It was a good run, Bossman Junior.
When Atlanta Braves center fielder B.J. Upton hits Spring Training, he’ll be without two things…his brother (Justin was traded to San Diego in December) and his name.
B.J. Upton will go by the name Melvin Upton Jr. this year. Upton will explain his reasoning when he reports to #Braves camp.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 22, 2015
That’s right, the older of the two Upton boys will now go by his birth name.
Melvin Jr.
I seriously doubt dude’s “reasoning” will be all that exciting, but how Melvin Emanuel Upton Jr. even became “B.J.” is an interesting tale to tell. And it all goes back to his father’s days in high school.
Growing up, B.J. and Justin’s dad, Melvin Emanuel Upton Sr., was known as Manny, but his father called him “Bossman”. And eventually, everyone did. According to one story, the nickname was so closely attached to the elder Upton that his high school coach suggested he name his first son “B.J.”. Or, if you will, “Bossman Junior”.
He did. And for more than thirty years…it stuck.
As for the newly-minted Melvin’s younger brother, he’ll be patrolling left field as a member of the new-look Padres…as boring old Justin Upton.
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