The Definitive Online Sports Stylebook

The Ben Watanabe Sports Stylebook

MLB team nicknames

In general news and sports coverage, the full city and team name should be used on first reference in copy.

However, in all headlines and on first reference in copy where the MLB context is obvious, only the full team name needs to be used: Tigers drop heartbreaker to Twins, 5-4; The Astros are expected to be active at the trade deadline.

Below are common nicknames for each team, all of which are acceptable on subsequent reference in copy. Nicknames with a caret (^) are the preferred name, whereas nicknames with an asterisk (*) should be used sparingly, if at all.

Arizona DiamondbacksD-backs
AthleticsA’s^
Atlanta Braves
Baltimore OriolesO’s
Boston Red SoxSox
Chicago CubsCubbies, North Siders
Chicago White SoxSox, South Siders
Cincinnati RedsRedlegs
Cleveland GuardiansGuards*
Colorado RockiesRox
Detroit TigersBengals*, Motor City Kitties*
Houston Astros‘Stros*
Kansas City Royals
Los Angeles AngelsHalos
Los Angeles Dodgers
Miami Marlins
Milwaukee BrewersBrew Crew
Minnesota TwinsTwinkies*
New York MetsAmazin’s*
New York YankeesBronx Bombers, Bombers
Philadelphia PhilliesPhils
Pittsburgh PiratesBucs, Buccos
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Seattle MarinersM’s
St. Louis CardinalsRedbirds
Tampa Bay Rays
Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue JaysJays
Washington NationalsNats