LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — When B.J. Upton reports to spring training, the Braves center fielder he will wear a uniform with a bit of a different look.
For what’s believed to be the first time in his professional career, Upton will have “Upton Jr.” on the back of his jersey, rather than just “Upton” that he’s worn until now. He also has Upton Jr. on the nameplate above his locker for the first time.
His given name is Melvin Emanuel Upton, and B.J.’s nickname stands for Bossman Junior, in deference to his father, Manny, a former standout athlete who was known as Bossman.
After having the worst two seasons of his career in the first two seasons of a five-year, $75.25 million contract, Upton will be part of an otherwise new outfield this season. The Braves traded his brother, slugging left fielder Justin Upton, and Gold Glove right fielder Jason Heyward.
They would’ve traded B.J., but no team was willing to pay any significant part of $46 million that he’s owed over the next three seasons, and the Braves weren’t willing to eat all of that in order to trade or release him.
