The Mets have hit a rocky patch! Once division leaders, they now struggle, with recent games against the Phillies and Braves exposing bullpen issues. Their answer? The signing of a lefty pitcher got MLB enthusiasts talking. And it’s not about his ERA. Apparently, his nickname has caught fire across social media, and just wait until you hear it.
The 29-year-old lefty, Richard Lovelady, inked a one-year deal with the Mets. In 19 games with Triple-A St. Paul, he had a 1.31 ERA and struck out 22 batters. New York brought him in as a potential replacement for the injured A.J. Minter or Danny Young. He will join Jose Castillo as the only left-handed pitcher in the Mets bullpen. But as of now, it’s not about his stats; it’s his name that got social media talking.
What shocked everyone was that he wants to be called by his on-field nickname, not his real name. Anthony DiComo, a Mets reporter, reported on X: “For those asking, yes, new Mets reliever Richard Lovelady has requested to go by his nickname Dicky. So it will be Dicky Lovelady from here on out.” Yep, you read it right. From that very moment, fans went crazy over the request, like a lightning show in center field.
For those asking, yes, new Mets reliever Richard Lovelady has requested to go by his nickname Dicky. So it will be Dicky Lovelady from here on out.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 23, 2025
Carlos Mendoza, the Mets’ manager, called the left-handed pitcher a “tough left-on-left” option who gives the bullpen another “weapon” for late-game matchups. Mendoza sees this signing as a much-needed boost for a tired and overworked bullpen. He is scheduled to make his first appearance with the Mets against the Braves at Citi Field.
Richard “Dicky” Lovelady has played for five major league teams (Royals, Athletics, Cubs, Rays, and Blue Jays) and has a 5-13 record with a 5.26 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 101 innings. He has pitched twice for Toronto in 2025, giving up four earned runs in 1.2 innings (21.60 ERA, 3 K) before going to Triple-A and then signing with the Mets.
There’s no denying that he has a catchy name, and it captivated the fans from all over in the blink of an eye.
Fan reactions: The viral wave
Anthony DiComo’s tweet reporting the news about Lovelady’s name sparked a firestorm on the internet. It was the ideal storm of an odd name, a losing team, and baseball fandom’s inherent comedy. It all started with a sarcastic and humorous jab. “Awesome he’s already my ace.” A classic tongue-in-cheek comment. But could this new lefty be the strange spark the squad needs to go back on track? If not ace, perhaps a savior?
Credits: Fox News
Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Richard Lovelady (55) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the eleventh inning at Tropicana Field on May 30, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Kim Klement Neitzel/USA TODAY Sports)
A prediction emerged, not about his performance but about the merch. A comment read, “His jersey will be sold out I guess.” Fans know that viral names sell. Jersey No. 57 might move up the charts of best sellers.
Another fan chimed in, “That’s a Hall of Fame name right there.” This comment highlights that Lovelady’s name will likely be remembered for a long time, even before his stats on the mound.
Amid the slump, the Mets fans haven’t had much to celebrate. And that’s precisely what this comment reflected, “This is the best day in Mets history. Dick Lovelady. Amazing.” The over-the-top reaction shows how badly the fans want to have fun.
There is a sense of disbelief among the fans: “Is it april fools day.” This reaction shows how Lovelady’s name goes beyond the usual baseball news cycle, making a normal trade seem too good or too funny to be true.
Richard “Dicky” Lovelady’s arrival in New York bullpen has brought more than just a left-handed arm. His unusual name and the social media craze that followed have given Mets fans a much-needed dose of laughter and lightheartedness during a season that has tried their patience. As for the Mets, all they are hoping for is that Lovelady’s pitching can help them get through this stretch.
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