How new Giants second baseman Scooter Gennett got his nickname

SAN FRANCISCO — Until he was four of five years old, Scooter Gennett answered to his given name, Ryan.

The Giants’ new second baseman gave himself his nickname one day in a child’s misguided attempt the avoid the long arm of the law.

Gennett had gotten into the habit of unlocking his seatbelt in the backseat each time his mother started driving. He was trying to annoy his mom, and it worked.

“I did that like three or four times she would have to stop, get out of the car, put it back on, tell me not to do it,” Gennett said. “And she got fed up and went to the police station. I just remember a big, tall police officer with a badge and I remember being scared.

“And he asked me what my name was and…