Match Game: Dodgers vs. Padres featured two batteries of Claytons and Austins
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According to BabyCenter.com, the name Clayton is the 217th most popular baby name in 2017, while Austin ranks 77th. Though not incredibly rare, those two aren't on the same par as Michael, John or even Caden/Aiden/Hayden, etc.
So, with only 750 Major League players in the world, it's more than a little strange that the two starting batteries in the Dodgers-Padres game on Saturday night featured a Clayton throwing to an Austin.
For the Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw tossed to Austin Barnes, while the Padres countered with Clayton Richard throwing to Austin Hedges. Sadly, neither team took advantage of this rare occurrence to play some wacky pranks, with the Claytons and Austins running around and switching places while the umpires begged for order to be restored.
Given that Friday night saw Christian Arroyo homer off Bronson Arroyo -- with both attending the same high school -- and the White Sox regularly fielding an outfield of three Garcias, it's time to ask: Have human beings run out of names?