On this date in 1921....

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Posted By: Kevin Cummings

John:

I don't think there is any concrete reason for multiple people using the same nickname other than emulation. John Frank Freeman, the original "Buck," had a great season in 1899 (25 home runs, 122 RBIs, .318 average) following up on a rookie season where he batted .364 (although in limited duty). I'm sure he was thought of as a star in his time and those that followed him took on the name to be like him. Kids do it today with their heroes if they share the same surname and play the same sport, right?

As to why the first Buck was called that, I'm sure it had something to do with someone once calling him, as the old expression goes, a "strong young buck," but who knows? Since you liked my first bit of information from Bill James so much, I'll give you another dose. Speaking of the original, according to James "...there are some players in baseball history about whom nobody really knows much of anything. Freeman appears to be one of them..."

So there you have it. Now I'll ask you.....there were also multiple "Ducky" Holmes floating around the major leagues at the same time. Why that? Wouldn't you rather be a Buck than a Duck?

Kevin