Sometimes it’s caused by changing someone’s birth name to a nickname. Other times, it’s because the surname means something completely different when translated from that person’s home dialect into English. But you gotta love these athletes whose last names, first names, nicknames and any combination of the above, can cause titters and giggles and snickers and Beavis and Butthead-inspired laughter.
MIROSLAV SATAN
Yes, it’s spelled like the name of the Devil. No, it’s not pronounced that way; it’s more like “Sha-tahn.” Although he does bedevil opponents with his game-winning goals.
DICK TRICKLE
This is not the symptom for ED treatment. Dick Trickle was a NASCAR driver who participated in what was then called the Winston Cup (the Sprint Cup today). And yes, in this video clip he did literally drive the wheels off his race car. I’m not kidding.
ALBERT PUJOLS
One of the greatest pure hitters in baseball today. But come on… his name’s Albert Poo Holes? Holy 
.
CHUBBY COX
Say hi to John “Chubby” Cox, who played in the Eastern League and in the CBA. In fact, here’s his trading card. By the way, did you know that he’s first cousin to Kobe Bryant? Now you do.
IVANA MANDIC
Now if you were to pronounce her name properly, it would be “EEE-VAHNA MAN-DICH.” I’m sure this UNC-Charlotte basketball player has heard it pronounced many other different ways. I’m sure Moe the Bartender received a few prank phone calls looking for her. Probably why she eventually changed her first name to “Ivy” later in her career.
JUNG BONG
Jung Keun Bong is a South Korean pitcher, who played in the major leagues for the Reds and for the Braves. I still recall a sportscaster, remarking that Bong gave up back-to-back home runs in a game against the Mets, noted that the Mets “got some great hits off of Bong.” Hee.
PETE LaCOCK
In the 1970’s, Pete LaCock was an outfielder for the Cubs and for the Royals. I’m not too sure how many people crowed about his surname, but there were probably a few less-than-diplomatic comments about it.
RON TUGNUTT
This goaltender once stopped seventy shots in a 3-3 tie. I guess that makes up for all the jokes about his surname… at least most of the jokes about his surname…
IRINA SLUTSKAYA
This Russian figure skater and Olympic medalist has inspired thousands of young ice princesses worldwide. By the way, her last name is pronounced “SLOOT-SKI-YAH,” it’s not pronounced the way it’s spelled.
DICK BUTKUS
Okay… I DARE you to make any jokes about this guy’s name. It’s not “Butt Kiss.” Not if you want to still have all the teeth in your mouth and all your bones unbroken.
Of course, there’s this classic “Men on Film” clip from the sketch comedy show “In Living Color” that takes a big chance.
These are a few that I found for this blog post… surely you must know of others…
Chuck The Writer 
There was a Dutch swimmer recently in the Olympics, not funny, just awesomeness of a name, rolls of the tongue. Pieter van den Hogenbaand.
Of course, I read an article about a minor league baseball team where the guy’s name was Long Dong.
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It’s completely immature… but I’m gigglin’
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Steeplechase trainer Burley Cocks is one of my personal favorites.
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Diff –
Wouldn’t a classic list of bawdy names also include that legendary horse Hoof Hearted?
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My inner “Beavis and Butthead” are going crazy right now.
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President Bush?
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It is a great comfort to know I am not alone and that there are others who notice these things too. And I thought I was the only person who paid attention to them. My kids thought I was warped! Now they know better!
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There is a player in the Mets farm system right now, he played a few games in the big league last year. His name is Tobi Stoner! Also, the Mets have a guy in the system named Boof Bonser, which is just funny.
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Presented by your 2011 Albany Public School Hall of Fame nominee.
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I’m laughing out loud. And I’m guilty for pronouncing Irina Slutskaya’s name incorrectly, but always on purpose – she seemed so intimidating on the ice, crushing my favorite ladies one by one as each World Championship came and went. Glad things ended up the way they did – no artistry, all technical, and I really hate that – I miss the way figure skating used to be judged! Wahhh Wahhhh… All of this coming from the girl who is terrified of walking on ice
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Rusty Kuntz
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kuntzru01.shtml
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And for those who are wondering, his last name is pronounced “Koontz.”
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