Why is Adolis Garcia called “El Bombi”? The reason for the Rangers slugger’s famous nickname

Adolis Garcia is a celebrity in Arlington, Texas, and many know him by his nickname: El Bombi.

The hitter made his debut with the Cardinals in 2018 but didn’t break through until his rookie season with the Rangers in 2021. He earned his first of two All-Star nominations, hitting 31 home runs and 90 RBIs.

His rookie season was followed by two consecutive 100-RBI seasons and a 2023 World Series win with the Rangers. The outfielder also won his first Gold Glove in 2023.

Garcia is back in the Home Run Derby for the second year in a row after being eliminated in the first round in 2023. El Bombi will be looking to make amends, this time at his home stadium in Arlington.

The Sporting News explains the origin of Garcia’s nickname and why he stuck with it throughout his MLB career.

MORE: Adolis Garcia – Team Timeline

Why is Adolis Garcia nicknamed “El Bombi”?

Garcia’s nickname “El Bombi” comes from his childhood. The Texan batsman was born and raised in Cuba.

One of Garcia’s childhood friends came up with the nickname because he thought Garcia’s head looked like a light bulb, which means “bombillo” in Spanish.

“Ah, so the nickname comes from my friend, my neighborhood friend,” Garcia said. “He called me that because my head is shaped like a light bulb.”

However, “lightbulb” (or “the lightbulb”) does not make for a suitable nickname, so it is much better to shorten it and keep it in Spanish.

El Bombi Meaning

“El Bombi” is a shortened version of “el bombillo,” which means “the light bulb.” The name comes from Garcia’s childhood friend, who believed the Texas slugger’s head was shaped like a light bulb.

The nickname was mainly attributed to Garcia’s punching power because “bombi” is so similar to the word “bomb” in English and Spanish. “Bomb” is “bomba” in Spanish.

Despite the similarity, Garcia confirmed that his nickname has nothing to do with hitting home runs.