Peculiar Pickle Names

Pickles have been a fixture in the culture of mankind since the first cucumber experienced the true joys of becoming a pickle. With this worldwide popularity the pickle, naturally, has become more than just a food item.

As a result, many names have surfaced throughout history that had a powerful pickle influence. Without further ado, let's enlighten you on some of the pickle-related names we've come across, including the newest updates.

Got another? Send your story to Harry at Harry@pickleking.com.

1. Pickles Dillhoeffer

First let's look at the interesting career of Pickles Dillhoefer, a former major league baseball player. Born William Martin Dillhoefer on October 13, 1894, Pickles was fortunate to gain such a fabulous nickname through the great game of baseball.

Pickles caught in the bigs for five seasons from 1917 to 1921. During that time he worked the backstop for three National League teams: Chicago, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. The righty played in a total of 247 games, amassing a .223 batting average, 48 runs batted in, 12 stolen bases and, alas, no home runs. Though Pickles never hit a home run in the majors, he sure hit one with us.

During his rookie season in 1917 Pickles was fortunate to play on a Chicago Cubs team that also boasted Fred "Boner" Merkle, who once commited probably the worst mental lapse in World Series history (but that's another story). Pickles only batted .126 and the Cubs finished 5th out of eight teams.

The next year Pickles was held to only six games with Philadelphia when he was called to arms to fight for his country in World War I, serving as the official Pickle Ambassador of the United States while stationed in Germany.

Pickles then returned in 1919 for his final three seasons with St. Louis. His prowess started to show through in 1920 when he batted .263 with 13 runs batted in and some great defensive work in 74 games. His steady play continued in 1921 when he had 15 RBIs and a .241 average playing for a team that also boasted great names like Heinie Mueller and Specs Toporcer.

Alas, Pickles' career ended after the 1921 season. Why you may ask? Unfortunately, it seems Pickles died at the young age of 27 on February 23, 1922. Pickles Dillhoefer may be gone, but his name will never be forgotten.

One more note on Mr. Dillhoeffer. At a recent sports auction a picture of Pickles sold for over $2,000 while a picture of Richard Nixon throwing out the first pitch fetched only $500. Once again the American public proves they know where their priorities are...pickles. And who says society is in decline?

2. Craig H Dill

Born on December 17, 1994 Craig Dill became a strappin' young lad out of Michigan who filled out at 6'11, 220 pounds when he played in the American Basketball association (ABA) in 1967. Known for it's trademark red, white, and blue basketball, the ABA set out on its inaugural season under the gherkin power of Craig Dill.

Dill played center for the Pittsburgh Pipers, who marched their way to an impressive 54-24 regular season, finishing with a .692 winning percentage. Dill contributed 6.8 points per game and 378 rebounds in 65 contests. At the conclusion of the regular season the Pipers paraded through the first two rounds of the playoffs, and found themselves in the finals with New Orleans.

Led by the gherkin tough Dill the Pipers managed a 4-3 series victory, earning the first championship in ABA history. Dill tossed down 1.2 points per game in six playoff contests, but let's not forget that he didn't miss ANY free throws (1-1). But forget stats, all we need to know is that there's a Dill spot in ABA history.

3. Scott Dill and Bill Pickel

The NFL has also had a gherkin influence, especially in fellows like Scott Dill and Bill Pickel. Dill spent two seasons in the NFL as an offensive guard. His career began during the 1988-89 season with the Phoenix Cardinals, follwed by a year away from the league. He then scratched his way back like a gritty bread and butter to return to the NFL in 1990-91 to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bill Pickel had slightly more success during his NFL tenure. The nose tackle and defensive end entered the league in 1983 with the Los Angles Raiders, for whom he played the next 7 years. Following this impressive tenure the 6'5 Pickel moved on to the New York Jets before ending an impressive career.

The NFL has been fortunate to enjoy such players and should be "pickled pink," so to speak. And we haven't even gotten in to the story of Mark Vlasic, but we'll save that for another day.

4. A Bird Named Pickles

Pickles is a parrot we learned about through the magic of email. I am told that this fine feathered friend was given her name due to her uncanny resemblance in size, shape, and color to the delicious pickle!

A bird that knows what she likes, Pickles shows her affection by picking at her owners' eyelashes. This of course, is her way of saying how much she loves those who love pickles. A great name for a great bird!

Got a peculiar pickle-related name to tell us about? It doesn't have to be anybody famous (though that helps a little). Just email Harry at Harry@pickleking.com with your story, and be sure not to leave anything out!

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Page Last modified on 8/02/99