The research on Harmon Killebrew brought to light the interesting fact that he is the only player with the first name Harmon and the last name Killebrew to make the big leagues.
It got us thinking about some more interesting names and one that always pops to mind is Atleee Hammaker. It’s very doubtful anyone will ever have that name, first or last, in the big leagues again. Or perhaps even just in life.
Of course, Atlee’s real first name was Charlton, and there was only one other big leaguer with the name Charlton…Charlton Jimerson, who was a seldom used outfielder who has seen action with Seattle and Houston. Last season Jimerson played for the Arkansas Travelers, but his hopes of being a MLB star seem to be all but over. Interestingly enough in his 31 Major League games, he did swipe four bases, was never caught stealing and was 4-for-9 at the plate with two RBI. He was also a top hitter at several minor league stops. In a way it’s a shame he never made it to the big leagues permanently.
Still, to this day the 31-year-old can claim to be the only Jimerson to make the big leagues.
But he’s no Hammaker.
Hammaker won’t ever be remembered as one of the great pitchers, but he did have a decent career, a 59-67 record and a respectable 3.66 ERA along with one memorable season.
1983 was Hammaker’s third year in the majors. In April, he took a perfect game against the Reds into the eighth (broken up by Johnny Bench), then his next start he no hit the Cubs through five. By the time the All-Star game came around, he was 9-4.
Mario Soto got the start for the National League and after two innings, Hammaker was asked to go in. His 2/3 of an inning became All-Star Game lore.
Jim Rice got things started with a home run to left. Some guy named George Brett triples. Then Hammaker gets Ted Simmons to pop out for out No. 1. Dave Winfield singles to score Brett, Manny Trillo singles to put Winfield on second, then after Doug DeCinces (the only DeCinces to play MLB) flies out to center, Rod Carew singles in Winfield and moves to second on the throw. Robin Yount is intentionally walked and Fred Lynn hits the first grand slam in All-Star Game history.
Hammaker would win just one more game that season.
It’s hard to say if Hammaker became damaged good because of that game, or if he was damaged good before hand. His next game was the last win of the season, a complete game victory over the Cubs. And the Giants won his next start after that. Hammaker lasted 7+ innings but got no decision. Then came five straight loses (with a trip to the disabled list mixed in), before he got another no decision in his final start against Houston. He lasted eight innings, struck out 14 and the Giants won 3-2.
He’s one of the most unique names in baseball, and interestingly enough to get to San Fransisco he was traded for another unique name: Vida Blue. You just don’t see many Vidas these days.
