Rays’ Top Ten Nicknames

Apr 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Grant Balfour (50) walks back to the dugout at the end of the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Grant “The Mad Aussie” Balfour

His Twitter page proclaims it as fact:

"“Grant Balfour, the Mad Aussie & the dominant Tampa Bay Rays closer! #BalfourRAGE Former A’s & #Twinspitcher. #Athletics (PARODY)”"

It’s one of the more obvious nicknames since he is, after all, Australian, but the mad part does warrant more investigation. It turns out that the foul mouthed Balfour has had quite a few run ins with players over the years, for example:

"Balfour appeared to be cursing at Victor Martinez, who then jawed back, leading to both benches clearing."

There are at least another half-dozen examples, so he’s more than earned the name. Now we’re heating up the top 10!

Next: At No.8, Mr. Miller