Meet Your Beavers - The Nickname Switch

Few players have pulled off the full nickname switch. Many players have added new names to the list of that they may be called, but few have actually seen one name virtually die and another rise up.

Once known as "Burrelli" - a variation of Burrell...meaning Pat Burrell...since his name, too, is Pat - a ritual began while going out to or in from the field. A slamming of the mitt to the ground, usually followed by a place kick of said glove. The reason...not quite sure. I suspect it originated from watching some sub-par Beaver fielding, but am unsure of the real reason. I guess Belle had been watching the Bad News Bears for some reason and recalled that there was a player on the Bad News Bears that always threw his glove to the ground. Tanner was his name...Tanner quickly overtook Burrelli as Pat Richmond's nickname. A new name was born.

Tanner has been with the Beavers since 2002. We he joined the team he brought a left-handed stick as well as some much needed speed. He has hit at a clip of over .550 since joining the team and has logged 157 games. Since his early days on the team he has lost his speed as he has lost his hair - but not to the same degree as that would mean that he would now have no speed.

Tanner has been one of the most versitile defenders since coming on board. Usually playing one of the middle outfield positions or manning the infield at secondbase. Tanner also has filled in at short. Usually playing error free softball...usually.

If you find yourself in trouble with the law, he is also your man. Starting his own law firm a few years ago he has also become the resident knowledge of the law for the team...and probably owes a decent part of his salary to the Beavers and our connections.

Wearing #33 since starting with the Beavers and switching to #3 in the 2009 season, Tanner may not wow you with his blazing speed anymore, and he may not answer to Burrelli either, but if you find a way to insert "TAN" with any other combination of words and you'd be talking about Tanner. Just ask Big John about all of the possible variations of Tanner...he'll give you a list as long as your arm.