When parents name their children, I often wonder if they ever consider the possibility that their children could become famous. If they do, they wouldn't name their children with weird-sounding names. At least, I think they wouldn't. These guys' parents, though, probably didn't think their children would be famous. You'll know what I mean.
God Shammgod (Basketball) - This former Washington Wizard actually didn't like his name so much that he went by the name of Shammgod Wells during his high school playing days in La Salle Academy with Ron Artest. When he moved on to Providence College, though, he had no choice but to use his legal name of God Shammgod, and the legendary name was born. Unfortunately, his game was far less legendary and after a short NBA stint, Shammgod bounced around the world, including the China Basketball Association.
Urban James Shocker (Baseball) - This former New York Yankee pitcher was actually born Urbain Jacques Shockor, as if that isn't any weirder. He did manage to get people to notice more than his name. Among his achievements, Shocker led the St. Louis Browns to 20 win seasons in the 1920s (that was tremendous at that time), and he was one of the last pitchers known to have used a spitball.
Bear Trapp (Ice Hockey) - It's perhaps poetic that a boy who grew up to be a hockey player was named Bear by his parents, but it got a lot weirder when it's combined with his last name. While Trapp has played well enough for the Sacred Heart Pioneers, he has yet to translate his game into a professional career in the NHL.
Miroslav Satan (Hockey) - Of course, if I had God Shammgod in there, I'd have to put this guy in too. While his last name could be the launching pad of a thousand puns, Satan played greta enough that people talked more about his game than his name. In his time with the Buffalo Sabres, Satan led them in points six times. Moreover, he was a two time all star (2000 and 2003), and he was able to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup in 2009.
God's Gift Achiuwa (Basketball) - Son of a minister, Achiuwa plays big for the Erie Community College (Division 3). In his freshman year, he actually lived up to his name. God's Gift put up averages of 13 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Erie is hoping he is the proverbial "Gift That Keeps on Giving."
Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish (Baseball) - This is absolutely not a joke. Named after a president, an emperor and a city, McLish did have a splendid 15 year career, which featured 16 consecutive road wins and 713 strikeouts. The irony for this former player and later on pitching coach is that his father named him. His father's name? John.
photos courtesy of www.mirosatan.sk, rivals.com, wikipedia.com, autograph-sports.com, thehowevafiles.blogspot.com
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