5 Best Names From 2020 MLB Draft
By Jerry Trotta
The 2020 MLB Draft came and went, and though the coronavirus crisis forced it to be constricted to five rounds, there was no shortage of aesthetically pleasing names to be called out by commissioner Rob Manfred, who, for the most part, nailed the pronunciations.
Last year, fans were treated to names like Spencer Brickhouse, Utah Jones, and Fineas Del Bonta-Smith. Sure, we didn't have 40 rounds to work with this time around, but you'll be surprised to know that it was tough narrowing down this list to just five names.
5. Slade Cecconi
The Arizona Diamondbacks selected pitchers with their first three picks, the second of which was Miami Hurricanes right-hander Slade Cecconi at No. 33 overall. There's something about the name "Slade" that makes you pause and ponder why your parents didn't choose it for you. The last name Cecconi really makes it roll off the tongue quite smoothly.
4. Gage "Tater" Workman
Gage Workman is a great name in its own right. Throw in the nickname "Tater" in the middle and it becomes unrivaled. This guys just better makes sure he hits a lot of bombs to live up to the nickname or else it'll be a huge letdown.
3. Clayton Beeter
Clayton Beeter’s filth with the Dodgers’ player development is a dangerous combo: pic.twitter.com/2KTccikAyq
— Future Dodgers (@FutureDodgers) June 11, 2020
The Los Angeles Dodgers used the No. 66 overall pick of the draft to nab Texas Tech right-hander Clayton Beeter. We hate to put unfair expectations on the 21-year-old, but anything less than him becoming a superstar will be regarded as a severe disappointment. You can't have that awesome and funny of a name and not become a stud.
2. Dillon Dingler
Talk about some high-quality alliteration. You won't find a better tongue-twister in the entire draft than Detroit Tigers second-round pick Dillon Dingler. You can almost picture the club's commentators botching the pronunciation in the early stages of his career.
1. Markevian "Tink" Hence
Watson Chapels starting pitcher, Markevian ‘Tink’ Hence, strikes out the side in the top of 2. He has 6 Ks on the day. No score middle of 2. pic.twitter.com/mGgYMvpcnh
— PBR Arkansas (@PBR_Arkansas) March 2, 2020
We have our winner, folks. With the No. 63 overall pick, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Markevian “Tink” Hence, a high school right-hander from Arkansas. Woah. We're not so sure where "Tink" derives from, but it adds a lot of flair to what is already an undeniably tremendous name. Hence had some respectable competition, but you can't deny that he deserves the top spot on this list.