered except pitcher.
9. Thad Bosley
Most probable first name: Thaddeus. Some unintentional Sportflix-like 3-D action going on with this card.
It seems that Thaddis is basically the same as Thaddeus. Just a spelling variation.
8. Bobby Brown
Most probable first name: Robert, Roberto
Bobby shares his given name with that of Hall of Fame second baseman Rogers Hornsby, who bears his mother's maiden name as his first name. So you'd think it would have been kind of cool to go by Rogers since you're a major league baseball player. But if he wants to go by Bobby Brown, I guess that's his prerogative.
7. Al Bumbry
Most probable first name: Albert, Alan, Alonzo
6. Bert Campaneris
Most probable first name: Albert
That's just an incredibly cool name. There's nothing else that can be said.
5. Mike Hargrove*
Most probable first name: Michael
Would going by Dudley have helped or hurt the Indians in the '95 and '97 World Series? One of history's mysteries.
4. Lee Lacy
Most probable first name: Lee, Leon, Leslie
The most famous Leondaus in history? Probably Lee Lacy.
3. Butch Hobson
Most probable first name: Henry? George?
History's most famous Clell? That would be outlaw Clell Miller, who was killed by a bunch of townspeople during a robbery attempt, had his body exhumed the night after he was buried, was shipped to a med school in Michigan, and was taken by a med student who became a doctor. The doctor, Henry Wheeler, kept Miller's skeleton displayed in his office until his own death. What does this have to do with Clell "Butch" Hobson? Basically nothing, but it's a crazy story. Thanks Wikipedia for your poorly sourced article! Who knows if it's even true!
2. Chris Chambliss
Most probable first name: Christopher
Most famous Carroll? Carroll O'Connor, who played Archie Bunker on All in the Family.
1. Gene Tenace*
Most probable first name: Eugene
Fury was likely chosen because Wrath and Rage were already taken by the couple with the twin boys who lived down the block from the Tenace family.
Thanks for sticking around for round three of the Donruss Names Series. Hope you enjoyed it!
