Baseball
Big Sexy
Bartolo Colon- Given by Noah Syndergard in 2015. Self explanatory.
The Greek Freak
Giannis Antetokumpo- His size, speed, strength and athleticism, combined with his country of origin, led to this nickname.
The Refrigerator
William Perry- Earned when he was a freshman at Clemson in 1981, when teammate Ray Brown tried to ride in an elevator with him, commenting, "Man, you're about as big as a refrigerator."
The Intimidator
Dale Earnhardt- Assigned in 1987 during the Winston All-Star race, in which Earnhardt was briefly forced into the infield grass but kept control of his car and returned to the track without giving up his lead in what is now known as the Pass in the Grass.
The Great One- Hockey
Wayne Gretzky- The greatest hockey player ever was picked out early, as this name was given by a local reporter when Gretzky was just 10 years old.
Kung Fu Panda
Pablo Sandoval- Given by teammate Barry Zito in Sandoval's rookie year of 2008 after he scored a run by jumping over the tag of Dodger's catcher Danny Ardoin. A reminder that Sandoval is listed at 5'10", 270 lbs.
The Truth
Paul Pierce- Given in his rookie year of 2001, when he scored 41 points in a loss to the LA Lakers. After the game, Shaquille O'Neal told reporters "Paul Pierce is the Mother F****** truth"
The Pillsbury Throw Boy
Jared Lorenzen- The left-handed Lorenzen earned the name at Kentucky, and is still the heaviest QB in the history of the NFL, at 285 lbs.
Rowdy
Kyle Busch- So named for his driving style, after Days of Thunder character Rowdy Burns.
The Gypsy King- Boxing
Tyson Fury- His father John was a bareknuckle boxer who took the nickname gypsy given his history as an Irish wanderer. The current WBC heavyweight champ uses that heritage in his own moniker.
The Big Unit
Randy Johnson- Throughout much of his career, the 6'10" Johnson was the tallest player in the history of Major League Baseball.
Tiny
Nate Archibald- Passed down to Archibald by his father, who also went by Tiny and eventually became known as Big Tiny. Archibald was listed at 6-1, 150, and some said he was even smaller.
The Manster
Randy White- Given by Cowboys teammate Charlie Waters, who said he was scared of the way White would turn from a humble and kind person, to an angry beast on game days, describing him as "half-man, half-monster."
Wonder Boy
Jeff Gordon- Assigned by Dale Sr. Gordon didn't like any of his nicknames, including this one, but it stuck anyway.
La Pulga OR The Flea- Soccer
Lionel Messi- He grew up with a Growth Hormone deficiency, and went by La Pulgalita, or The Little Flea, while growing up. Even after undergoing treatment for the disorder, Messi still only stands at 5'7", 150 lbs.
The Splendid Splinter
Ted Williams- The nickname was derived from how he swung the bat, but also his rail thin frame at 6'3" 205 lbs. His other nicknames include Teddy Ballgame, The Thumper, and The Kid.
Dr. Dunkenstien
Darrell Griffith- Given to him during his college days at Louisville, where he was known for his dunking ability. He left Louisville as the school's all-time leading scorer, and led them to an NCAA Tournament Championship in 1980.
Dr. Death
Skip Thomas- Given by teammate Bob "Boomer" Brown, who said he looked like the cartoon character by the same name.
Sliced Bread
Joey Logano- Given by Randy LaJoie, who called Logano, "the best thing in racing since sliced bread."
The Iceman- MMA
Chuck Liddell- Coined by his trainer, John Hackleman, due to Liddell's calm and relaxed temperament before fights.
The Human Rain Delay
Mark Hargrove- Derived from how Hargrove's at-bat routine. After every pitch, he would step out and readjust his equipment meticulously.
The Owl Without A Vowel
James Mlkvy- Given for the fact that he played at Temple, and the fact that his last name does not contain a vowel.
The Albino Rhino
Karl Mecklenburg- According to Mecklenburg, there's no story, just one day a friend in college started calling him that, and the name stuck.
The Silver Fox
David Pearson- Pearson was known as The Fox early in his career, but as his hair started to grey, the silver was added.
The Walrus- Golf
Craig Stadler- So named for his large build and bushy mustache. His son, Kevin, who went on to win the Masters in 1982, was known as "The Smallrus."