‘Royce’ Harper fires back at Nationals manager ‘Rusty’ Baker

Last week, new Nationals manager Dusty Baker made headlines for forgetting the name of his star outfielder Bryce Harper, calling him ‘Royce.’ On Tuesday, we learned that Harper has retaliated with a nickname of his own for the skipper: Rusty.

Last week, new Nationals manager Dusty Baker made headlines for forgetting the name of his star outfielder Bryce Harper, calling him “Royce.” On Tuesday, we learned that Harper has retaliated with a nickname of his own for the skipper: Rusty.

Speaking with a local sports radio station in D.C., Baker owned up to his gaffe and revealed that “Royce” has had some fun with it.

“Hey man, I’m not good at first names,” Baker told 106.7 The Fan on Tuesday. “I call my nephews the wrong names sometimes. I know guys’ names. I don’t know why I called him ‘Royce.’

“Bryce, he called me Rusty. It’s no big deal.”

• The Knicks have a nickname controversy on their hands

This has become one of the most intriguing storylines of spring training. What’s next, will Ryan Zimmerman become Bryan Zimmerman? Will Steven Strasburg become Ethan Strasburg?

Considering Jim Rome has been calling Dusty Baker “Rusty” for a week, Bryce Harper may be a frequent Jim Rome Show listener. 

– Kenny Ducey