LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.—The baseball player formerly known as B.J. Upton reported to Braves camp today and said this is not some symbolic washing away of his two career-worst seasons with the team.
Instead, Upton said he simply decided to do what he’s been thinking about for a while now and shed the nickname that’s stuck with him since he was a kid and go by his legal name, Melvin Upton Jr.
“This has nothing to do with starting a new chapter,” Upton said. “I just wanted to. My father thought enough to give me his name, so why not?”
Upton’s father, Melvin Emanuel “Manny” Upton, has long been known as “Bossman.” His son was named after Manny but became known publicly by the nickname B.J., for “Bossman Junior,” and had used that moniker throughout his baseball career. Upton said he’s not even sure when the nickname began.
Now the Braves outfielder will be known as Melvin, a name he says close friends and family have always called him. The change already is reflected on his Braves uniform and soon will be made on his bats (though Upton said he hadn’t thought about if it will include his autograph).
Upton said his family is excited about his decision to use his real name. He said before telling his dad about the decision he discussed the issue with his brother, Justin, who was traded from the Braves to the Padres in December.
Upton said he’s fine with people outside of his inner circle calling him B.J. because that’s how they’ve always known him.
“Man, call me what you want,” he said. “It doesn’t matter to me. Obviously people who have known me my whole life, or people I’ve grown to know, I don’t care (what they call him). But for the general public, my real name is Melvin and that’s what I will be referred to.”
In 1,028 plate appearances with the Braves, Upton has hit .198 with a .279 on-base percentage and .314 slugging percentage. Upton hit .255 with a .336 on-base percentage and .422 slugging percentage in eight seasons with Tampa Bay before signing a five-year, $75.25 million contract with the Braves.
