My wife and I are expecting our first. The last name of Allen hardly bears any unique qualities about it, but searching for a first name has brought us in contact with a lot of fun, downright comical names. This had made me think a lot about Minor League Baseball, where unique names seem to come with the territory.
I can say with relative certainty that, this year, I think the Angels as an organization probably has the best names. Even on the 40-man roster, you’re looking at names like Albuquerque, Ji-Man, Giavotella, and Andrelton. Seeing the names on a consistent basis has a tendency to normalize them, but if you take a step back you begin to appreciate the uniqueness.
Surveying the Angels’ farm system, I pulled out my favorite 11 names to share for fun. Not all are unique in the strict sense, but all have a certain je ne c’est quoi. Be sure to add your favorites in the comments:
Adam Hofacket – RHP, Single-A
I just love saying his last name. Ho-Fack-et. Hofacket.
Hutton Moyer – 2B, Single-A
Hutton just isn’t a name you commonly hear these days. Blessed with an famous father, the name bears both an essence of both familiarity and individuality.
Nate Fury – RHP, High-A
Cue the Avengers reference! Fury is just a cool, edgy word, and to be so blessed to have it as a last name…..well, we should all be so lucky.
Ronnie Muck – RHP, High-A
Run amok. As a teacher, I’ve come in contact with some really fantastic names, but never once have I ever read the name “Muck”.
Taylor Ward – C, High-A
Because before he was drafted and before he was our top prospect, he was one of our top bloggers. No not literally him, but the name. It shares a striking resemblance to Taylor Blake Ward, who pens for scout.com.
Forrestt Allday – OF, High-A
All day. This one’s just too easy. But his first name also comes with it’s own unique qualities. Double the R, double the T, we used to say this all the time when Garrett Wilson was the leader of MWAH, before taking a front office job with the Braves. But Forrestt with two R’s and T’s? That’s new.
Anthony Bemboom – C, Double-A
A ball player with “Boom” in his name. Some guys just have it all.
Anthony Phillips – INF, Double-A
Sharing a name with former infamous Angel Tony Phillips….nice. He’s also South African(!), which is a rarity.
Bo Way – OF, Double-A
No way! Seriously, sharing a first name with Bo Jackson and the simple but awesome last name of Way. Just awesome.
Al Alburquerque – RHP, Triple-A
Can’t ask for a longer last name that’s also a state capital.
Jett Bandy – C, Triple-A
Just an amazing name. Credit Jett’s parents for their outstanding performance.
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