Rays’ Top Ten Nicknames

Sep 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Rays Kevin Kiermaier (39) is unable to catch a ball hit for a RBI double by Toronto Blue Jays center field Kevin Pillar (not pictured) in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin “Outlaw” Kiermaier

There are some nicknames that no matter how they came about, they just seem to fit. That’s the case for Kiermaier who seems to have been given the perfect nickname for his style of play. Here’s the lowdown on how he became knows as “Outlaw”:

“In 2010, my rookie year (in pro ball) I played rightfield and then in 2011 they moved me back to centerfield (at Class A Bowling Green) so I was really pumped. And I said I’m going to do whatever I can to stick in centerfield because that’s where I want to play. So I really started making some nice diving catches and I had like 21 outfield assists that year. Someone came up to me and said, ‘Hey man, you play the outfield like an … outlaw.’ I said, ‘Wow, that has a nice little ring to it.’ So I was like, ‘Hey, you can call me that if you want.’ So from there, it kind of is self-proclaimed.”

I can see why Kiermaier was supportive of that name, who wouldn’t be? Unless you missed out on the whole “I like to be cool” phase of life, you have to appreciate how awesome it would be for people to call you Outlaw. Very cool nickname. But still, it didn’t top our list because it’s almost too obvious, whereas the next one is the most creative on this list, by far.

Next: At No.1, Mr. Conger