It may sound strange, but it's true: Major League Baseball players are people first. People with personalities. And this weekend you'll be able to get a glimpse into those personalities like never before.
Introducing the inaugural Players Weekend, a three-day event across Major League baseball to promote creativity around the game and the individuality of the game's players. Throughout the weekend, players will wear nicknames on the back of colorful, alternate jerseys, and are encouraged to wear customized apparel and use customized equipment.
The cleats will be flashy. The bats will be bright. Just before the pennant races really get going, the game will focus on fun. And players will be going by nicknames, many of which they've had since they were kids.
• Players Weekend gear available at MLBShop.com
What's your favorite player called by his teammates?
• What you need to know about Players Weekend
We have team-by-team breakdowns of all the nicknames that will be used during Players Weekend. Click on "more" for a complete breakdown of the nicknames of everyone who will be on the field for that team this weekend.
• Bold bats will fit in nicely on Players Weekend
Angels: Is there a better nickname in baseball than Jose Pujols' "The Machine"? See if any other Angels can compete with their Cooperstown-bound slugger. More >
Astros: Dragons? Fudge? Red Dawgs? Houston certainly is creative. More >
Athletics: Is that Matt Joyce on the 1s and 2s? Joyce's "DJ SS" isn't Oakland's only music-themed nickname. The A's also have Bruce Maxwell, aka "Baby Prince." More >
Blue Jays: Some are simple, like Kevin Pillar's "Pill" and Justin Smoak's "Moakey." Some are complicated, like Josh Donaldson's "Bringer of Rain." All hail to the king of beyond-the-border nicknames: "Joey Bats." More >
Braves: The Braves are big on abbreviations, and when it comes to players like Mike Foltynewicz, such nicknames feel natural. Of course, Players Weekend gives Brandon Phillips a chance to show off his famous "Dat Dude" moniker, as well. More >
Brewers: The Brewers are all about self-deprecation. Why else would they call the undersized Zach Davies "Bat Boy," the bespectacled Eric Sogard "Nerd Power," and even their own manager, Craig Counsell, "The Chicken"? More >
Cardinals: We already got a sneak peak at the Cardinals' nicknames during Sunday's Little League Classic. Call it a second act for "Sparky," "Waino," "Carp" and the gang. More >
Cubs: Javier Baez makes line drives disappear with his stellar glove. That's why he's "El Mago," Spanish for "The Magician." Elsewhere, Jonathan Jay represents his hometown and Jacob Arrieta becomes Jake the "Snake." More >
D-backs: "The Sheriff" will be in town this weekend, as will "Hermm The Worm" and "Hollywood" Archie Bradley. The snakes will be led by "Sal," which you probably didn't know is manager Torey Lovullo's birth name. More >
Dodgers: The Dodgers are running wild during this historic season. Their nicknames reflect the fun they're having. More >
Giants: You have some famous nicknames in the Giants' clubhouse, from "Mad-Bum" to "Buster" to "Shark." And, of course, don't forget about the "Panda." More >
Indians: Cleveland is managed by Terry Francona, whose "Tito" nickname is one of baseball's most well-known. How do his players' nicknames stack up? More >
Mariners: Robinson Cano's nickname might mean the most, Felix Hernandez's nickname may be the most well-known, but Kyle Seager's may be the funniest. More >
Marlins: In the Marlins clubhouse, you have "Vanimal," "Bear," "Unicorn" and "Jarlin the Marlin." Fitting for the Fish. More >
Mets: Travis d'Arnaud honors the lowercase letter that begins his last name, and two bullpen buddies show off their bro-mance. More >
Nationals: Guess who is going by "Blue Eye?" Guess who is calling himself "Dirt"? Guess who wants others to call him "Doooooooo"? The Nationals know how to have fun. More >
Orioles: Manny Machado will be one of several players throughout MLB honoring his hometown of Miami on Players Weekend. Chris Davis is going by his famous "Crush," while Caleb Joseph chose "Cabob." More >
Padres: Yangervis Solarte had a lot of nicknames to pick from. He chose the one that reflects his multi-faceted personality. More >
Phillies: Cesar Hernandez's nickname may remind you of a pizza chain, but it means much more to him. Meanwhile, Hyun Soo Kim will honor his Korean roots, and Cameron Rupp nods to his favorite bird. More >
Pirates: You know "J-Hay," "Cutch" and "El Coffee." But who are "Nightmare," "The Rook" and "Chet"? More >
Rangers: One of the Rangers' hurlers is going by "Lettuce." Not the kind that goes on your salad. More >
Rays: The Rays have "Dude," "The Outlaw," "Lo-Mo" and "Rat," as well as several players honoring family members. More >
Red Sox: David Price honors his dog, Xander Bogaerts keeps it simple and Dustin Pedroia invites everyone to the "Laser Show." "Brock Star" Brock Holt approves. More >
Reds: What happens when you use your nickname every day? If you're Scooter Gennett, you bring irony to Players Weekend. Also, check out the great story behind Joey Votto's nickname. More >
Rockies: Bud Black always uses a nickname. This weekend he'll go by his given name, "Harry." He'll manage a team made up of "Nado," "Chuck Nazty," "Joe," "Gray Wolf" and more. More >
Royals: There may not be a closer-knit group in baseball than the Royals, many of whom have been using these nicknames for years. More >
Tigers: "Bootsie," "JZ" and "J-Up" make the Tigers sound like a pretty hip bunch. But the best nickname may be the simplest. See Nicholas Castellanos, who is taking a major leap and going by "Nick" this weekend. More >
Twins: Miguel Sano is "Boqueton," which roughly translates to "Big Mouth." Elsewhere, Ervin Santana is "Magic," and Jorge Polanco goes by "Chulo," a childhood nickname. More >
White Sox: For those who have watched Derek Holland throughout his career, "Dutch" is no surprise. The same can be said for Mike Pelfrey, who goes by "Big Pelf." Second-year shortstop Tim Anderson, though, is introducing the name "B. Moss," while Miguel Gonzalez debuts "El Jalisciense." More >
Yankees: Yankees: "All Rise" for a clubhouse full of great nicknames, like "Toddfather," "Kraken" and "Pickles." More >