In a surprising and amusing twist in the world of baseball, former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Richard Lovelady has declared he wants to be known as "Dicky" now that he's joined the New York Mets. This lighthearted name change is sure to bring some chuckles from fans and teammates alike.

Lovelady, who recently signed with the Mets, made his nickname request shortly after joining the team. According to Mets beat reporter Anthony DiComo, Lovelady has asked everyone associated with the Mets to refer to him as Dicky. However, for official purposes—like on jerseys and scoreboards—he'll retain his birth name, Richard.

Social media erupted with excitement and amusement at Lovelady’s new moniker. Fans made humorous comparisons to other notable player names in MLB history, harkening back to the legendary Rusty Kuntz. One enthusiastic fan tweeted, "If you don’t think that a guy named DICKY LOVELADY can’t turn around your season, you’re an idiot and don’t know baseball!" It’s a bold statement, especially given the Mets' recent struggles.

On the field, Lovelady's journey has not been without its challenges. Earlier this season with the Blue Jays, he pitched only 1.2 innings and maintained a hefty ERA of 21.60 before being released. After a stint with the Minnesota Twins’ Triple-A team, he now finds himself in New York, bringing a mix of hope and humor.

With the Mets having only won one of their last ten games, the team and its fans are hoping Lovelady—now Dicky—can inject some much-needed energy into their season. Whether it’s performance on the field or his catchy name, Lovelady is certainly making headlines.

As the baseball world watches closely, who knows what this beloved nickname might lead to? Dicky Lovelady is a name we won't soon forget!