The Chicago Cubs are bringing out the eight-year-old humor in all of us.
The Cubs signed left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady to a free-agent deal this week, according to multiple reports. Lovelady, 28, had recently thrown a showcase at Driveline Pro Day.
Congrats to Richard Lovelady on signing with the Cubs from Pro Day 🔥🔥🔥 Here's his pro day bullpen 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GT6VwC3lTq
— Driveline Baseball (@DrivelineBB) January 30, 2024
But the bigger story was the chortle that fans got out of Lovelady’s name. A surname like “Lovelady” is already legendary. But when you also consider that “Dick” is a common nickname for “Richard” … well, it speaks for itself.
The jokes began flying on X amid the news of the Cubs signing Lovelady.
Cubs get one of the best names in the sport Richard Lovelady
— RushingBaseball (@RushingBaseball) January 30, 2024
Richard lovelady… does he throw more strikes or balls?
— Robert Booden (Bobert) (@BobertRooden) January 30, 2024
Dick Lovelady could be the first Cub ever to score endorsement deals from both @TheWienerCircle and a waxing salon if he plays his cards right. The Dick Lovelady Char Dog Special…The Dick Lovelady Brazilian…the marketing possibilities are endless.
— Matt Lindner (@mattlindner) January 30, 2024
"Is there a Dick Lovelady here? Does anyone have a Dick Lovelady?" https://t.co/pRwyiXu1z5 pic.twitter.com/HZ1bzQffoU
— Cubs Memes (@Cubbymemes) January 30, 2024
Lovelady already has some big-league experience. He pitched three seasons for the Kansas City Royals from 2019-21 before missing the 2022 campaign due to Tommy John surgery. Lovelady then spent 2023 with the Oakland Athletics but missed time again with a pronator strain in his forearm.
For Lovelady, who owns a 5.26 career ERA over 73 total relief appearances, he will try to land on his feet again in Chicago. At least his name is not as dangerous as this other incredible one that we recently saw go viral too.
