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Glossary of baseball terms facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Do you ever hear grown-ups talking about baseball and use words you don't quite understand? Like "dinger" or "can of corn"? Baseball has its own special language, full of fun and sometimes tricky terms! This page is like a dictionary for those words, helping you understand what players, coaches, and fans mean when they talk about the game.

This is a list of special words and phrases used in baseball. It helps explain what they mean, often with examples to make it super clear. Think of it as your secret guide to understanding baseball talk!

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Contents

Baseball has its own special language, full of unique terms and phrases! This guide will help you understand some of the numbers and phrases you might hear during a game. From how players are numbered on the field to exciting plays like double plays, you'll learn what it all means. Get ready to speak like a true baseball fan!

Player Numbers and Calls

Baseball scorekeepers use numbers to quickly record what happens in a game. Each player position on the field has a number from 1 to 9. This helps them write down plays in a kind of shorthand.

Number 1: The Pitcher

  • The pitcher is always number 1 in scorekeeping.
  • When someone shouts "One!", it means the ball should be thrown to first base.
  • In pitching, "number 1" is also a common nickname for a fastball, which is usually a pitcher's best and fastest pitch.

Number 2: The Catcher

  • The catcher is number 2 in scorekeeping.
  • If you hear "Two!", it means the ball should be thrown to second base.
  • A "two-bagger" is another name for a double, which is when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches second base.

Number 3: The First Baseman

  • The first baseman is number 3 in scorekeeping.
  • A shout of "Three!" means the ball should be thrown to third base.
  • A "three-bagger" is another name for a triple, which is when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches third base.

Number 4: The Second Baseman

  • The second baseman is number 4 in scorekeeping.
  • A shout of "Four!" means the ball should be thrown to home plate.
  • A "four-bagger" is a home run, the most exciting hit in baseball!

Number 5: The Third Baseman

  • The third baseman is number 5 in scorekeeping.

Number 6: The Shortstop

  • The shortstop is number 6 in scorekeeping.

Number 7: The Left Fielder

  • The left fielder is number 7 in scorekeeping.

Number 8: The Center Fielder

  • The center fielder is number 8 in scorekeeping.

Number 9: The Right Fielder

  • The right fielder is number 9 in scorekeeping.

Common Baseball Plays

1-2-3 Inning

  • A "1-2-3 inning" is a perfect inning for the pitcher. It means the pitcher faces only three batters, and all three are gotten out without anyone reaching a base. It's often called "three up, three down."

Double Plays

A double play is when the defense gets two outs on the same play. The numbers tell you which players were involved and in what order.

1-2-3 Double Play

  • The pitcher (1) fields the ball.
  • They throw to the catcher (2), who tags out a runner trying to score from third base.
  • The catcher then throws to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first base.

1-6-3 Double Play

  • The pitcher (1) fields the ball.
  • They throw to the shortstop (6), who gets a runner out at second base.
  • The shortstop then throws to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first base.

3-2-3 Double Play

  • The first baseman (3) fields the ball.
  • They throw to the catcher (2), who gets a runner out trying to score from third.
  • The catcher then throws back to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first.

3-6 Double Play

  • The first baseman (3) fields the ball and steps on first base to get the batter out.
  • They then throw to the shortstop (6), who tags out another runner.

3-6-1 Double Play

  • The first baseman (3) fields the ball.
  • They throw to the shortstop (6) to get a runner out at second base.
  • The shortstop then throws to the pitcher (1), who has moved to cover first base, to get the batter out.

3-4-3 Double Play

  • The first baseman (3) fields the ball.
  • They throw to the second baseman (4) to get a runner out at second base.
  • The second baseman then throws back to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first.

3-6-3 Double Play

  • The first baseman (3) fields the ball.
  • They throw to the shortstop (6) to get a runner out at second base.
  • The shortstop then throws back to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first.

4-6-3 Double Play

  • The second baseman (4) fields the ball.
  • They throw to the shortstop (6), who gets a runner out at second base.
  • The shortstop then throws to the first baseman (3) to get the batter out at first.

Outfielder Double Plays (7-2, 8-2, or 9-2)

  • An outfielder (left fielder 7, center fielder 8, or right fielder 9) catches a fly ball.
  • A runner on third base tries to score after the catch (this is called "tagging up").
  • The outfielder throws the ball to the catcher (2), who tags out the runner trying to score.

Other Baseball Terms

5 Hole

  • This term comes from hockey. In baseball, it usually refers to the space between a player's legs, especially the catcher's. If a ball goes "through the 5 hole," it means it went right between their legs.

5.5 Hole

  • This is the space on the field between the third baseman (5) and the shortstop (6). It's a tough spot for fielders to cover, so a ball hit there often becomes a base hit.

5-Tool Player

  • A "5-tool player" is a non-pitcher who is excellent at five key baseball skills:

* Hitting for a good batting average (getting lots of hits). * Hitting for power (hitting home runs). * Base running (being fast and smart on the bases). * Throwing (having a strong and accurate arm). * Fielding (playing defense well).

12-6 Curveball

  • This is a type of curveball pitch. It's called "12-6" because of how it moves. Imagine a clock face: the ball starts high (at 12 o'clock) and drops straight down (to 6 o'clock) as it approaches the batter.

30-30 Club

  • This is a special group of players who hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. It shows a great mix of power and speed!

40-40 Club

  • Even rarer than the 30-30 club, this is for players who hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season. It's a huge achievement!

90 Feet

  • This is the distance between each base on a baseball field. So, when a runner advances one base, they "move up 90 feet."

9 to 0

  • This is the official score for a game that is forfeited in Major League Baseball. A game can be forfeited if one team breaks the rules in a serious way, or if they refuse to continue playing.
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Baseball is a super fun sport with its own special language! Sometimes, when you're watching a game or reading about it, you might hear words that don't make sense. This guide will help you understand some of the cool terms used in baseball, especially those starting with the letter 'A'.

Baseball Terms Starting with 'A'

A-Ball or Single-A

"Single-A" is one of the lower levels in minor league baseball. Think of it as a step where players are still learning and getting better. There are different kinds of Single-A, like "High-A," "Low-A," and "Short-Season A." Leagues like the California League and Florida State League are examples of Single-A.

Double-A (AA)

"Double-A" (AA) is the second-highest level of minor league baseball. It's just below the top level, which is called Triple-A. Leagues like the Eastern League and the Southern League are Double-A.

"AA" can also mean the American Association, which was the name of a few different professional baseball leagues over the years.

Triple-A (AAA)

"Triple-A" is the highest level of minor league baseball. Players here are usually very close to playing in the Major Leagues. Some Triple-A leagues include the Pacific Coast League and the International League.

Quadruple-A Player (AAAA Player)

A "Four-A player" is someone who is really good in the minor leagues, especially at the Triple-A level. However, they find it hard to play just as well when they get a chance in the Major Leagues. They might be amazing in the minors but struggle to stick with a big league team.

Aboard

When a player is safely on one of the bases (first, second, or third), they are said to be "aboard." If there are players on bases, you might hear that there are "runners aboard."

Ace

The "ace" is the best starting pitcher on a baseball team. This pitcher is usually the first one to pitch in a series of games because they are the most reliable and talented.

Advance a Runner

To "advance a runner" means to help a player who is already on base move to the next base. This often happens when a batter hits the ball in a way that allows the runner to move forward, even if the batter gets out. Sometimes, a batter might even try to get out on purpose (called a sacrifice) just to help a runner move closer to scoring.

Ahead in the Count

This term tells you who has the advantage during a batter's turn at bat.

  • If the pitcher has thrown more strikes than balls, the pitcher is "ahead in the count." This means the batter is in danger of striking out.
  • If the pitcher has thrown more balls than strikes, the batter is "ahead in the count." This means the pitcher is in danger of walking the batter (giving them a free pass to first base).

Aim the Ball

When a pitcher tries too hard to put the ball in a very specific spot, they might be said to "aim the ball." This can sometimes make their pitches less effective than if they just threw naturally. This is different from a pitcher aiming to hit a batter, which is not allowed.

Airmail

"Airmail" is a slang term for a throw by a fielder that goes too high and sails over the head of the player they were trying to throw to. For example, if a third baseman throws the ball over the first baseman's head and into the stands, they "airmailed" the throw.

6TH (3592445732)
A throw is airmailed over the head of San Francisco Giants first baseman Pablo Sandoval.

Alley

The "alley," also called the "gap" or "power alley," is the space between the outfielders. This is usually between the left fielder and center fielder, or the right fielder and center fielder. If a batter hits the ball hard into the "alley," it has a good chance of being an extra-base hit, like a double or a triple.

American League (AL)

The American League (AL) is one of the two main leagues that make up Major League Baseball. The other is the National League.

American League Championship Series (ALCS)

The American League Championship Series (ALCS) is a playoff series that happens at the end of the baseball season. It's a best-of-seven series, meaning the first team to win four games wins the series. The winner of the ALCS becomes the American League Champion and gets to play in the World Series. This series started in 1969.

American League Division Series (ALDS)

The American League Division Series (ALDS) is the first round of the playoffs in the American League. The winners of the three divisions and the team that wins the Wild Card Game play in two best-of-five series. The winners of these series then move on to the ALCS.

Annie Oakley

"Annie Oakley" is a slang term for a free ticket to a baseball game. It can also mean a "free pass" or "base on balls," which is when a batter gets to go to first base without hitting the ball because the pitcher threw four balls outside the strike zone.

Appeal Play

An "appeal play" is when the defensive team asks an umpire to make a ruling about a mistake they think the offensive team made. For example, if a runner misses a base, the defense can "appeal" to the umpire to call the runner out. Umpires won't usually call these mistakes unless the defense points them out.

Arizona Fall League (AFL)

The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is a special minor league that plays in the fall. High-level young players from all 30 Major League Baseball teams play here. It's a chance for them to improve their skills and show what they can do for coaches and scouts.

Arm

"Arm" is a slang term for a pitcher. You might hear a commentator say a team traded "two young arms" to mean they traded two young pitchers.

Around the Horn

"Around the horn" is when the infielders throw the ball to each other after an out is made, especially if there are no runners on base. It's a tradition that also helps keep their throwing arms warm. Usually, after an out at first base, the first baseman throws to the shortstop, then to the second baseman, then to the third baseman, who throws it back to the pitcher.

This term is also used to describe a double play that goes from the third baseman to the second baseman to the first baseman (a 5-4-3 double play) or from the shortstop to the second baseman to the first baseman (a 6-4-3 double play).

Arsonist

An "arsonist" is a slang term for a relief pitcher who comes into the game and gives up a lot of runs, even if there were no runners on base when they started pitching. It's the opposite of a "fireman," who is a pitcher who comes in to stop a team from scoring.

Ash

"Ash" is an old-fashioned word for a baseball bat. Most baseball bats are made from ash wood, which is why the term was used.

Aspirin

"Aspirin" is slang for a fastball that is very hard to hit because it's so fast or moves a lot. It's like saying the ball looks as small and hard to hit as an aspirin tablet.

Assist

An "assist" is given to a defensive player who touches or fields the ball after it's hit by the batter, and before an out is made. For example, if a player fields a ground ball and throws it to the first baseman for an out, the player who fielded the ball gets an assist. A player can only get one assist per out.

At 'Em Ball

An "at 'em ball" is a slang term for a ball that is hit directly at a defensive player.

At Bat

An "at bat" is a completed turn for a batter that results in a base hit or an out (that isn't a sacrifice). "At bats" are used to figure out a player's batting average. A "plate appearance" is not counted as an "at bat" if the batter gets a base on balls (a walk), is hit by pitch, or makes a sacrifice bunt or sacrifice fly.

At the Letters

A pitch that crosses the plate at the height of the letters on the batter's uniform shirt is said to be "at the letters," "letter-high," or "chest-high." This usually means it's a good pitch in the strike zone.

Ate Him Up

This is a slang phrase used when a batted ball is very difficult for a fielder to handle, almost like the ball "ate up" the fielder because it was so tricky.

Attack the Strike Zone

To "attack the strike zone" means for a pitcher to throw pitches aggressively into the strike zone, rather than trying to trick batters with pitches outside the zone. It's also called "pounding the strike zone" or "challenging the hitters."

Automatic Double

An "automatic double" happens when a ball is hit into fair territory and then bounces out of play (like into the stands). When this happens, the batter and all runners on base get to advance exactly two bases. This is also known as a ground rule double.

Automatic Strike

An "automatic strike" is when a pitcher throws a pitch so perfectly into the strike zone, especially on a 3-0 count (three balls, zero strikes), that the batter doesn't even swing because they are so sure it's a strike.

Away

The term "away" has a few meanings in baseball:

  • A pitch that is outside the strike zone and on the side of the plate opposite the batter is called "away."
  • It's also slang for "outs." For example, if there are two outs in an inning, you might hear it called "two away."
  • Games played at an opponent's home field are called "away games." The visiting team is sometimes called the "away" team.

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This article explains common baseball terms, helping you understand the game better. From how players hit the ball to special plays, you'll learn the language of baseball.

B

Backdoor Breaking Ball: A Tricky Pitch

A backdoor breaking ball is a special pitch that looks like it will miss the plate. But then, it curves sharply and crosses the outside edge of the strike zone. It's often a slider because sliders move sideways a lot. This pitch is called "backdoor" because it sneaks in from the side, almost like coming through a back door.

Backstop: Protecting Fans and Catchers

A backstop has two meanings in baseball:

  • It's the fence behind home plate. This fence keeps spectators safe from fast pitches or foul balls that go out of play.
  • It's another name for the Catcher, the player who squats behind home plate to catch pitches.

Back-to-Back: Happening One After Another

When things happen "back-to-back," it means they happen right after each other. For example, if two players hit home runs in a row, they hit "back-to-back homers."

Bad-Ball Hitter: Hitting Pitches Outside the Zone

A bad-ball hitter is a batter who is really good at hitting pitches that are outside the strike zone. Famous examples include Yogi Berra and Vladimir Guerrero.

Bad Hop: An Unexpected Bounce

A bad hop happens when a ball bounces in a strange, unexpected way right in front of a fielder. This can be because of bumps on the field or the way the ball is spinning. It makes it hard for the fielder to catch.

Bag: Another Word for Base

In baseball, a "bag" is another name for a base.

  • A "two-bagger" is a double (a hit where the batter reaches second base).
  • A "three-bagger" is a triple (a hit where the batter reaches third base).
  • A "four-bagger" is a home run.

Bail: Getting Out of Trouble

"Bail" can mean a few things:

  • A batter might "bail out" or hit the deck if a pitch is thrown too close to their head.
  • When two fielders are running for the same fly ball, one might "bail out" to avoid crashing into the other.
  • A relief pitcher might "bail out" the previous pitcher by getting the team out of a tough situation with runners on base.

Balk: A Pitcher's Mistake

A balk is a penalty called by an umpire against a pitcher. It happens when the pitcher makes a move that unfairly tricks a baserunner. If a balk is called, all runners on base get to advance one base for free. Common balks include not coming to a complete stop before pitching or not stepping toward the base when throwing to a runner.

Ball: A Pitch Outside the Zone

A "ball" is a Glossary of baseball (P)#pitch that misses the strike zone and the batter does not swing at it. (The physical object used in the game is called a baseball (ball).)

Baltimore Chop: A High Bounce Hit

The Baltimore chop is a hit where the batter slams the ball hard into the ground near home plate. This makes the ball bounce very high over the heads of the infielders. This gives the batter enough time to run to first base safely. This technique was popular in the early days of baseball when home runs were rare.

Bandbox: A Small Ballpark

A "bandbox" is a ballpark with small dimensions. This means the fences are closer to home plate, which makes it easier for batters to hit home runs.

Bang: Hitting Hard or Close Calls

"Bang" can mean several things:

  • To "bang" the ball means to hit it very hard, often for a home run. Example: "Utley banged the game-tying home run."
  • Players who are "banged up" are injured but might still be playing.
  • A "bang-up game" is an exciting or very close game.
  • A "bang bang play" is a very close call, usually at first base, where the runner barely makes it or is barely out. It's like the "bang" of the ball in the glove followed by the "bang" of the runner's foot hitting the base.

Banjo Hitter: A Batter with Little Power

A banjo hitter is a batter who doesn't hit the ball with much power. They usually hit soft, short singles that just get over the infield. The name comes from the idea that the bat makes a "twanging" sound, like a banjo, when they hit the ball.

Barehand It: Catching Without a Glove

To "barehand it" means a fielder catches the ball with their bare hand, not with their glove. This is usually done on a slow-rolling ball when there's no time to get the glove into position.

Barrel Up: Hitting the Sweet Spot

To "barrel up" means to hit the ball hard with the best part of the baseball bat, also known as the Glossary of baseball (S)#sweet spot. This usually results in a powerful hit.

Base Hit: Getting on Base Safely

A base hit is when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches a base without any errors from the defense. See Hit (baseball).

Base Knock: A Single Hit

A "base knock" is another term for a Glossary of baseball (S)#single, meaning the batter hits the ball and reaches first base.

Bases Loaded: Runners on Every Base

"Bases loaded" means there are runners on first, second, and third bases. This is a great chance for the batting team to score many runs. It's also called "bases full" or "bases juiced." If the batter gets a base on balls (a walk) or is hit by pitch, a run will automatically score because the runner on third base has nowhere to go. If a home run is hit with the bases loaded, it's called a grand slam, scoring four runs.

Basement: Last Place in the Standings

"Basement" means last place in the league standings. It's also called the cellar.

Baserunner: A Player on Base

A baserunner, or simply "runner," is an offensive player who has successfully reached a base.

Basket Catch: Catching with the Glove Low

A basket catch is when a fielder catches a fly ball with their glove held low, around their waist, instead of above their shoulders.

Bat: The Hitting Tool and More

  • A baseball bat is the wooden or metal tool used to hit the ball. The wider part is the "barrel," and the thin part is the "handle."
  • To "bat the ball" means to hit it with the bat.
  • A player known for hitting well is said to have a "good bat."
  • A team with many good hitters is said to have "a lot of bats."

Bat Around: Everyone Gets a Turn to Bat

When a team "bats around" in an inning, it means every player in their lineup has had a turn at bat, and the first batter is coming up to bat again in the same inning.

Bat Flip: A Home Run Celebration

A bat flip is when a batter who has just hit a home run dramatically flips or tosses their bat instead of just dropping it. This is a celebration, but it can sometimes be seen as disrespectful by the opposing team.

Batter: The Player Hitting the Ball

The "batter" is the player who is at bat and tries to hit the ball thrown by the pitcher. They are also called the "hitter" or "batsman."

Batter's Eye: A Clear Background for Hitting

The batter's eye is a dark, plain area beyond the center field wall. It helps the batter see the pitched ball clearly against a simple background, making it easier and safer to hit.

Batter's Box: Where the Batter Stands

The batter's box is a rectangle on either side of home plate. The batter must stand inside this box to hit the ball.

Battery: Pitcher and Catcher Together

The "battery" refers to the Glossary of baseball (P)#pitcher and catcher working together as a team. They are also called "batterymates." This term came from the idea of a powerful "artillery battery" in the military.

Batting Average: How Often a Batter Gets a Hit

Batting average (BA) shows how often a batter gets a hit for every time they are at-bat. It's calculated as hits divided by at-bats (H/AB). A batting average of .300 (read as "three hundred") is considered excellent, meaning the batter gets a hit 30% of the time.

Batting Practice: Warm-up Hitting

Batting practice (often called BP) is when players warm up and practice their hitting before a game. Sometimes, if one team is hitting a pitcher very easily, it's jokingly called a "batting practice session."

Battle: Working Hard at the Plate

When a hitter "battles," it means they are working hard during their turn at bat. They might be patient, waiting for the right pitch, or fouling off pitches they can't hit well to make the pitcher throw more pitches.

Bazooka: A Strong Throwing Arm

A "bazooka" is a slang term for a player with a very strong throwing arm. Other similar terms are a gun, a cannon, or a rifle.

BB: A Walk or a Hard Hit

  • "BB" is short for a "base on balls" or a "walk." This happens when a pitcher throws four "balls" to a batter, and the batter gets to go to first base for free.
  • It can also refer to a line drive hit so hard and fast that it's difficult for a fielder to catch, like a shot from a BB gun.

Bean: A Pitch Thrown at the Batter

To "bean" a batter means to intentionally throw a Glossary of baseball (P)#pitch at them, especially at their head. This is a dangerous and often retaliatory move.

Beat Out: Reaching Base Before the Throw

When a runner "beats out" a throw, it means they reach the base safely before the ball gets there. This often happens on ground balls to the infield.

Behind in the Count: More Strikes Than Balls

For a batter, being "behind in the count" means they have more strikes than balls (e.g., 0 balls and 2 strikes, or 1 ball and 2 strikes). For a pitcher, it means they have more balls than strikes (e.g., 3 balls and 0 strikes). If a pitcher is behind, they are more likely to walk the batter. If a batter is behind, they are more likely to strike out.

Belt: Hitting Hard or a Uniform Part

  • To "belt" a ball means to hit it very hard, often for a home run.
  • It also refers to the actual belt worn by players as part of their uniform. Sometimes a pitch is described as being "at the belt."

Bench: Where Players Sit or the Reserve Players

  • "The bench" is where players sit in the Glossary of baseball (D)#dugout when they are not playing.
  • "The bench" can also refer to the players who are not in the starting lineup but are ready to enter the game as substitutes.

Bench Jockey: A Player Who Distracts Opponents

A bench jockey is a player, coach, or manager who tries to annoy and distract opposing players and umpires from their dugout using words. They try to get into the opponents' heads.

Bender: A Curveball

A "bender" is another name for a Glossary of baseball (C)#curveball, a pitch that curves sharply.

Big as a Grapefruit: Seeing the Ball Clearly

When a hitter says the ball looks "as big as a grapefruit," it means they are seeing the pitch extremely well. It feels much larger than it is, making it easier to hit.

Big Fly: A Home Run

A "big fly" is a slang term for a Glossary of baseball (H)#home run.

Big Inning: Scoring Many Runs

A "big inning" is an inning where the offensive team scores a large number of runs, usually four or more.

Big Leagues / Bigs: Major League Baseball

"The Big Leagues" or "the Bigs" are nicknames for Major League Baseball, the highest level of professional baseball in North America. If you're in the "bigs," you're a "big leaguer."

Big Swing: A Home Run Swing

A "big swing" is a swing of the bat that results in a home run.

Blast: A Well-Hit Home Run

A "blast" is a home run, especially one that is hit very hard and far.

Bleachers: Outfield Seats

"Bleachers" are usually uncovered, tiered benches or inexpensive seats located in the outfield area of a ballpark. The name comes from the idea that the sun "bleaches" the seats. Fans sitting there are sometimes called "bleacher bums."

Bleeder: A Weak Hit That Becomes a Single

A "bleeder" is a weakly hit ground ball that still manages to get through the infield for a Glossary of baseball (S)#single. It's also called a Glossary of baseball (S)#scratch hit.

Blistered: Hitting the Ball Extremely Hard

When a ball is "blistered," it means it was hit so incredibly hard and fast that it seems to have generated its own heat.

Block the Plate: Catcher Preventing a Run

To "block the plate" means a catcher positions their body between home plate and a runner trying to score. This is a dangerous play and can sometimes be called Glossary of baseball (O)#obstruction, which is against the rules.

Blooper: A Soft Fly Ball or an Error

Blow: Losing a Lead or Hitting Hard

  • To "blow a game" means to lose it after having a lead.
  • To "blow a save" means a relief pitcher loses a lead when they were supposed to "save" the game.
  • A "blow" can also mean a powerful hit, usually a home run.

Blow Open: Gaining a Big Lead

To "blow open" a game means to gain a large lead, often by scoring many runs in one inning, after the game was previously very close or tied.

Blown Save: A Reliever Losing the Lead

A "blown save" (BS) happens when a relief pitcher enters a game in a "save situation" (meaning their team is winning by a small margin) but then allows the other team to tie the score.

Blue: An Umpire

"Blue" is a nickname for an Glossary of baseball (U)#umpire, referring to the typical dark blue color of their uniform.

Bomb: A Home Run

A "bomb" is another term for a home run, especially a very long one.

Bonus Baby: A Young Player with a Big Bonus

A "bonus baby" is a young baseball player who received a large signing bonus when they first joined a professional team.

Bonus Baseball: Extra Innings

"Bonus baseball" is a fun way to say Glossary of baseball (E)#extra innings, which are played when a game is tied after the regular nine innings.

Booted: Making an Error

If a fielder "booted" the ball, it means they made an Glossary of baseball (E)#error and mishandled it, often by kicking it accidentally.

Bottom of the Inning: The Home Team's Turn

The "bottom of the inning" is the second half of an inning, when the home team gets to bat.

Box: Pitcher's Area or Batter's Area

  • "The box" can refer to the area around the pitcher's mound. If a pitcher is "knocked out of the box," it means they were removed from the game because the other team hit them very well.
  • It also refers to the "batter's box," where the batter stands.

Box Score: Game Summary

A "box score" is a statistical summary of a baseball game, showing all the important events and player stats.

Brand New Ball Game: A Tied Score

When a team scores enough runs to tie the score, it's called "a brand new ball game." This phrase means the game is now even again, and anything can happen.

Breaking Ball: A Pitch That Curves

A "breaking ball" is any Glossary of baseball (P)#pitch that doesn't go straight. It curves or moves because of the spin the Glossary of baseball (P)#pitcher puts on it. Examples include the Glossary of baseball (C)#curveball and the Glossary of baseball (S)#slider.

Break One Off: Throwing a Curveball

To "break one off" means to throw a Glossary of baseball (C)#curveball.

Break Open the Game: Getting a Big Lead

To "break open the game" means one team gets a large lead, often by scoring many runs in one inning, turning a close game into a less competitive one.

Bring: To Pitch Hard

To "bring" a pitch means to throw it, often used for a Glossary of baseball (F)#fastball. Phrases like "bring the gas" or "bring the heat" mean to throw the ball very fast.

Broken-Bat: A Play Where the Bat Breaks

A "broken-bat" play happens when a batter's bat breaks when they make contact with the ball.

Bronx Bombers: New York Yankees Nickname

"Bronx Bombers" is a famous nickname for the New York Yankees team, known for hitting many home runs.

Bronx Cheer: A Sarcastic Cheer

A "bronx cheer" is a sarcastic cheer from the crowd, often a loud raspberry sound, to show disapproval.

Brushback: A Pitch Thrown Close to the Batter

A "brushback" is a Glossary of baseball (P)#pitch intentionally thrown very close to a Glossary of baseball (B)#batter. The goal is to make the batter move away from the plate, often to intimidate them.

Bugs Bunny Change-up: A Very Slow Pitch

A "Bugs Bunny change-up" is a very slow changeup pitch that seems to float to the plate. It's so slow that a batter might swing three times before it even reaches the catcher! It's named after the cartoon character Bugs Bunny who threw such a pitch.

Bullpen: Warm-up Area and Relief Pitchers

  • The "bullpen" is the area where pitchers and catchers warm up before entering the game. It's usually located along the foul lines or behind the outfield fence.
  • "The bullpen" also refers to a team's group of relief pitchers.
Rays bullpen (50329721118)
Bullpen can be used to describe the area in which these Tampa Bay Rays relief pitchers are sitting or as a metonym for the pitchers themselves.

Bullpen by Committee: No Single Closer

"Bullpen by committee" is a strategy where a team doesn't have one specific pitcher for each role (like a "closer" for the end of the game). Instead, they use different relief pitchers depending on the situation.

Bullpen Session: Pitcher's Practice

A "bullpen session" is a regular practice for starting pitchers where they throw pitches in the bullpen to stay sharp.

Bump: The Pitcher's Mound

"The bump" is a slang term for the pitcher's mound.

Bunt: A Soft Hit to Advance Runners

To "bunt" means to deliberately hit the ball very softly, usually by holding the Glossary of baseball (B)#bat still and letting the ball hit it. The goal is often to advance other runners (called a "sacrifice bunt") or for a speedy batter to get a Glossary of baseball (B)#base hit when fielders are playing far back.

Bush League: Unprofessional Play

"Bush league" is a slang term for play that is unprofessional or of low quality, like what you might see in a very small, "bushy" town's minor league team.

Businessman's Special: A Weekday Day Game

A "businessman's special" is a baseball game played during the day on a weekday, often allowing people to attend during their lunch break or after work.

Butcher: A Poor Fielder

A "butcher" is a slang term for a player who is very bad at fielding.

Butcher Boy: A Fake Bunt and Swing

The "butcher boy" is a trick play where the hitter first acts like they are going to bunt, but then pulls the bat back and takes a quick swing at the pitch. This can surprise the fielders.

Buzz the Tower: A High Inside Fastball

To "buzz the tower" means to throw a high Glossary of baseball (F)#fastball very close to the batter's head or upper body. This is usually done to make the batter move away from the plate or to send a message.

Images

  • Chris Davis, Kevin Pillar (34422505340)

    Kevin Pillar (right) beats out a throw to first base.

  • 九州学院vs松本工-4

    A catcher (left) drops to both knees to block the plate from an opposing baserunner during a Japanese high school baseball game

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The following is a rewritten version of the provided wiki text, tailored for children aged 12-15, adhering to all specified MediaWiki markup and content guidelines.

Baseball has many unique words and phrases that can be confusing at first. This guide explains some common baseball terms starting with the letter 'C'. Learning these terms will help you understand the game better and sound like a true baseball expert!

Baseball Terms: C

Cactus League

The Cactus League is a group of baseball teams. These teams play their practice games before the regular season starts. They do this in Arizona, a state where many cactus plants grow. It's like a warm-up league before the real games begin! There's also a similar group called the Grapefruit League in Florida.

Caddy

A "caddy" is a player who comes into a game late. They usually play when one team is winning by a lot. A caddy often replaces an older player who hits well but isn't as fast. They might also run the bases for someone else.

Called Up

When a player is "called up," it means they are promoted from a smaller, minor league team to a big league team. This often happens if a player on the main team gets hurt or is sent back to the minor leagues. Players who have been in the big leagues before and are called back are "recalled." After August 31st each year, teams can call up more minor league players to join their roster.

Cannon

A "cannon" means a very strong arm, especially for throwing a baseball. You might also hear it called a "gun." When someone "cannons" the ball, it means they throw it very hard and fast. For example, a shortstop might "cannon" the ball to first base to get a runner out.

Can of Corn

A "can of corn" is a baseball term for a high, easy-to-catch fly ball hit to the outfield. Imagine a grocery store worker using a stick to tip a can from a high shelf. The can would fall easily into their apron. This phrase means the ball is just as easy to catch. Some say it comes from corn being easy to get from low shelves. Others think it's because early outfields were called "corn fields."

Captain Hook

A "Captain Hook" is a baseball manager who often takes a pitcher out of the game very quickly. They do this at the first sign that the pitcher might be in trouble. Sparky Anderson was a famous "Captain Hook" manager. This term is related to the word "hook," which means to remove a pitcher.

Carve Up

When a pitcher "carves up" a batter, it means they quickly get the batter out. The pitcher throws pitches that the batter can't hit, often making them swing and miss. It's like a chef quickly cutting up a turkey. For example, a headline might say, "How Buehrle carved up Tampa Bay with just one 90-m.p.h. pitch."

Cash In

To "cash in" means to hit the ball and bring runners home from other bases. If a player hits a home run with runners on base, they "cash in" those runners. This helps their team score points.

Catbird Seat

The "catbird seat" means being in a very good or lucky situation. The phrase was made popular by Red Barber, a famous baseball announcer. He said it means "sitting pretty," like a batter who has three balls and no strikes against them. A catbird likes to sing from the highest spot in a tree, so being in the "catbird seat" means you're in a great position.

Catch Up to a Fastball

When a batter can "catch up to a fastball," it means they can hit a very fast pitch. Their reaction time and bat speed are quick enough to make good contact. If a player can still "catch up to a fastball," it means they are still a strong hitter.

Catcher's Interference

Catcher's interference happens when the catcher accidentally gets in the way of the batter's swing. If this happens, the batter is usually given first base. Any runners trying to steal a base also get to advance. The catcher is charged with an error. The team that was batting can choose to keep the result of the play if it was better than getting first base.

Caught Napping

A baserunner is "caught napping" if they are tagged out because they weren't paying attention. This often happens during a "pickoff play." In a pickoff play, a fielder sneaks up behind the runner and gets a quick throw from the pitcher or catcher.

Cellar

The "cellar" means last place in the standings. A team that stays in last place for a long time is sometimes called a "cellar dweller." Another word for this is "basement."

Cement Mixer

A "cement mixer" is a pitch that was supposed to curve or break, but it doesn't. Instead, it stays straight and slow, making it easy for the batter to hit. It looks like a slow, spinning cement mixer that doesn't move much.

The Chair

"The chair" refers to a seat on the bench in the dugout. When a pitcher "throws him the chair," it means they strike out the batter. This sends the batter back to the dugout to sit down. It's a way to encourage the pitcher to get an out.

Challenge the Hitter

When a pitcher "challenges the hitter," they throw strikes aggressively, often using their best fastball. They are trying to make the batter hit the ball. This is similar to "pounding the strike zone" or "attacking the strike zone."

Change the Eye Level

A pitcher "changes the eye level" of a hitter by throwing pitches at different heights. They might throw high pitches, then low pitches. This is done to make the batter uncomfortable and keep them guessing. It helps the pitcher get the batter out.

Changeup

A "changeup" is a type of pitch that looks like a fastball but is thrown much slower. It's meant to trick the batter. A "circle change" is a common type where the pitcher makes a circle with their fingers. This makes the ball move down and to the side. A "straight change" uses all fingers to slow the ball down a lot.

Charge

  • When an infielder "charges" a ground ball, they run towards it instead of waiting for it. This helps them field the ball faster.
  • Runs are "charged" to a pitcher if they were the one who allowed the runner to get on base, even if another pitcher is on the mound when the runner scores.

Charging the Mound

"Charging the mound" is when a batter runs towards the pitcher after being hit by a pitch or almost hit. This often leads to a big fight between the teams, called a "bench-clearing brawl." The batter will almost always be kicked out of the game for doing this.

Chase

  • To "chase" a pitch means to swing at a ball that is far outside the strike zone.
  • A pitcher is "chased from the game" if the opposing batters hit them so well that the manager has to take them out.
  • A player or coach who is "chased" by an umpire is kicked out of the game.

Chatter

"Chatter" is when players or fans talk loudly to distract the opposing team, especially the batter. It's a way to try and get into the other team's head. "Heybattabattabatta" is a common example of baseball chatter.

Chavez Ravine

"Chavez Ravine" is the nickname for Dodger Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The stadium was built in the late 1950s in an area that used to be a neighborhood called Chavez Ravine.

Cheap Run

A "cheap run" is a run that scores because of luck or with little effort from the batting team. For example, a batter might hit a weak ball that just barely falls for a hit, allowing a runner to score.

Check the Runner

When a pitcher or infielder "checks the runner," they look at a runner on base. This makes the runner think twice about taking a big lead off the base. It's a way to keep runners from getting too far away from the base.

Checked Swing

A "checked swing" is when a batter starts to swing but stops the bat before it crosses the front of home plate. If they don't stop it in time, the umpire will call it a strike. Sometimes, the home plate umpire might ask another umpire for help if they couldn't see the swing clearly.

Cheddar

See "cheese."

Cheese

"Cheese" is a slang term for a fastball, especially one that is very fast and hard to hit. If a fastball is high in the strike zone, it's called "high cheese." If it's low, it's "cheese at the knees." "Easy Cheese" means a pitcher throws a very fast fastball with little effort.

Chin Music

"Chin music" is a pitch thrown high and inside, very close to the batter's chin. It's meant to make the batter move away from home plate. This is also called a "brush-back" or "purpose pitch."

Chinker

A "chinker" is a weakly hit ball that barely gets over the infielders. It's also called a "blooper," a "dying quail," or a "bleeder."

Chopper

A "chopper" is a batted ball that hits the ground right in front of home plate and bounces very high into the infield. Fast runners can sometimes get a base hit on a chopper. It can also mean a ball that bounces many times before an infielder catches it or it reaches the outfield.

Choke Up

When a batter "chokes up," they slide their hands up the bat, away from the knob. This gives them more control over the bat, even though it reduces their power. It helps them swing faster and make contact. For example, Luis Gonzalez choked up on his bat to get a game-winning hit in the 2001 World Series.

Chuck

To "chuck" means to throw. A pitcher might be called a "chucker" if they throw the ball very hard. Sometimes, fans are called "battery chuckers" if they throw batteries onto the field, which has happened in some stadiums.

Circle

The "circle" refers to the "on-deck circle." This is the area where the next batter waits before it's their turn to hit. It's officially called the "next batter's box."

Circus Catch

A "circus catch" is an amazing catch by a fielder. It usually involves the fielder jumping high, diving, or twisting their body in a way that looks like a circus acrobat.

Clean Hit

A "clean hit" is when a batter hits the ball through the infield without any fielder touching it. It can also be a ball hit over an outfielder's head. It means the hit was well-placed and no one could stop it.

Clean Inning

A "clean inning" is when a team pitches and plays defense without making any errors. They don't let the other team score runs or get runners on base easily. It means they played a perfect inning.

Cleanup Hitter

The "cleanup hitter" is the fourth batter in the lineup. This player is usually a strong hitter who can hit for power. The idea is to get runners on base for the cleanup hitter to "drive home" and score points. If the first three batters get on base, the cleanup hitter could hit a grand slam and "clean up" the bases.

Clear the Bases

When a batter "clears the bases," they hit the ball and bring home all the runners who were on base. For example, a triple that scores three runners would "clear the bases."

Climbing the Ladder

  • This is a pitching tactic where the pitcher throws a series of pitches, each one higher than the last. They try to get the batter to swing at a pitch that is too high, almost "in his eyes."
  • It can also mean when a fielder jumps unusually high to catch a line drive. It looks like they are climbing an invisible ladder to make the catch.

Clinic

A "clinic" is a very strong and impressive performance by a player or a team. For example, if a pitcher strikes out many batters, someone might say, "David Price really put on a clinic out there."

Closer

A "closer" is a special relief pitcher. Their job is to finish the game by getting the last few outs. Closers are often very powerful pitchers who can throw difficult pitches like a splitter or a cut fastball.

Close the Book

To "close the book" on a pitcher means their statistics for the game are final. This happens when they are replaced by a relief pitcher and all runners they allowed on base have either scored or been put out. Once the "book is closed," their stats for that game won't change.

Clubhouse

The "clubhouse" is the team's locker room. It often includes places for players to eat, relax, and work out. It's the main area where players get ready for games and spend time together.

Clutch

"Clutch" refers to performing well under pressure, especially when it matters most. A "clutch hitter" is someone who gets important hits in tough situations. A "clutch hit" is a hit that helps the team win when the game is close. Most fans believe in "clutch" performance, but some experts debate if it's a special skill or just what good players do.

Collar

To "wear the collar" or "take the collar" means a batter didn't get any hits in a game. It's like the number zero, and it also suggests "choking" under pressure. For example, "If Wright doesn't get a hit here, he'll be wearing an 0-for-5 collar on the day."

Comebacker

A "comebacker" is a batted ball that is hit directly back to the pitcher. It can be a line drive or a ground ball.

Command

"Command" is a pitcher's advanced skill of throwing the ball exactly where they want it to go. It's more than just throwing strikes (which is "control"). A pitcher with good command can hit specific spots inside or outside the strike zone.

Complete Game

A "complete game" (CG) is when one pitcher pitches the entire game by themselves. They don't need any relief pitchers. A pitcher can get a complete game win or a complete game loss. It can be shorter or longer than nine innings, as long as they pitch the whole game.

Complete Game Shutout

A "complete game shutout" (CGSO) is when a pitcher throws a complete game and doesn't let the other team score any runs. It's a perfect pitching performance.

Contact Hitter

A "contact hitter" is a batter who doesn't strike out very often. They are usually good at making contact with the ball and hitting it into play. They might not hit many home runs, but they often hit doubles and triples. Famous contact hitters include Pete Rose and Tony Gwynn.

Contact Pitcher

See "pitch to contact."

Contact Play

A "contact play" happens when a runner on third base is told to run home as soon as the bat hits the ball. They don't wait to see if it's a fair ball or a fly ball. This play is often used when the game is close or the bases are loaded. Runners also "run on contact" when there are two outs, because there's nothing to lose if the ball is caught.

Control Artist

A "control artist" is a pitcher who rarely walks batters. They have excellent "command" over their pitches, meaning they can throw them exactly where they want. They are also known as a "control pitcher."

Cookie

A "cookie" is a pitch that is very easy for the batter to hit. It's often a mistake pitch that the pitcher throws right over the middle of the plate.

Cooperstown

"Cooperstown" is a nickname for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. It's located in Cooperstown, New York. If a player is "on his way to Cooperstown," it means people think they will be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day.

Corked Bat

A "corked bat" is a baseball bat that has been illegally changed. Someone puts cork or another bouncy material inside the wooden part of the bat. This makes the bat lighter, which can help a batter swing faster. However, it doesn't make the ball go farther. Players caught using a corked bat face serious penalties. Sammy Sosa was one famous player caught using a corked bat.

Corners

  • When runners are "at the corners," it means there are runners on first base and third base, but no one on second base.
  • The "corners of the plate" are the very edges of home plate. Some pitchers like to throw pitches that just barely touch these corners. This is called "painting the corners."

Corner Outfielder

The "corner outfielders" are the left fielder and the right fielder. They play in the corners of the outfield.

Cornerman

A "cornerman" is an infielder who plays at either first base or third base. They are also called a "corner infielder."

Count

The "count" is the number of balls and strikes a batter has during their turn at bat. It's usually said with balls first, then strikes, like "3-0" (three balls, zero strikes). A "full count" is 3-2 (three balls, two strikes), which is the maximum. If the batter has more balls than strikes (like 2-0 or 3-1), they are "ahead in the count." If they have more strikes than balls (like 0-2 or 1-2), they are "behind in the count."

Cousin

A "cousin" is a pitcher who a particular batter finds very easy to hit. It's like that pitcher is a close relative who gives them an easy time.

Covering a Base

  • "Covering a base" is when an infielder stands next to a base. They wait to catch the ball from another fielder to try and get a runner out. For example, on a force play, the fielder must have one foot on the base when they catch the ball.
  • It also means when a fielder goes to a base that isn't their usual position. This happens if the regular fielder for that base is busy fielding the batted ball. For example, if the first baseman fields a ground ball far from the base, the pitcher might run to "cover" first base to take the throw.

Crack of the Bat

  • The "crack of the bat" is the sound the bat makes when it hits the ball. This phrase is used to mean "immediately." For example, a runner might start running "on the crack of the bat" instead of waiting to see where the ball goes.
  • Outfielders often listen to the sound of the bat hitting the ball. A loud "crack" usually means a long fly ball, while a dull "clunk" means a shorter one. With metal bats, outfielders learn to tell the difference between a "ping" and a "plunk."

Crackerbox

A "crackerbox" is a small baseball field. It's known for being easy for power hitters to hit home runs and tough for pitchers. Another word for this is a "bandbox."

Crackerjack

A "crackerjack" player or team is one that has a lot of power and great skill.

Crafty

"Crafty" is another word for a "control pitcher." These pitchers don't throw super fast, but they are very smart. They use different pitches and locations to trick batters. Greg Maddux was a famous crafty pitcher.

Crank

To "crank" a ball means to hit it very hard and far, usually for a home run. For example, "Jeter cranked a homer to left."

Crash

"Crash" is a defensive strategy used against a bunt. The first and third basemen run quickly towards the batter to field the ball. Other infielders move to cover the bases. It can also mean any infielder running quickly towards the batter on a bunt.

Crooked Number

A "crooked number" is any number other than zero or one. It refers to the shape of the numbers 2, 3, 4, etc. When a team scores two or more runs in an inning, they are said to "hang a crooked number" on the scoreboard.

Creature

A "creature" is a home run that is hit so hard and far that everyone knows it's going out of the park as soon as it leaves the bat. It's called a "creature" because it can be upsetting for the pitcher.

Crossed Up

  • A catcher is "crossed up" when they expect one type of pitch (like a fastball) but the pitcher throws a different one (like a curveball). This can lead to a "passed ball," allowing runners to advance.
  • A batter can also be "crossed up" if they expect a certain pitch but get a different one. This might make them hit the ball weakly or swing and miss.

Crowd the Hitter

When a pitcher "crowds the hitter," they throw pitches on the inside part of the plate. This makes it hard for the batter to fully extend their arms and get a powerful swing.

Crowd the Plate

When a batter "crowds the plate," they stand very close to home plate, sometimes covering part of the strike zone. This can make pitchers angry and might lead to a "brush-back" pitch (a pitch thrown close to the batter) to make them move back.

Crush the Ball

To "crush the ball" means a batter hits the ball extremely hard and far. It's like they destroyed the baseball. Other similar terms are "crunched the ball" or "mashed the ball." A powerful hitter is sometimes called a "masher."

Cue the Ball

When a batter "cues the ball," they hit it off the very end of the bat. It's like hitting a pool ball with a cue stick. This usually results in a weakly hit ball.

Cup of Coffee

A "cup of coffee" means a very short time that a minor league player spends playing in the major leagues. The idea is that they were only there long enough to have a quick cup of coffee.

Curveball

A "curveball" is a pitch that curves or breaks away from a straight path as it gets to home plate. It's also simply called a "curve."

Cut

  • A "cut" is a swing of the bat.
  • To be "cut" from a team means to be removed from the roster.

Cut Fastball

A "cut fastball" or "cutter" is a fastball that moves sideways a little bit. It's similar to a "slider" but is known more for its speed than its sideways movement.

Cut Down on His Swing

When a batter "cuts down on his swing," they make their swing shorter. They might "choke up" on the bat or start their swing less far back. This helps them swing faster and make contact. It's also called "shorten his swing."

Cut the Ball Off

When a ball is hit far into the outfield, a fielder might "cut the ball off." This means they run towards the ball to field it before it reaches the fence. They are trying to shorten the ball's path and get it back to the infield faster.

Cut-Off

A "cut-off" is a defensive play where a fielder moves into position between an outfielder and a base. They "cut off" a long throw from the outfield to make it more accurate and faster. This fielder is called the "cut-off man." If an outfielder misses the cut-off man, it's considered a mistake because it might allow a runner to advance or score.

Cut-Off Man

The "cut-off man" is the fielder who positions themselves to "cut off" a long throw from the outfield. This is often the shortstop, second baseman, or first baseman. Their job is to relay the ball quickly and accurately to a base, like third base or home plate. Coaches often yell, "Hit the cut-off man!"

Images

  • Joey Votto choking up in 2015 (21381788014) (cropped)

    Joey Votto chokes up on the bat during a 2015 game

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Baseball has many unique words and phrases. This guide explains some of the terms starting with the letter "D" that you might hear during a game.

Baseball Terms Starting with D

What is a Daisy Cutter?

A daisy cutter is an old-fashioned term for a baseball hit very hard along the ground. It's called this because it flies so low, it looks like it could cut the tops off daisies!

What Does it Mean When a Knuckleball "Dances"?

When a knuckleball is thrown well, it doesn't spin much. This makes it move in unpredictable ways, wiggling and wobbling as it gets to the batter. This strange, wobbly movement is called a "dance."

What is a Dark One?

A dark one is a pitch that is very hard for the batter to see. This makes it tough to hit. When a coach tells a pitcher to "throw him the dark one," it means to throw a tricky pitch that the batter probably won't hit.

What is a Dead Arm?

A pitcher has a dead arm when they can't throw as fast or as well as they usually do. It's like their arm feels tired and weak, even if they're not injured. This can happen to pitchers sometimes during a long season.

When is the Ball "Dead"?

In baseball, the ball becomes "dead" when the game action stops. This happens after a foul ball, or when a fan or player gets in the way. When the ball is dead, players cannot run to other bases, and no one can be tagged out. The game starts again when the umpire signals for play to continue.

What Was the Dead-Ball Era?

The dead-ball era was a time in baseball history, from about 1903 to 1918. During this period, the baseballs used were different, and rules made it harder to hit home runs. Teams focused more on getting players on base and moving them around with small hits. Hitting a home run over the fence was a very rare and exciting event back then!

What is a Dead Pull Hitter?

A pull hitter is a batter who usually hits the ball to the same side of the field they bat from. For example, a right-handed batter would hit the ball towards left field. A dead pull hitter almost always hits the ball this way. They rarely hit the ball to the opposite side of the field.

What Does it Mean to be "Dead Red"?

If a batter is "sitting dead red" or "looking dead red," it means they are waiting for a specific type of pitch, usually a fastball. When they get that pitch, they are ready to hit it hard, often for a home run or a base hit.

What Does it Mean to "Deal"?

The word "deal" has two meanings in baseball:

  • To deal means to throw a pitch. Announcers often say, "Smith deals to Jones" as the pitcher throws the ball.
  • It can also mean a pitcher is throwing very well. If a pitcher is "really dealing tonight," it means they are pitching great and getting batters out easily.

What Does "Decided in the Last At Bat" Mean?

Games "decided in the last at bat" are those where the winning team scores the winning run in their very last chance to hit. This means the game was super close and exciting right up until the end!

What Does "Deep in the Count" Mean?

A batter is "deep in the count" when they have three balls against them (like 3-0, 3-1, or 3-2). This situation usually favors the batter because the pitcher has to be very careful not to throw another ball, which would give the batter a walk.

What is Defensive Indifference?

Defensive indifference happens when the team playing defense allows a runner to move to the next base without trying to stop them. The runner doesn't get credit for a stolen base because the base was "given" to them, not "stolen." This often happens when a team has a big lead late in the game and just wants to get the final outs.

What is a Delivery in Pitching?

A pitcher's delivery is the way they throw the ball, including their arm angle and body movements. For example, a pitcher might have an "overhand delivery" or a "sidearm delivery."

What Does "Designated for Assignment" Mean?

When a player is "designated for assignment," it means their team is taking them off their main roster. This allows the team to make changes, like bringing up another player.

What is a Designated Hitter (DH)?

The designated hitter (DH) is a player whose only job is to hit the ball. They don't play a defensive position on the field. In the American League, teams usually use a DH. In the National League, the pitcher usually has to bat. When teams from different leagues play each other, the DH rule is used if the game is in an American League ballpark.

What is a Deuce?

In baseball, a deuce can mean two things:

  • A curveball, because catchers often use two fingers for the signal.
  • A double play.

The term comes from playing cards, where the "2" card is called the "deuce."

What is "Deuces Wild"?

Deuces wild is a fun phrase used when the number "2" appears everywhere on the scoreboard. This means there are two runners on base, two outs, two balls, and two strikes on the batter. It makes for a very exciting moment in the game!

What Does "Dial Long Distance" Mean?

To "dial long distance" means to hit a home run. It's like the ball travels so far, it's making a long-distance call!

What is a Diamond?

The diamond is the shape of the four bases on the baseball field. It's actually a square, but from the stands, it looks like a diamond.

What Does it Mean for a Fly Ball to "Die"?

A fly ball is said to "die" if it doesn't travel as far as expected. This can happen because of wind or other factors that make the ball drop quickly.

What Does it Mean to "Dig it Out"?

To "dig it out" can mean two things:

  • When a fielder, especially a first baseman, catches a low throw that is very close to the ground. They have to "dig" it out of the dirt.
  • When a batter runs very hard to first base on a close play, trying to beat the throw.

What Does "Dinged Up" Mean?

If a player is "dinged up," it means they have minor injuries that might bother them, but they are usually still able to play.

What is a Dinger or a Dong?

A dinger or a dong are slang terms for a home run.

What is a Dirt-Nap?

A dirt-nap is a slang term for tripping or falling down on the field, especially in the outfield or while running the bases.

What is the Injured List?

The "disabled list" was the old name for the injured list. This is a way for teams to temporarily remove injured players from their active roster. This allows the team to bring up another player to take their place while the injured player recovers. The name changed to "injured list" in 2019.

What is the Dish?

The dish is a slang term for home plate. You might hear a catcher "settle in behind the dish." It can also refer to a pitch, especially a good one.

What Does "Diving Over the Plate" Mean?

When a batter "dives over the plate," it means they lean in towards home plate. They do this to reach pitches that are on the outside edge of the strike zone. Pitchers might then throw the ball inside to keep the batter from leaning too far.

What is Doctoring the Ball?

Doctoring the ball means illegally changing the baseball by adding a foreign substance to it, like Vaseline or saliva (a spitball), or by scuffing it with sandpaper. Pitchers do this to make the ball move in unusual ways, making it harder to hit. These actions have been against the rules since the 1920s.

What is a Donnybrook?

A donnybrook is a slang term for a big fight on the field, where players from both teams leave their benches and bullpens to join in.

What Does it Mean to "Dot" a Batter?

To "dot" a batter means the pitcher hits the batter with a pitched ball. This can be on purpose or by accident. Sometimes, a pitcher might intentionally "dot" a batter if they feel the batter or their team has broken one of baseball's "unwritten rules." Usually, these pitches are thrown low to avoid serious injury.

What is a Double?

A double is a hit where the batter safely reaches second base. It's also called a "two-base hit."

What is a Double Clutch?

When a fielder, like an infielder or catcher, pulls their arm back twice before throwing the ball, it's called a double clutch. This hesitation can make their throw late, allowing runners to advance.

What is a Double Play?

A double play is when the defense gets two offensive players out during one continuous play. A common example is when a batter hits a ground ball, and the defense throws to second base for one out, then to first base for the second out.

What is Double Play Depth?

Double play depth is a defensive strategy where the middle infielders (shortstop and second baseman) play closer to second base. This helps them turn a double play more easily, but it also means they might not be in the best position to field a hit to the third-base side.

What is a Double Steal?

A double steal happens when two runners try to steal bases at the same time. For example, a runner on first and a runner on second might both try to steal the next base together.

What is a Double Switch?

A double switch is a smart player change used mostly in leagues where pitchers have to bat (like the National League). It lets a manager bring in a new pitcher and another player at the same time, while also improving the team's batting order. This way, the new pitcher doesn't have to bat right away.

What Does it Mean to "Double Up"?

To "double up" can mean two things:

  • When a runner is the second out in a double play, they are "doubled up." This can happen if they are caught off base after a fly ball is caught.
  • When a team wins both games of a doubleheader, they are said to have "doubled up" their opponent.

What is a Doubleheader?

A doubleheader is when two baseball games are played by the same two teams on the same day. Sometimes, these games are shorter, like seven innings instead of nine, especially in college or minor league baseball.

What Does "Down" Mean in Baseball?

When a player is "down," it means they have been put out.

  • "One down" means one out has been made in the inning.
  • "Two down" means two outs have been made.
  • "Three up, three down" means the first three batters of the inning were all put out, and the side is retired.

What Does "Down the Line" Mean?

"Down the line" refers to the area on the field near the foul lines. It's often used to describe where a batted ball lands.

What Does "Down the Middle" Mean?

"Down the middle" describes a pitch thrown right over the center of home plate. You might also hear it called "down the pipe" or "down Main Street."

What Does "Down the Stretch" Mean?

"Down the stretch" means a team is getting close to the end of the season and is trying hard to win their division or a championship. It's like the final push in a race!

What is a DP Combo?

A DP combo is a slang term for a team's shortstop and second baseman. These two players work together a lot to turn double plays, so they are called the "double play combination."

What is a Drag Bunt?

A drag bunt is a special kind of bunt where a left-handed batter tries to hit the ball softly past the pitcher and towards the right side of the infield. They often do this while taking a step towards first base, hoping to use their speed to get a base hit.

What Does it Mean to "Draw" a Ball or a Walk?

When a batter "draws a ball" or "draws a walk," it means the pitcher has thrown four balls, and the batter gets to go to first base without hitting the ball.

What Does "Drawn In" Mean?

"Drawn in" means that fielders play closer to home plate than usual.

  • Outfielders might be "drawn in" to prevent short fly balls from dropping for hits, especially in close games.
  • Infielders might be "drawn in" if there's a runner on third base, so they can try to throw the runner out at home plate if a ground ball is hit.

What is a Dribbler?

A dribbler is a ground ball that is hit very weakly. It travels a short distance and bounces several times, like a slow dribble.

What Does it Mean to be "Drilled"?

If a batter is "drilled," it means they were hit by a pitch.

What is a Drive?

A drive can be a hard-hit ball, like a line drive. It can also mean to hit the ball hard, or to hit the ball in a way that brings in runs. For example, "Tejada drove him home from second."

What Does it Mean to "Drop" a Game?

To "drop" a game means to lose it. For example, "The Tigers dropped their fourth game in a row."

What is a Drop Ball?

A drop ball is another name for a sinkerball, which is a pitch that moves downwards as it reaches the plate. Some curveballs that dive sharply are also called "drop balls."

What Does "Drop Off the Table" Mean?

When a pitch "drops off the table," it means it has a very sharp, sudden downward movement as it gets to the batter. This is often used to describe a great curveball.

What is a Dropped Third Strike?

A dropped third strike happens when the catcher doesn't cleanly catch a third strike pitch. If first base is empty (or if there are two outs), the batter can try to run to first base before being tagged out. Even if the batter reaches base, the pitcher still gets credit for a strikeout.

What Does "Ducks on the Pond" Mean?

"Ducks on the pond" is a fun way to say there are runners on second or third base, or especially when the bases are loaded. It means there are runners in scoring position, ready to come home!

What Does it Mean for a Batter to be "Due"?

A batter is "due" when they haven't gotten a hit in a while, but they are usually a good hitter. It's like saying they're overdue for a hit, and you expect them to get one soon!

What is a Dugout?

The dugout is where a baseball team's players and coaches sit during a game when they are not on the field. It's usually a sunken area below the field level, with a roof for shade and protection.

What Does it Mean to "Dump" a Bunt?

To "dump" a bunt means to hit the ball softly and intentionally, usually along the foul line. A right-handed hitter might "dump" a bunt towards third base, while a left-handed hitter might "dump" it towards first base.

What is a Duster or Dust-Off Pitch?

A duster or dust-off pitch is a pitch thrown very far inside, so close to the batter that they have to drop to the ground to avoid being hit. It's often thrown to send a message or intimidate the batter.

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Baseball has many unique words and phrases. This section explains some of the terms that start with the letter 'E'. Understanding these terms will help you enjoy the game even more!

Baseball Terms Starting with 'E'

Early Innings

The early innings of a baseball game are the first three innings. A full game usually has nine innings. These early parts of the game are often where teams try to get a good start.

Earned Run

An earned run is a run that scores because of a pitcher's actions, not because of a mistake by a fielder. If a run scores due to a fielding error or a passed ball, it's called an unearned run. Earned runs are important for calculating a pitcher's earned run average. Even if a pitcher makes an error, it counts the same as an error by any other player.

Earned Run Average (ERA)

Earned Run Average, or ERA, is a statistic that shows how many earned runs a pitcher gives up per nine innings. It helps measure how well a pitcher is doing. To figure it out, you divide the number of earned runs allowed by the innings pitched, then multiply by nine. Runs that happen because of defensive errors are not counted in a pitcher's ERA.

Earnie

An earnie is just another word for an earned run. It's a casual way to say it. For example, "The pitcher gave up six earnies in the first inning."

Easy Out

This term has two meanings in baseball.

  • First, it's a reminder to the defense when there are two outs in an inning. It means they only need one more out to end the inning, so they should try for the simplest play possible.
  • Second, an easy out can also mean a batter who usually doesn't hit the ball very well. These batters are often found lower down in the batting order.

Eat the Ball

To eat the ball means a fielder catches a batted ball but decides not to throw it to a base. This usually happens when the fielder thinks there's little chance of getting a runner out. Instead of risking a bad throw that could lead to more bases for the runner, they just hold onto the ball. This term is mostly used for infielders, catchers, or pitchers.

Eephus Pitch

An Eephus is a very unusual and slow pitch. It travels in a high arc towards home plate. It was invented by Rip Sewell in the 1930s. Pitchers use it rarely to surprise and confuse batters, making them swing too early or too late. It's not thrown often because if a batter expects it, it can be easy to hit.

Eject

When an umpire ejects a player or coach, it means they are kicked out of the game. This usually happens because of unsportsmanlike conduct, like arguing too much or breaking rules. Other words for being ejected include "tossed," "thrown out," or "booted."

Emergency Starter

An emergency starter is a pitcher who usually comes into the game later as a reliever, or plays in the minor leagues. They are called to start a game on very short notice. This happens when the pitcher who was supposed to start gets injured or becomes sick right before the game.

Emery Ball

An emery ball is a baseball that has been scuffed or roughed up using an emery board. This is a way for a pitcher to illegally change the ball, which is called doctoring the ball. It has been against the rules since 1920 because it makes the ball move in unpredictable ways. It's also known as a scuff ball.

Erase a Runner

To erase a runner means that a runner who was already safely on a base gets thrown out. For example, if a runner is on first base and then tries to steal second but is tagged out, they have been "erased" from the bases.

Error

An error is a mistake made by a fielder that allows a batter or runner to get to a base they shouldn't have reached. It's also an error if a fielder drops a foul fly ball that they should have caught easily. The official scorer decides if a play is an error. Some mistakes by pitchers or catchers, like a "wild pitch" or a "passed ball," are not counted as errors. Other words for an error include "bobble," "muff," or "flub."

Even Count

An even count happens when the number of balls and strikes for a batter are the same. For example, a 1-1 count (one ball, one strike) or a 2-2 count (two balls, two strikes) are both even counts. See also count.

Everyday Player

An everyday player is a position player who plays almost every game. This is different from a pitcher, who only plays every few days. It's also different from a platoon player (who plays only against certain types of pitchers) or a substitute player who usually starts games on the bench.

Evil Empire

Evil Empire is a common nickname for the New York Yankees baseball team. Fans of other teams, especially the Boston Red Sox, use this name because the Yankees have a lot of money and have won many championships. Some Yankees fans even use the name themselves as a proud badge.

Excuse Me Swing

An excuse me swing happens when a batter accidentally hits the ball while trying to stop their swing. This is often called a checked swing. The ball usually goes weakly into play.

Expand the Strike Zone

When a pitcher gets ahead in the count (meaning they have more strikes than balls), they can expand the strike zone. This means the batter is more likely to swing at pitches that are just outside the normal strike zone. The batter feels more pressure to swing so they don't strike out.

Expanded Roster

An expanded roster is a term in Major League Baseball for when teams can have more players than usual. For example, before 2019, teams could add more players to their roster in September, going from 25 players up to 40. This allowed teams to try out new players or rest their main players.

Extend the Arms

When a batter is able to hit a pitch that is at a good distance from their body, they are said to have extended their arms. This allows them to take a full, powerful swing. When a batter extends their arms, they can hit the ball much harder, often leading to home runs or other big hits.

Extra Bases

Extra bases are any bases a batter gains beyond first base on a hit. For example, a double gives one extra base, a triple gives two, and a home run gives three. Hits that result in extra bases are called "extra base hits." These hits are important for a batter's slugging percentage.

Extra Innings

Extra innings are additional innings played when a baseball game is tied after the normal number of innings. Professional games usually have nine innings, while high school games have seven, and Little League games have six. If the score is tied, the game continues until one team is ahead at the end of an inning. This is sometimes called "bonus baseball" because fans get to see more of the game.

Extra Out

An extra out happens when a defensive team makes a mistake that should have been an easy out. This mistake gives the other team an extra chance to score or keep their inning going. Even if it's not officially an error, it's still considered giving the opponent an "extra out."

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Baseball is a super fun sport with lots of special words and phrases! This guide will help you understand some of the terms that start with the letter "F".

F

Fall Classic: The World Series

The Fall Classic is another name for the World Series. This is the biggest championship in Major League Baseball (MLB). In the World Series, the best team from the American League plays against the best team from the National League.

This exciting series usually happens in October. That's why "playing in October" is a big goal for any MLB team! Famous players like Reggie Jackson were known as "Mr. October" because they played so well in the World Series. Another player, Derek Jeter, was called "Mr. November" because he hit a game-winning walk-off home run in a World Series game that ended just after midnight on November 1st!

The World Series has only been played in the summer once, way back in 1918. It was played in early September because of World War I. The first time games went into November was in 2001. This happened because the season was delayed after the 9/11 attacks.

Fall Off the Table: A Tricky Pitch

When a pitch is said to "fall off the table", it means the ball starts out looking like it will be easy to hit. But then, it suddenly drops low or into the dirt right before it reaches the batter. This term is often used for pitches like change ups and split-fingered fastballs.

Fan: To Strike Out a Batter

To "fan" a batter means to strike them out. This usually happens when the batter swings and misses for the third strike.

Fan Interference: When a Fan Changes the Game

Fan interference happens when a fan or someone not part of the teams touches the ball or changes how a play is happening. If this happens, the ball becomes dead, and the umpire decides what would have happened without the fan's action. They will then award bases or outs as needed.

However, if a fan touches a ball that is already out of the playing field (like a pop fly into the stands), it's usually not fan interference. Even if a player might have caught it, it's not interference if the ball is already in the stands. A famous example is the Steve Bartman incident in 2003, where a fan tried to catch a foul ball. This was not called fan interference because the ball was in the stands.

Fancy Dan: A Showy Fielder

A "fancy Dan" is a player who makes plays with extra style or flair. They might do this to impress the fans. Sometimes, coaches tell them to just focus on making the play simply and effectively!

Farm Team: Developing Future Stars

A farm team is a team where young players get experience and training. These teams are part of a bigger "farm system" for a Major League Baseball team. The goal is for successful players to eventually move up and play in the big leagues.

Fastball: The Most Common Pitch

A fastball is a pitch thrown mainly for its high speed. It's the most common type of pitch in baseball. You might also hear it called "smoke," a "bullet," a "heater," or a "hummer."

Fastball Count: Expecting Speed

A "fastball count" is when the pitcher is expected to throw a fastball. This often happens when the count is 3-1, 3-2, or 2-1 (balls-strikes). Fastballs are usually easier for pitchers to throw accurately into the strike zone. Sometimes, a pitcher will surprise the batter by throwing a slower pitch instead.

Fastball Happy: Relying Too Much on Speed

When a pitcher is "fastball happy", it means they are throwing too many fastballs. This might happen if their other pitches aren't working well. Being fastball happy can cause problems because batters might start to guess that a fastball is coming, making it easier for them to hit.

Fat Pitch: An Easy Target

A "fat pitch" is a pitch that is thrown exactly where the hitter wants it. It might even look bigger than it is! Batters often hit these pitches a long way.

Feed: A Careful Throw

To "feed" the ball means to throw it carefully to another player so they can make an out. For example, a first baseman might "feed the ball" to the pitcher covering first base for a force out. Or an infielder might "feed the ball" to a player at second base to start a double play.

Fencebuster: A Powerful Hitter

A "fencebuster" is a slugger, a player who hits the ball very hard and often hits home runs.

Field: The Playing Area or Making a Play

  • A field is the baseball field or diamond where baseball is played.
  • It can also mean a specific ballpark or stadium, like Dodger Stadium.
  • To "field the ball" means to catch or make a play on a ground ball or a fly ball.
  • "To take the field" means the defensive players are going to their positions to start playing defense.

Fielder: A Defensive Player

A fielder is any player on the defensive team. This includes pitchers and position players (like infielders and outfielders).

Field Manager: The Team's Coach

The field manager is the head coach of a baseball team. They decide the team's strategy during the game, set the batting lineup, choose the starting pitcher, and make player changes. The manager works under the team's general manager (GM), who handles player contracts and trades.

Fielder's Choice: A Strategic Out

A fielder's choice (FC) happens when a fielder chooses to try and get a baserunner out instead of the batter who just hit the ball. Even though the batter reaches first base safely, they don't get a hit for it.

Fight Off a Pitch: Staying Alive at Bat

When a batter has two strikes and gets a pitch they can't hit well, they might "fight off the pitch" by fouling it off. This keeps the at-bat going, hoping to get a better pitch to hit.

Find His Bat: Ending a Slump

When a batter has been struggling to get hits (in a "slump") but then starts hitting well again, they are said to have "found their bat."

Find His Swing: Fixing Batting Problems

If a batter is in a slump, they might practice extra to "find their swing." This means they are trying to fix any problems with how they are hitting the ball.

Find the Seats: A Ball in the Stands

When a ball "finds the seats", it means it has been hit out of the playing field and into the stands. This can be a home run or a foul ball that no fielder could catch.

Fireballer: A Super Fast Pitcher

A fireballer is a pitcher who throws extremely fast fastballs, often over 95 miles per hour. They are also called a "flamethrower."

Fireman: The Relief Hero

A "fireman" is a team's best relief pitcher. They are often brought into the game when the other team is hitting well and scoring runs (a "rally"). Their job is to "put out the fire" and stop the other team from scoring more.

Fireplug: An Energetic Player

A "fireplug" is a player, often smaller in size, who is known for having lots of energy, being outgoing, and showing great team spirit. They might be known more for their energy than just their playing skills.

First-Ball Hitter: Hitting Early

A "first-ball hitter" is a batter who likes to hit the first pitch they see in an at-bat. They often get hits on the first pitch.

Five and Dive: A Short Outing for a Pitcher

"Five and dive" is a term used when a starting pitcher can't pitch more than five innings before getting tired or being taken out of the game. In modern baseball, pitchers often don't pitch a complete game to protect their arms.

Five O'Clock Hitter: Practice Star, Game Flop

A "five o'clock hitter" is a batter who hits really well during batting practice (which often happens around 5 PM), but doesn't hit as well during actual games.

Five-Tool Player: A Complete Player

A "five-tool player" is a position player who is excellent at all five basic baseball skills:

  • Hitting for average (getting lots of hits)
  • Hitting for power (hitting home runs)
  • Base running and speed
  • Throwing
  • Fielding

FL or F.L.: The Federal League

FL or F.L. is a short way to say Federal League. This was a "major league" that existed only for two years, in 1914 and 1915.

Flag Down: Catching a Hard Hit Ball

To "flag down" a ball means to catch or stop a hard-hit line drive, almost like stopping a fast train.

Flamethrower: Another Word for Fireballer

A flamethrower is the same as a fireballer – a pitcher who throws extremely fast pitches.

Flare: A Short Fly Ball

A flare is a fly ball that is hit a short distance into the outfield. It often just barely gets over the heads of the infielders.

Flashing the Leather: Great Fielding

"Flashing the leather" means making an amazing or difficult defensive play. A player who does this often might be called a "leather flasher." "Leather" refers to their baseball glove.

Flip: A Soft Toss or Bullpen Game

  • A flip is when a fielder softly tosses the ball to a teammate who is very close by. This is done to save time or avoid a bad throw.
  • It can also be a game played by relief pitchers in the bullpen.

Floater: A Knuckleball

A floater is another name for a knuckleball. This pitch seems to float or bob up and down as it travels to the plate, making it hard to hit.

Fluke Hit: A Lucky Hit

A fluke hit is a base hit that happens because the ball was hit weakly or took a strange bounce. It's a bit of a lucky hit.

Flutterball: Another Knuckleball Name

A flutterball is another term for a knuckleball or a floater.

Fly Ball: A Ball Hit High

A fly ball is a ball that is hit high into the air.

Fly Ball Pitcher: Giving Up High Balls

A fly ball pitcher is a pitcher who tends to make batters hit more fly balls than ground balls. These pitchers can sometimes give up more home runs because fly balls can turn into home runs if hit far enough.

Fly Out: An Out from a Caught Fly Ball

  • A fly out is an out that happens when an outfielder catches a fly ball.
  • A batter whose fly ball is caught is said to "fly out."

Force Play: When a Runner Must Advance

A force play happens when a runner has to move to the next base because the batter has become a runner and must go to first base. In this situation, the runner is out if a fielder with the ball touches the base the runner is being forced to. This is called a "force out."

Forkball: A Dropping Pitch

A forkball is a type of split-finger fastball where the pitcher spreads their fingers wide apart. The ball drops very sharply, often out of the strike zone and into the dirt.

Foul Ball: Out of Play

A foul ball is a batted ball that goes out of the playing area.

Foul Lines: Boundaries of Fair Play

The foul lines are two straight lines on the ground that go from home plate to the outfield fence. They show the difference between fair territory (where the ball is in play) and foul territory (where the ball is out of play). The foul poles are vertical extensions of these lines.

Even though they are called "foul lines," both the lines and the poles are actually in fair territory. If a fly ball hits a foul line or a foul pole beyond first or third base, it's a fair ball and a home run!

Foul Off: Keeping the At-Bat Alive

To "foul off" a pitch means to purposely hit it foul when you have two strikes. This keeps your at-bat going, hoping to get a better pitch to hit and to make the pitcher throw more pitches.

Foul Pole: The Home Run Marker

A foul pole is a pole located on each foul line in the outfield. Umpires use them to decide if a batted ball is a home run or a foul ball. Like the foul lines, the foul pole is in fair territory, so if a fly ball hits it, it's a home run.

Foul Tip: A Direct Catch

A foul tip is a batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher's glove and is caught. It counts as a strike, even if it's the third strike, and the ball stays in play. If the ball isn't caught, or if it bounces off something else first, it's just a foul ball, not a foul tip.

Four-Bagger: A Home Run

A "four-bagger" is another name for a home run. It means the batter touched all four bases.

Four-Fingered Salute: An Intentional Walk

A "four-fingered salute" is a slang term for an intentional base on balls. This is when the manager signals the pitcher to intentionally throw four balls to the batter, letting them go to first base without having to hit.

Four-Seam Fastball: A Straight Fastball

A four-seam fastball is a standard fastball. When thrown correctly, the batter sees all four seams of the ball spinning towards them. It's often called a "four-seamer."

Frame: Half an Inning or Catching a Pitch

  • As a noun, a frame means half of an inning (either the top or the bottom half).
  • As a verb, "framing" a pitch is when the catcher moves their glove or body in a way that makes a pitch look more like a strike to the umpire. Catchers try to do this to help their pitcher get more strike calls.

Free Baseball: Extra Innings

"Free baseball" is a fun way to say extra innings. Fans get to watch more baseball "for free" when the game is tied after nine innings.

Free Pass: A Walk to First Base

A "free pass" is a base on balls (a walk). It's called "free" because the batter doesn't have to hit the ball to get to first base.

Freeze the Hitter: A Surprise Strike

To "freeze the hitter" means to throw a strike that is so unexpected or perfectly placed that the batter doesn't even swing at it.

Friendly Confines: Wrigley Field's Nickname

The "friendly confines" is a famous nickname for Wrigley Field, which is the home stadium of the Chicago Cubs.

Frozen Rope: A Hard Hit or Throw

A "frozen rope" is a very hard-hit line drive. It can also mean a very strong throw from an outfielder.

Full Count: A Tense Moment

A full count is when the count is 3 balls and 2 strikes. This is a very tense moment! The next pitch will either be a strikeout (if it's a strike) or a walk (if it's a ball). The only way to keep the at-bat going is to hit a foul ball.

Full House: A Full Count or Full Stadium

  • A "full house" can mean a full count (3 balls and 2 strikes), like the poker term.
  • It can also mean that the stadium is completely full of fans.

Fungo: Practice Hitting

A fungo is a fly ball hit for fielders to practice catching. A coach or player tosses the ball up and hits it themselves, it's not part of a real game.

Fungo Bat: A Practice Bat

A fungo bat is a lightweight bat with a long, thin barrel. It's used to hit fungoes for practice. It's not safe or legal to use in a real game.

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Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A baseball game is full of special words and phrases! This guide will help you understand some of the cool terms used in baseball, especially those starting with the letter 'G'. Get ready to learn about players, plays, and equipment!

Gamer

A gamer is a player who always tries their hardest. They are willing to do whatever it takes for the team. Gamers often make the right play at the perfect time, especially in important games. This word can also describe great baseball equipment, like a super good glove.

Gap

The gap is the open space between the outfielders. When a batter hits the ball into this space, it's sometimes called a flapper or a gapper. It's a great place to hit the ball because it's hard for fielders to reach!

Gap Hitter

A gap hitter is a player who hits the ball with power into the gaps. They often hit many doubles, which means they reach second base.

Gas

When a pitcher throws a very fast fastball, it's called gas. It's like stepping on the gas pedal in a car to make it go fast!

Gascan

A gascan is a pitcher who gives up many runs quickly. It's like they are pouring gas on a fire, making the other team's score go up fast.

Gate Receipts

Gate receipts are all the money collected from ticket sales for a game or a series of games. It's simply called "the gate" sometimes. This money helps the team.

GEDP

GEDP is a short way to say "game ending double play". This happens when two players are out on the same play, and it ends the game.

General Manager

The general manager (GM) is in charge of running the business side of a baseball team. They handle things like choosing players, managing money, and making sure everything runs smoothly. The GM is different from the team's coach or owner.

Gem

A gem is a very well-pitched game by a pitcher. In a gem, the pitcher allows very few hits and maybe only one or two runs. The team almost always wins when a pitcher throws a gem.

Get a Good Piece of It

When a batter hits the ball right in the center with their bat, they are said to "get a good piece of it." This usually means they hit the ball very hard and well.

Get on One's Horse

When a fielder, usually an outfielder, runs extremely fast to catch a hard-hit ball, they "get on one's horse." They run as fast as a horse to try and make the play!

Get Good Wood

To "get good wood" on the ball means to hit it very hard. A batter who "gets good wood" hits the ball with a lot of power.

Get Off the Schneid

To "get off the schneid" means to end a bad streak. This could be a streak of not scoring, not getting hits, or not winning games. It means breaking out of a slump.

GIDP

GIDP is a baseball statistic abbreviation. It means a player "grounded into a double play". This happens when a batter hits a ground ball that leads to two outs.

Glove

A glove is a special padded leather glove that defensive players wear to help them catch and field the ball.

Types of Gloves

  • A baseball glove or mitt is used for catching. Different positions need different glove shapes and sizes.
  • A mitt is a special type of glove used only by the catcher and the first baseman. It's bigger and has no separate finger slots.
  • Other fielders must use regular gloves with individual finger slots.
  • Batters often wear batting gloves to get a better grip on the bat.
  • Players who slide head-first often wear sliding gloves to protect their hands.

Glove Rules

It is against the rules to throw your glove to catch or stop a batted ball. If a player throws their glove and it touches the ball, the batter is usually given an automatic triple. This means all runners on base get to score freely. It's also against the rules to use your cap as a glove.

Having a Good Glove

A player who is very good at playing defense is said to have a good glove.

GM

GM is a short way to say general manager.

Go-Ahead Run

The go-ahead run is the run that puts a team in the lead. This happens when the score is tied or when a team was behind. For example, if the score is 4-4 and a runner scores, that runner is the go-ahead run.

Go Deep

  • To "go deep" means to hit a home run.
  • When a starting pitcher pitches for many innings, past the 6th inning, they are said to "go deep into the game." This means they are pitching very well and for a long time.

Go Down in Order

When a team's batters get no one on base in a half-inning, and only three batters come to the plate, they are said to "go down in order." This means the other team retired them quickly.

Go Quietly

When a team does not hit well in an inning, like going "1-2-3" (three batters, three outs), they are said to have "gone quietly." It means they didn't put up much of a fight offensively.

Go the Distance

See go the route.

Go the Route

A pitcher who throws a complete game "goes the route." This means they pitch the entire game without another pitcher taking over.

Go Yard

To "go yard" is another way to say a batter hit a home run. It means they hit the ball out of the ballpark or "ball yard."

Going Bridge

Going bridge is one more fun way to say a player hit a home run.

Gold Glove

The Gold Glove Award is given to the best defensive player at each position in Major League Baseball. It shows they are excellent at fielding.

Golden Sombrero

A player who strikes out four times in one game is said to have gotten a "golden sombrero." Three strikeouts is a "hat trick," and five is a "platinum sombrero."

Golfing

Golfing means swinging at a pitch that is very low, sometimes even in the dirt. It's like swinging a golf club. It can also describe hitting a low pitch well.

Gone

  • When a ball is hit for a home run, an announcer might say, "That ball is gone."
  • If a batter strikes out, especially against a powerful pitcher, someone might say, "He' gone!"
  • Announcers also say "one gone" or "two gone" to tell you how many outs there are in an inning.

Good Eye

A hitter with a good eye is excellent at knowing which pitches are strikes and which are balls. They can avoid swinging at pitches that are just outside the strike zone.

Good Hit, No Field

This phrase describes a player who is a great hitter but not a good fielder. Players like Dick Stuart and Dave Kingman were known for being "good hit, no field."

Good Take

A "good take" is when a batter does not swing at a pitch that is very close to the strike zone but is actually a ball. This is especially impressive when the batter has two strikes.

Goodbye Mr. Spalding!

This is an exclamation a broadcaster might use when a batter hits a home run. Spalding is a famous company that makes baseballs.

Goose Egg

A goose egg means a zero on the scoreboard. If a team has a goose egg in an inning, they didn't score any runs.

Gopher Ball

A gopher ball is a pitch that a batter hits for a home run. It's called a gopher ball because the batter will "go for" it and hit it out of the park.

Got a Piece of It

When a batter hits a foul ball, especially with two strikes, they "got a piece of it." This means they barely hit the ball, but it was enough to stay alive and keep batting.

Got Him

"Got him" is a short way to say "got him out." This is often said when a fielder makes a play to get a runner out.

Got to Him Early

When a team's batters get many hits and runs off the opposing starting pitcher in the first few innings, they are said to "get to him early." This means they made the pitcher struggle right away.

Got Under the Ball

When a hitter swings slightly below the center of the pitched ball, they "got under the ball." This often makes the ball go high in the air for a fly ball out instead of a home run.

Grab Some Pine

"Grab some pine" is a taunt used after a strikeout. It means "go sit on the bench" because you're out.

Grand Slam

A grand slam is a home run hit when the bases are loaded. This means there are runners on first, second, and third base. A grand slam scores four runs, which is the most possible on one hit! It's also called a "grand salami."

Granny

A granny is a short and fun nickname for a grand slam.

Grapefruit League

The Grapefruit League is the group of Major League teams that have their Spring Training in Florida. Florida is known for its grapefruit trees.

Great Seats

"Great seats" is a sarcastic term for seats that are very high up in the bleachers, far away from the field. It's a joke because they are not actually great seats.

Green Light

A green light is permission from the manager for a player to be aggressive. For example, a batter might get the green light to swing on a 3-0 count, or a runner might get the green light to steal a base.

Green Monster

The Green Monster is a famous, very tall wall in left field at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. It's 37.2 feet (11.3 meters) high! Right-handed hitters often try to hit the ball off or over it. There are even seats on top of the Monster. The Red Sox mascot, Wally, is also called the Green Monster.

Groove a Pitch

When a pitcher throws a pitch right down the middle of the plate, they "groove a pitch." This is often a mistake, as batters can hit these pitches very hard.

Ground Ball

A ground ball (or grounder) is a hit that bounces along the ground in the infield. A bunt is not considered a ground ball.

Ground Ball with Eyes

A ground ball with eyes is a ground ball that barely gets past two infielders for a base hit. It seems like the ball "sees" the open spot where no one can field it. It's also called a seeing-eye single.

Ground Ball Pitcher

A ground ball pitcher is a pitcher who makes batters hit more ground balls than fly balls. Managers often use these pitchers when they need a double play.

Ground-Rule Double

A ground-rule double happens when a batter hits a ball into fair territory that bounces over a wall or fence without being touched by a fielder. The batter is automatically awarded second base. If a fan touches a ball in fair territory, the batter also gets an extra base.

Ground Rules

Ground rules are special rules for a specific ballpark. These rules are needed because of unique features of that park that the regular baseball rules don't cover.

Guess Hitter

A guess hitter is a batter who tries to guess what type of pitch is coming and where it will be thrown. Instead of reacting to the pitch, they try to predict it.

Gun

  • A gun (or cannon) is a very strong arm, usually belonging to a fielder who can throw the ball very hard and accurately.
  • To "gun" means to throw the ball very hard. For example, "The fielder guns the ball to first base and gets him out."

Gun Down

To "gun down" a runner means to throw them out. For example, a catcher might "gun down" a runner trying to steal second base.

Gyroball

A gyroball is a type of curveball that has a very sharp break. Some pitchers, like Daisuke Matsuzaka, are said to throw a gyroball. It was designed to reduce arm tiredness for pitchers and make the ball move in an extreme way.

Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Baseball is a fun sport with lots of unique words and phrases! This guide will help you understand some of the terms that start with the letter "H." You'll learn about different ways to hit the ball, special places on the field, and even how players get recognized for their amazing careers.

Baseball Terms Starting with H

Hack

When a player "hacks" at the ball, it means they swing the bat in a bit of an awkward or wild way. It can also describe a hitter who swings at almost any pitch, even if it's not a good one.

  • Imagine a batter swinging really hard, maybe even missing the ball because their swing isn't smooth. That's hacking!
  • Sometimes, a player who is known for swinging at lots of pitches, even outside the strike zone, is called a "hacker."

Hall of Fame

The Baseball Hall of Fame is a special museum in Cooperstown, New York. It honors the greatest baseball players, managers, and other important people in the sport's history. Being chosen for the Hall of Fame is one of the biggest achievements a baseball player can earn. It's often called the HOF for short.

Hall of Very Good

This is a funny phrase used to describe players who had really good careers but weren't quite amazing enough to make it into the Hall of Fame. They were excellent players, just not "Hall of Fame" level.

  • Think of it like getting an A- instead of an A+ in a class. Still great, but not the very top.
  • Players like Chris Carpenter and Mark McGwire are sometimes mentioned when people talk about the "Hall of Very Good."

Hammer

The word "hammer" can mean a few things in baseball:

  • To hammer the ball means to hit it very hard, often for extra bases like a double or a home run.
  • It was also the nickname of the legendary player Hank Aaron, who was known as Hank "The Hammer" Aaron because he hit so many home runs.
  • A "hammer" can also refer to a type of curveball pitch that drops sharply, like a hammer falling.

Handcuff

This term describes two different situations where a player feels stuck:

  • When a ground ball is hit directly at an infielder, it can be hard to catch cleanly. It might bounce right into their body, making it seem like their hands are "handcuffed" and they can't move them freely to field the ball.
  • A pitch thrown high and inside to a batter can "handcuff" them. This means the pitch is so close to their body that they can't extend their arms to swing the bat properly.

Handle

If a player "couldn't find the handle on it," it means they didn't field a batted ball cleanly. It's like imagining a baseball has a handle, and they just couldn't grab it right.

Hang

"Hang" has several meanings:

  • A hanging curveball is a breaking ball that doesn't curve or "break" as it should. It stays straight, making it easy for the batter to hit hard.
  • A pitcher can be hung with a loss if their team falls behind while they are pitching, and the team never catches up.
  • A runner is hung up if they get caught in a rundown between bases.
  • A runner can be hung out to dry if they are picked off a base or if a play goes wrong, leaving them easily tagged out.

Hanging a Snowman

This fun phrase means a team scores eight runs in one inning. It's called a "snowman" because the number 8 looks a bit like a snowman.

Happy

When a pitcher uses one type of pitch too much, they might become less effective. People say they are "fastball happy" or "curveball happy." It means they rely too much on that one pitch, and batters start to expect it.

Hard Hands

A player with "hard hands" tends to mishandle balls when fielding. It means they aren't very smooth or soft when catching, causing them to drop or bobble the ball. Another term for this is "stone fingers."

Hardball

"Hardball" is another name for Baseball. It's used to tell it apart from softball, which uses a larger, softer ball.

Hat Trick

In baseball, a "hat trick" usually means a player strikes out three times in one game. It's a playful term borrowed from sports like hockey, where scoring three goals is a hat trick. Sometimes, it can also mean hitting three home runs in a single game!

HBP

This is a short way to say "Hit By Pitch."

Head of Lettuce

This is a quirky term used when a player breaks their bat after hitting a pitch, and the main part of the bat (the barrel) lands in the infield, splintering into many pieces. It's a funny way to describe the bat exploding like a head of lettuce.

Headhunter

A "headhunter" is a pitcher who has a reputation for throwing pitches very close to or at a batter's head. These pitches are called beanballs.

Heart of the Plate

This refers to the middle of home plate. A pitch thrown over the "heart of the plate" is right in the sweet spot for a batter to hit.

Heat

Also called a heater, "heat" is a slang term for a very fast fastball.

Heavy Hitter

A "heavy hitter" is a power hitter. This is a player who hits a lot of home runs or other extra-base hits like doubles and triples. They are known for hitting the ball with great power.

Help His Own Cause

This phrase is used when a pitcher also gets a hit or knocks in runs as a hitter. By doing so, they help their own team score, which increases their chances of getting credit for a win.

Herky-Jerky

A pitcher with a "herky-jerky" motion has an unusual or awkward way of throwing the ball. Their wind-up might look a bit uncontrolled, but sometimes this can actually confuse batters.

Hesitation Pitch

A "hesitation pitch" is when a pitcher pauses during their wind-up, perhaps at the top of their throwing motion. If it's part of their regular style, it can mess up a batter's timing. However, if they do it with runners on base, they risk being called for a balk.

Hidden Ball Trick

This is a very rare and clever play where a fielder hides the ball from a runner, making the runner think the ball is somewhere else or has gotten away. If the runner steps off the base, they can be tagged out! It's a tricky play, but it's allowed as long as the pitcher isn't on the mound without the ball.

High and Tight

This describes a pitch that is thrown high in the strike zone and very close to the batter.

High Cheese

"High cheese" is a slang term for a fastball thrown high in the strike zone.

High Hard One

Similar to "high cheese," a "high hard one" is a fastball thrown high in or above the strike zone.

High Heat

"High heat" is another term for a strike thrown high in the strike zone, usually a fastball.

High Let It Fly; Low Let It Go

This is a saying about batting against a knuckleball pitcher. Knuckleballs are hard to hit because they flutter. This advice means to swing at high knuckleballs (let it fly) but let low ones go by (don't swing) because they are even harder to hit.

Hill

The "hill" is another name for the pitcher's mound, the raised area in the middle of the infield where the pitcher stands.

Hit

"Hit" can mean several things:

  • When a batter safely reaches first base after batting the ball into fair territory, it's called a hit or a base hit. This includes singles, doubles, triples, and home runs.
  • It also means the act of making contact with the ball with the bat.
  • When a batter is touched by a pitch, it's called a "hit by pitch."
  • A "sacrifice hit" is when a batter bunts the ball to help a runner advance, even if the batter gets out.

Hit a Bullet

To "hit a bullet" means to hit the ball very hard and fast, usually as a line drive.

Hit and Run

This is an offensive play where a Glossary of baseball (B)#baserunner (usually on first base) starts running as if to Glossary of baseball (S)#steal a base. At the same time, the Glossary of baseball (B)#batter is expected to swing at the pitch and try to hit the ball into the empty space left by the running fielder.

Hit Away

When a batter "hits away" or "swings away," it means they are taking a normal swing at the ball instead of trying to bunt. This often happens after they've tried to bunt and failed.

Hit Behind the Runner

This is a tactic where the Glossary of baseball (B)#batter intentionally hits the ball to the right side of the field (towards first base) when there's a runner on second base. The goal is to help the runner advance to third base, making it easier for them to score on a later play.

Hit by Pitch

If a Glossary of baseball (P)#pitch touches a Glossary of baseball (B)#batter while they are in the Glossary of baseball (B)#batter's box, the batter gets to go to first base. However, if the batter swings at the pitch or doesn't try to avoid it, they might not get the base.

Hit 'Em Where They Ain't

This famous saying is about hitting the ball where the fielders aren't. It means finding the open spaces on the field to get a hit.

Hit for Average

A player who "hits for average" is someone who gets a lot of hits and has a high batting average. It means they are good at getting on base with hits.

Hit for the Cycle

This is a rare and exciting achievement! A player "hits for the cycle" when they get a Glossary of baseball (S)#single, a Glossary of baseball (D)#double, a Glossary of baseball (T)#triple, and a Glossary of baseball (H)#home run all in the same game. If they do it in that exact order, it's called a "natural cycle."

Hit It Where the Grass Don't Grow

This fun phrase means to hit the ball so far that it goes into the stands for a home run. It's a way of saying the ball went beyond the outfield grass.

Hit on Christmas Day

This is an old saying that means a player has a natural talent for getting hits in almost any situation. It implies they can hit well even on a special day like Christmas.

Hit the Ball on the Screws

To "hit the ball on the screws" means to hit it perfectly, right in the sweet spot of the bat, with a lot of force. It often results in a loud "crack" sound. Even if a batter doesn't get a hit, hitting the ball "on the screws" can make them feel better about their swing.

Hit the Deck

When a batter "hits the deck," they quickly drop or dive to the ground to avoid being hit by a pitch, especially one thrown close to their head.

Hit the Dirt

This means to Glossary of baseball (S)#slide into a base. It can also sometimes mean the same as "hit the deck" (diving to avoid a pitch).

Hitch in His Swing

A "hitch in his swing" means a batter doesn't swing the bat in one smooth motion. They might lift the bat, move their hands, or pause before swinging. This can make their swing slower or less powerful.

Hitter

A "hitter" is another word for a Glossary of baseball (B)#batter – the person who tries to hit the ball with the bat.

Hitter's Count

A "hitter's count" is when the batter has more balls than strikes (like 3-0, 3-1, or 2-0). In this situation, the pitcher often has to throw an easy pitch, giving the batter a good chance to hit it hard.

Hitter's Park

A "hitter's park" is a baseball stadium where it's generally easier for batters to get hits and hit home runs. This can be because of the park's size, the direction of the wind, or even the altitude. Some parks are known for being "hitter's parks," while others are "pitcher's parks."

Hitterish

This term describes a player who looks like they are seeing the pitches well and are ready to get a hit. When a player looks "hitterish," it means they have good timing and a strong chance of hitting the ball hard.

Hold

A "hold" is a statistic given to a Glossary of baseball (R)#relief pitcher. They get a hold if they enter a game when their team is winning, pitch for at least one out, and leave the game with their team still in the lead. Unlike saves, more than one pitcher can earn a hold in a game.

Hold the Runner On

When a runner is on first base, the first baseman might stand very close to the base. This is called "holding the runner on" because it makes it harder for the runner to take a big lead and try to steal a base.

Hold Up on a Swing

If a batter starts to swing at a pitch but then stops before making contact or before the bat crosses the front of home plate, they are said to "hold up on their swing."

Hole

"Hole" can mean a few things:

  • It can refer to a spot in the batting lineup, like the "four hole" for the cleanup hitter.
  • It can also mean "in the hole" when a batter has two strikes against them.

Hole in His Glove

This is a playful way to say a fielder tends to drop fly balls, as if the ball goes right through their glove.

Hole in His Swing

A "hole in his swing" describes a Glossary of baseball (B)#batter who struggles to hit pitches in a certain part of the Glossary of baseball (S)#strike zone. Pitchers will try to throw pitches to that "hole" to get the batter out.

Hole in the Lineup

A team has a "hole in the lineup" if they have one or more weak hitters in their batting order. Opposing teams will try to take advantage of these weaker spots.

Home

"Home" refers to home plate. When a runner reaches home plate safely, they score a run.

Home Cooking

"Home cooking" is a fun term used when the Glossary of baseball (H)#home team gets a favorable call from the official scorer, like getting a hit credited instead of an error. It can also mean the general advantage a home team has.

Home Field Advantage

Teams playing home games usually have a small advantage over visiting teams. This is called "home field advantage." It might be because they are familiar with their stadium, have their fans cheering them on, or don't have to travel.

Home Game / Home Team

A "home game" is a game played at a team's own stadium. The team hosting the game is called the "home team." The home team always bats in the second (bottom) half of each Glossary of baseball (I)#inning.

Home Half

The "home half" refers to the second or bottom part of an inning, when the Glossary of baseball (H)#home team is batting.

Home Plate

See plate. This is the final base a runner must touch to score a run.

Home Run

A "home run" (or homer) is a hit where the batter is able to run around all the bases and reach home plate, scoring a run for their team. Often, the ball is hit out of the park.

Home Run Derby

A "home run derby" is a competition where players try to hit as many home runs as possible. Major League Baseball holds an annual Home Run Derby before the All-Star Game.

Home Run Trot

When a batter hits a home run and knows it, they often slow down from a run to a slower, celebratory "trot" around the bases.

Home Stand

A "home stand" is a series of home games played by a team in their own stadium.

Homer

  • A "homer" is a short way to say Glossary of baseball (H)#home run.
  • It can also be a playful, sometimes teasing, term for a very dedicated fan or broadcaster who always supports their team, even when they make mistakes.

Hook

"Hook" has a few meanings:

Hook Foul

A "hook foul" is when a batter hits the ball Glossary of baseball (D)#down the line (towards first or third base), and it starts in fair territory but then curves and lands foul.

Hopper

A "hopper" is a batted ball that takes several bounces in the infield. A "high hop" is when the ball takes a big bounce right in front of home plate.

Horsehide

"Horsehide" is an old term for a baseball itself, or the leather cover of the ball. Even though baseballs are now usually covered with cowhide, people still sometimes say a slugger "knocked the horsehide off the ball" to mean they hit it very hard.

Hose

A "hose" refers to a very strong throwing arm, usually for an outfielder. To "be hosed" means to be thrown out on the bases by a strong throw, often from the outfield.

Hot

A batter who is getting a lot of hits is said to be "hot." A team that is winning many games in a row is also called "hot."

Hot Box

The "hot box" is the area between two fielders when a runner is caught in a Glossary of baseball (R)#rundown. The fielders throw the ball back and forth, trying to tag the runner out.

Hot Corner

The "hot corner" is the area around third base and the third baseman. It's called this because right-handed batters often hit hard line drives down the third base line.

Hot Stove League

This is an old-fashioned term for the time between the end of the World Series and the start of Spring Training. During these months, there are no games, so fans and experts talk, gossip, and speculate about trades and players, like people sitting around a warm stove in winter.

House by the Side of the Road

This phrase describes a batter who strikes out without swinging, just watching the pitch go by. It's like they are standing still, like a house.

Howitzer

A "howitzer" is a term for a very strong throwing arm, like a "cannon" or a "gun." It's usually used to describe an outfielder with an incredibly powerful throw.

Human Rain Delay

A "human rain delay" is a funny, teasing term for a player who takes a very long time between plays. This could be a pitcher who takes forever to throw a pitch, or a batter who constantly steps out of the Glossary of baseball (B)#batter's box to adjust their gloves or helmet. They slow the game down, like a rain delay.

Humpback Liner

A "humpback liner" is a batted ball hit deep into the infield that has a trajectory between a fly ball and a line drive. It goes up a bit, then comes down quickly.

Hurler

A "hurler" is another word for a pitcher.

Images

  • Yandy Diaz (39633804400)

    Jake Bauers (right) holding Yandy Díaz on at first base

Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Baseball has many unique words and phrases that describe plays, players, and situations. This glossary helps you understand some of these terms, especially those starting with the letter "I". Learning these terms will help you better understand and enjoy the game of baseball!

Baseball Terms Starting with 'I'

Ice Cream Cone

This term is another way to say snow cone. It describes when a fielder catches a fly ball, but the ball is barely held in the tip of their glove, like an ice cream cone.

I Have It. You Get It.

This phrase is yelled by baseball players when two fielders are running for the same fly ball. They are both unsure who should catch it. Sometimes, this confusion causes both players to miss the ball! If they miss, the player who had the best chance to catch it might get an error.

Immaculate Inning

An immaculate inning is super rare and impressive! It happens when a pitcher strikes out all three batters in one half of an inning, using exactly nine pitches. That's three pitches per batter, all strikes!

In the Batter's Eyes

When a pitcher throws a fastball that is very high, almost at the batter's eye level, it's called "in the batter's eyes." This pitch is usually above the strike zone, so it's a ball. It's hard for the batter to hit, but also hard to ignore.

Infield Fly Rule Explained

The infield fly rule is a special rule that helps keep the game fair. An umpire calls the batter out automatically if:

The umpire will usually yell, "Infield fly, batter's out!" This rule stops fielders from intentionally dropping the ball to get easy force outs on the runners. It has been a rule since 1895!

Infielder Positions

An infielder is a player who plays on the infield dirt. These players are the First baseman, second baseman, third baseman, and the shortstop. The pitcher and catcher are usually not called infielders. However, for the Infield Fly Rule, they can be counted as infielders if they are positioned in the infield.

Inherited Runner

An inherited runner is a player who is already on base when a new relief pitcher comes into the game. If these runners score, the runs are usually blamed on the *previous* pitcher, not the new one. This is because the previous pitcher allowed them to get on base. Baseball box scores often show how many inherited runners a new pitcher had and how many of them scored.

In Jeopardy

A baserunner is "in jeopardy" when they are not safely touching a base and the ball is live. If a runner is in jeopardy, a fielder can tag them out. For example, if a runner overruns second or third base, they are in jeopardy until they return to the base.

Injured List

When a player gets hurt, major league teams can put them on the injured list. This allows the team to bring up another player from their minor league team to play while the injured player recovers. It's a temporary way to manage the team's active roster.

Inning Structure

A baseball inning has two halves. In each half, one team tries to score runs until three outs are made. A full inning has six outs, three for each team. A regulation game usually has nine innings. The first half is the top half (when the visiting team bats), and the second half is the bottom half or home half (when the home team bats). The break between them is the middle of the inning.

Innings Eater

An innings eater is a pitcher who can reliably pitch many innings in a game. They might be a starting pitcher or a relief pitcher. Their job is to pitch for a long time, either to keep their team in the game or to save other pitchers in the bullpen.

Inside Baseball Strategy

Inside baseball is an offensive strategy that focuses on teamwork and smart plays. It usually involves tactics that keep the ball in the infield, like walks, base hits, bunts, and stolen bases. This was a very popular strategy during the Dead Ball Era. Today, it's often called small ball.

Inside the Ball (Swing)

When a hitter keeps their hands and the bat close to their body during a swing, they are said to be "inside the ball." This helps them hit the ball to all parts of the field. It's a sign of good hitting technique.

Inside-Out Swing

An inside-out swing happens when a batter swings at a pitch with their hands leading the bat head. For a right-handed hitter, this often makes the ball go towards the right side of the field. Famous players like Derek Jeter were known for their inside-out swings.

Inside-the-Park Home Run

An inside-the-park home run is a very exciting play! It's when a hitter scores a home run without hitting the ball out of the park. The ball stays in play, and the hitter runs around all the bases before the fielders can get the ball back to the plate.

Insurance Run

An insurance run is a run scored by a team that is already winning. These extra runs don't change who is ahead, but they act like "insurance" in case the other team scores later. It gives the leading team a bigger cushion.

Intentional Pass/Walk

These are other terms for an intentional base on balls. It's when the pitcher purposely throws four balls to a batter to put them on base, usually to set up a better defensive situation.

Interference

Interference is when someone illegally changes how a play is supposed to happen. This can be done by players, coaches, umpires, or even fans. The rules cover different types of interference, and it usually results in an out or a runner being sent back.

Interleague Play

Interleague play means that teams from different major leagues play against each other during the regular season. This allows teams that are natural rivals, especially those in the same city (like crosstown rivals), to play more often. Before interleague play, these teams would only meet in the playoffs.

Internet Baseball Awards

Since 1997, Baseball Prospectus has held online polls for the Internet Baseball Awards. Fans can vote for categories like Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, and Cy Young Award winner. These are different from the official awards given by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Interstate (Batting Average)

When a player's batting average is below .200, it's sometimes called "interstate." For example, a player hitting .195 might be said to be "on I-95." This is a funny reference to the numbering of the Interstate Highway System. It's similar to the Mendoza Line, which is a batting average of .200.

In the Books

When a game is "in the books," it means the game is officially over. Long-time New York Mets radio announcer Howie Rose famously ends every Mets win by saying, "Put it in the books!"

In the Hole (Multiple Meanings)

This phrase has a few meanings in baseball:

  • A space on the field: It refers to the areas between the first baseman and second baseman, or between the shortstop and third baseman. A ground ball hit "in the hole" often becomes a hit.
  • Up to bat next: A batter who is "in the hole" is scheduled to bat after the on-deck batter.
  • An unfavorable count: A pitcher is "in the hole" with a 3-0 count (three balls, zero strikes). A batter is "in the hole" with a 0-2 count (zero balls, two strikes).

In the (His) Kitchen

When a pitcher throws a pitch "in the kitchen," it means the pitch is thrown very close to the hitter's body, making it hard for them to swing comfortably.

In Play (Multiple Meanings)

"In play" also has a few meanings:

  • Game status: A game is "in play" when the umpire says "play ball" at the start or after a break.
  • Ball status: A batted ball is "in play" until the play ends, the umpire calls it foul, or there's interference. Even a ball hit into foul territory is in play if it's in the air and a fielder can catch it.
  • Sabermetrics: In baseball statistics (called sabermetrics), "ball in play" is used to calculate "batting average on balls in play" (BABIP). This calculation does not include home runs, even though they are fair balls.

IO (In and Out)

IO is a short way to say "infield and outfield practice." It's a drill where players take their positions and practice fielding ground balls and fly balls.

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Baseball has many unique words and phrases. This section explains some of the terms that start with the letter 'J'.

Baseball Terms Starting with J

J-run

A "J-run" is when the pitcher runs from the pitcher's mound to first base. They do this to help cover the base. This usually happens if the first baseman has just caught the ball.

Jack

A "jack" is another word for a home run. It means hitting the ball so far that it goes out of the playing field. You might hear someone say, "He hit a jack!" or "He jacked that ball out of here!"

Jake

When a player makes a "jake" effort, it means they are playing lazily. They are not trying their hardest. For example, "He jaked that play" means he didn't give his full effort.

Jam

The word "jam" can mean a few things in baseball:

  • Jamming a batter: A pitcher can "jam" a batter by throwing the ball very close to their body. This makes it hard for the batter to swing properly. It's like the pitch "handcuffed" or "shackled" them.
  • Pitcher in a jam: A pitcher is "in a jam" when the other team has runners on base. This is especially true if runners are in scoring position and there are not many outs. It means the pitcher is in a tough spot and needs to get out of trouble.
  • Bases jammed: When all three bases (first, second, and third) have runners on them, the "bases are jammed." This is also called "bases loaded" or "bases full."

Janitor Throw

A "janitor throw" happens when an outfielder tries to throw the ball very hard. But, they end up spinning around or falling down while throwing. It's a funny way to describe a throw that goes wrong.

Judy

A "Judy" is a type of Punch and Judy hitter. This is a player who hits the ball with very little power. They usually hit singles or ground balls instead of long hits or home runs.

Jump

The word "jump" can describe how quickly a player reacts:

  • Good jump on the ball: A fielder gets a "good jump on the ball" when they react very quickly to a batted ball. This quick reaction helps them make a great play, like catching a fly ball or fielding a ground ball.
  • Good jump as a baserunner: A baserunner gets a "good jump" when they start running from a base early. They leave the base well before the pitcher throws the ball to home plate. This helps them steal a base or advance on a hit.

Junior Circuit

The "Junior Circuit" is another name for the American League. It is called "junior" because it is younger than the National League. The American League started in 1901, while the National League began in 1876. The National League is known as the Senior Circuit.

Junk

In baseball, "junk" refers to certain types of pitches. These are usually breaking balls and knuckleballs. These pitches are hard to hit because they move in tricky ways, not because they are super fast. A pitcher who throws a lot of these pitches might be called a "junk pitcher." An example of a junk pitch is an Eephus pitch.

Junkball Pitcher

A "junkball pitcher" is a pitcher who mostly throws "junk" pitches. They often do this because their fastball isn't very fast. These pitchers rely on tricky movement and changing speeds to get batters out. They are also called a "junkballer" or a "junk artist."

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Baseball Terms Starting with K

This section explains some important baseball words that start with the letter 'K'. Knowing these terms will help you better understand the game!

K: What is a Strikeout?

The letter K is the short way to write strikeout in baseball. When you see a 'K' next to a player's name in a scorebook, it means they got out by striking out. Sometimes, a 'K' written backwards (like a mirror image) means the batter struck out without swinging at the third strike. This is called a called strikeout.

A famous writer named Henry Chadwick came up with using 'K'. He picked the letter 'K' because it was a strong letter and made him think of a "knockout" in boxing. This is why sometimes announcers say a pitcher "punched out" a batter, meaning they got them out with a strikeout.

Keep Off the Boards

When a team "keeps off the board" (or "keeps off the boards"), it means they stop the other team from scoring any runs. If a team doesn't score, they don't add numbers to the scoreboard.

For example, if a pitcher like Wainwright has "kept runs off the board" better than Lester, it means Wainwright has been more successful at stopping the other team from scoring. Another example: "After loading the bases, the Gators were kept off the board," means the Gators had runners in scoring position but couldn't get any runs across home plate.

Keep the Hitter Honest

A pitcher needs to "keep the hitter honest" by throwing different kinds of pitches. This makes it hard for the batter to guess what pitch is coming next. If a pitcher always throws the same pitch, batters will know what to expect and hit the ball easily.

To keep a hitter honest, a pitcher might throw fastballs, curveballs, or even a brushback pitch. A brushback pitch is thrown close to the batter to make them step back from the plate. This stops the batter from leaning over too much to hit pitches on the outside edge of the plate.

Keep the Line Moving

"Keep the line moving" means that batters keep getting on base and moving other runners around the bases. It's like an assembly line where each person does their part to keep things going. In baseball, it means one batter gets a hit, then the next batter gets a hit, and so on, helping runners score.

The 2015 Kansas City Royals were very good at this. During their amazing run to win the World Series in 2015, they often got many hits in a row. This helped them score lots of runs without relying on just one big home run.

Keystone

The word "keystone" has two meanings in baseball:

  • Second Base: It can refer to second base itself.
  • Keystone Combination: It also refers to the two players who play closest to second base: the shortstop and the second baseman. These two players often work together to make double plays, which are plays where two offensive players are put out.

Kicked

When a player makes an error while trying to field a ground ball, people might say they "kicked the ball" or "kicked it." This means they mishandled the ball, often letting it get past them or bounce off their glove in a bad way.

Kill

The word "kill" has a couple of meanings in baseball:

  • Kill the Ball: If a batter hits the ball very far and hard, people might say they "killed the ball."
  • Kill the Rally: When a pitcher stops the other team from scoring runs during an offensive rally, they are said to have "killed the rally." This means they got the necessary outs to end the scoring threat.

Knee-Buckler

A "knee-buckler" is a type of breaking ball, usually a curveball, that drops very sharply. It looks like it's coming right at the batter, which might make their knees feel like they're buckling from fear! But then, at the last moment, the ball drops perfectly into the strike zone. This sudden drop often makes it very hard for the batter to hit.

Knock

The word "knock" has several uses in baseball:

  • Knock In: To "knock in" a run means to get an RBI (Run Batted In). This happens when your hit allows a runner to score. For example, "Kenny Lofton knocked in the winning run with a single."
  • A Hit: "Knock" can also simply mean a hit. For instance, "a two-base knock" means a double.
  • Knocks: This term can refer to hard hits or extra-base hits (like doubles, triples, or home runs). It doesn't always mean runs were scored. "Curtis had some solid knocks today" means he hit the ball well multiple times.
  • Knocked Around: If a pitcher gives up many hits and is taken out of the game, they are said to have been "knocked around" or "knocked out of the game." This means the opposing team hit their pitches very well.
  • Knock Down: When an infielder stops a hard-hit line drive from getting into the outfield, they "knock it down." They might then pick up the ball and throw the runner out.
  • Knock Off: To "knock off" an opponent means to win the game against them. "Hawai'i knocks off Santa Clara" means Hawai'i defeated Santa Clara.
  • Knock the Cover Off the Ball: This is a fun phrase meaning to hit the baseball extremely hard. It's an exaggeration, of course, as the cover doesn't actually come off!

Knuckleball

A knuckleball is a special pitch that has almost no spin. Pitchers usually throw it by holding the ball with their knuckles or fingertips. Because it doesn't spin, the ball flutters and moves in unpredictable ways as it flies toward home plate. This makes it very difficult for batters to hit.

Sometimes, a batted ball that flutters in the air is also described as flying "like a knuckleball." Other names for a knuckleball include: knuckler, flutterball, butterfly ball, or floater.

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A baseball glossary helps you understand the special words and phrases used in the game. It's like a dictionary just for baseball! This guide will explain some common terms starting with the letter 'L'.

Baseball Terms: L

Lace

When a batter "laces" the ball, it means they hit it hard and accurately. The ball goes right between the infield players, making it tough for them to catch. This usually helps the batter get on base.

LAIM

LAIM stands for League Average Inning Muncher. This is a term for a starting pitcher who can throw a lot of innings in a season, usually around 200. They might not be the best pitcher, but they are reliable. They help their team by staying in the game and saving the bullpen (other pitchers) from having to pitch too much.

Large Sausage

This is a fun, slang term for a grand slam home run. A grand slam happens when a batter hits a home run with all three bases loaded, scoring four runs at once! It's a big play, so it gets a big nickname.

Laser Show

A "laser show" describes a great hitting performance. It means a batter or a team is hitting many hard, straight line drives. It's exciting to watch, like a show! This term is also the nickname for former Boston Red Sox player Dustin Pedroia, who was known for his sharp hitting.

Late Innings

In a standard nine-inning baseball game, the "late innings" are the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. These are often the most exciting parts of the game, as teams try to score or hold onto a lead before the game ends.

Laugher

A "laugher" is a game where one team gets a huge lead, often early on. The game becomes so one-sided that it seems impossible for the other team to catch up. It's an easy win, also called a "romp" or a "blowout," because the winning team can relax and "laugh" their way to victory.

Launch

  • When a batter "launches" a ball, they hit a very long fly ball, often a home run. It's like launching a rocket!
  • A pitcher might "launch" a wild pitch if it goes far away from the catcher.
  • A fielder can also "launch" a ball if they throw it wildly, out of reach of their teammate.

Launch Angle

"Launch angle" is a measurement that shows how high a batted ball goes into the air right after it leaves the bat. It's the angle between the ground and the ball's path. A good launch angle can help a ball travel farther.

Launch Pad

A "launch pad" is a nickname for a baseball park where many home runs are hit. Some ballparks are designed in a way, or have certain weather conditions, that make it easier for batters to hit the ball out of the park.

Lay Down

When a player "lays down" a bunt, it means they softly hit the ball a short distance, usually to advance a runner or get on base themselves. It's a strategic play that requires skill to place the ball just right.

Lay Off

If a batter "lays off" a pitch, it means they decide not to swing at it. This is often done when the pitch is outside the strike zone or is a type of pitch the batter knows they can't hit well. Batters try to be patient and only swing at pitches they can hit hard.

Lead

  • A baserunner "takes a lead" when they step off a base before the pitcher throws the ball. This shortens the distance they need to run to the next base, making it easier to steal or advance.
  • The first batter for a team in an inning is said to "lead off" the inning.

Leadoff Hitter

  • The "leadoff hitter" is the first batter in a team's lineup. This player is usually fast and good at getting on base, setting things up for the powerful hitters who come after them.
  • Any batter who is the first to bat in a specific inning is also called the "leadoff" batter for that inning. If they get a hit or a walk, it's called a "leadoff single" or a "leadoff walk."

Leaning

A baserunner is "caught leaning" when they are trying to get a big lead off a base but shift their weight too much towards the next base. If the pitcher throws to their current base, they might be caught off balance and tagged out.

Leather

  • "Leather" refers to a baseball glove. A player with "good leather" is an excellent defensive player, especially in the infield, meaning they are skilled at catching and fielding balls.
  • "Flashing the leather" means making an amazing defensive play, like a diving catch or a quick, difficult throw.
  • A "leather player" is someone who is great at defense but might not be as strong at hitting.

Left-Handed Bat

Even though all baseball bats are the same shape, a "left-handed bat" is a common way to refer to a hitter who bats left-handed. You might hear a team say they are looking to "acquire a left-handed bat" if they need more left-handed hitters.

Left-Handed Hitter

A "left-handed hitter" is a batter who stands on the right side of home plate (closest to first base) and swings with their left hand. Most people who are left-handed in everyday life, like throwing a ball, will bat left-handed.

Left-Handed Specialist

This is a left-handed relief pitcher who is very good at getting left-handed batters out. They are often brought into the game just to face one or two tough left-handed hitters in important situations.

Left on Base (LOB)

"Left on base," or LOB, means a baserunner was on base when the inning ended, and they didn't score a run or get out.

  • Team LOB is a statistic that counts how many runners a team left on base when the third out of each inning happened. It shows how many scoring chances a team had but didn't turn into runs.
  • Sometimes, "left on base in scoring position" is mentioned, which means runners were on second or third base when the inning ended, showing a missed opportunity to score.

Leg Out

To "leg out" a hit or an advance means to run very hard and fast to safely reach a base or move to the next one. For example, a player might "leg out an infield hit" by running quickly to first base before the fielder can throw them out.

Letter High

A "letter-high" pitch is one that crosses home plate at the height of the letters on a batter's chest. This is usually a good pitch to hit, but a fast one can be tough to catch up to. It's also called "chest high."

Lift

To "lift" a player means to remove them from the game. A manager might lift a player if they are not playing well, if they need a substitute for a specific situation (like a pinch runner), or if they are injured.

Lights-Out

A "lights-out" pitcher is someone who is so dominant that once they start pitching, the game feels like it's over. They don't allow any runs and get batters out easily, making it seem like you could "turn out the lights and go home."

Line Drive

A "line drive," or "liner," is a batted ball that is hit hard and travels in a low, straight path through the air. It doesn't go very high, making it a fast and dangerous hit. If a fielder catches a line drive, the batter is said to have "lined out."

Lineup

The "lineup" is the official list of players who will start the game for a team, showing their batting order and their defensive positions. Announcers often read the lineup before a game, saying things like, "Batting first, playing second base..."

Lineup Card

The "lineup card" is a form that each team's manager keeps. It lists all the starting players and substitutes available for the game. The manager gives a copy to the home plate umpire before the game begins. It helps managers keep track of who is playing and who can be used as a substitute.

Live Arm

A pitcher with a "live arm" has a very strong arm and can throw pitches with a lot of speed, or "velocity." It means their pitches are powerful and hard to hit.

Live Ball Era

The "Live Ball Era" in baseball began around 1919 or 1920. Before this time, the game was more about strategy and small hits (the "Dead Ball Era"). In the Live Ball Era, rule changes and new strategies led to more home runs and powerful hitting, making the game more exciting and offense-focused.

Live on the Corners

A pitcher who "lives on the corners" throws most of their pitches to the very edges of home plate, either inside or outside. They try to be very precise with their pitches, making it hard for batters to hit them squarely, rather than just throwing hard down the middle.

Lively Fastball / Life on the Ball

A "lively fastball" or a pitch with "life on the ball" is not just fast, but also seems to move or speed up as it gets closer to the plate. This makes it very difficult for batters to hit, as it can fool their timing.

Load the Bases

To "load the bases" means to get a runner on first, second, and third base. This creates a big scoring opportunity, as the next batter could hit a single to score a run, or a grand slam to score four!

Locate

A pitcher's ability to "locate" the ball means they can throw it exactly where they want it to go, whether it's the inside corner, outside corner, or high or low in the strike zone. A pitcher with "good location" is very precise and makes smart choices about where to throw the ball against different batters.

Lock Him Up

  • To "lock up" a player means to sign them to a long-term contract. This keeps them with their team for many years and prevents them from becoming a "free agent" (a player who can sign with any team).
  • A pitcher can "lock up" a hitter by throwing a pitch that makes it impossible for the hitter to swing effectively, often making them freeze in place.

Lollipop

A "lollipop" is a slang term for a soft, slow, and straight pitch that has a high arc. It's usually easy for a batter to hit because it doesn't have much speed or movement.

Long Ball

The "long ball" is another term for a home run. If a team "wins by the long ball," it means they hit one or more home runs that helped them win the game, especially if it was a close game or a walk-off home run.

Long Ones

"Long ones" is a casual way to refer to home runs. When a batter hits "several long ones," it means they hit multiple home runs in a game or over a period of time.

Long Out

A "long out" is when a batter hits a ball very deep into the outfield, but it's caught by a fielder. Even though it was hit hard and far, it still results in an out.

Long Reliever

A "long reliever" is a type of relief pitcher who comes into the game early, usually before the 5th inning. They pitch many innings when the starting pitcher can't continue, perhaps because they are not pitching well, got injured, or there was a long rain delay.

Long Strike

A "long strike" is a foul ball that is hit very far and comes close to being a fair ball, or even a home run. Even though it was a powerful hit, it's still just a strike against the batter if they have less than two strikes.

Look the Runner Back

  • When a pitcher "looks the runner back" to first base, they might step off the pitching rubber and stare at the runner, or pretend to throw to first. This is done to make the runner go back closer to the base, preventing them from taking too big a lead.
  • An infielder might also "look the runner back" on second or third base after fielding a ground ball. They briefly stare at the runner to stop them from advancing before throwing to first base for an out.

Looper

A "looper" is a softly hit ball that goes high enough to get over the infielders but drops down before the outfielders can catch it. It's a lucky hit that often falls for a single. It's also called a "blooper" or "Texas Leaguer."

Lose a Hitter

When a pitcher "loses a hitter," it means they give up a walk, especially after being ahead in the count (having more strikes than balls) or having a full count (3 balls, 2 strikes). It means they couldn't get the final strike to get the batter out.

Losing Record

A team has a "losing record" during the regular season if they have lost more games than they have won. For example, in a 162-game season, a team with a losing record would have lost at least 82 games. This is also called a "losing season."

Losing Streak

A "losing streak" is when a team loses several games in a row. It's the opposite of a winning streak.

Lost the Ball in the Sun

When a player tries to catch a fly ball but is temporarily blinded by the sun's glare, they might "lose the ball in the sun." This can cause them to miss the catch, leading to a hit or an error.

Loud Out

A "loud out" happens when a batter hits a long fly ball that sounds like it might be a home run, and the crowd reacts loudly. However, the ball is caught in the outfield, resulting in an out. It's a powerful hit that just didn't quite make it.

Lumber

"Lumber" is a slang term for a baseball bat. When a team "busts out the lumber," it means they are hitting the ball very well and scoring many runs, showing off their powerful bats.

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Baseball has many special words and phrases! Here are some of them, starting with the letter 'M'.

M

Maddux

A "Maddux" is a special baseball game where a pitcher throws a complete game shutout. This means they pitch the whole game without the other team scoring any runs. The pitcher also uses 99 pitches or fewer. This term is named after Greg Maddux, a famous pitcher who did this 13 times!

Magic Number

The "magic number" tells a leading team how close they are to winning their division or league title. It's the total number of wins they need, plus the losses their closest rival needs to have, for them to win for sure. Once they reach this number, no other team can catch them!

Magic Words

These are specific words that players or coaches might say to an umpire. If spoken, these words are almost guaranteed to get that person immediately ejected (kicked out) from the game.

Make a Statement

When a player or team "makes a statement," they do something impressive that gets the attention of the other team. This could be a fantastic catch, a powerful home run, or a strong slide into a base. It shows their power and skill.

Make the Pitcher Work

An offensive team tries to "make the pitcher work" by making them throw many pitches. They do this by being patient at the plate, not swinging at bad pitches, or by fouling off pitches. This tires out the opposing pitcher, making it easier to score runs later in the game.

Make-Up Call

Sometimes, an umpire might make a mistake on a call. A "make-up call" is when they seem to try to balance out that mistake with another call later in the game. For example, if they wrongly call a strike, they might later call a ball on a pitch that was actually a strike. Umpires usually say they don't do this.

Make-Up Game

If a baseball game is canceled, maybe because of rain or another reason, a "make-up game" is scheduled for a later date. This ensures all games are played during the season.

Manager

In baseball, the "manager" is the person in charge of the team on the field during a game. They decide who plays, when to change pitchers, and what strategies to use. This is different from the general manager, who handles trades and team building.

Manufacturing Runs

"Manufacturing runs" means scoring runs one at a time, often without hitting a home run. This involves smart plays like being patient at the plate, hitting the ball to move runners, taking advantage of errors, and good baserunning, like stealing a base. It's also known as small ball.

Masher

A "masher" is a player who hits many home runs. They are known for hitting the ball with great power.

Matchsticks

"Matchsticks" is a fun way to describe the scoreboard when a team scores exactly one run in several innings in a row. It looks like a string of "1"s, similar to a picket fence.

Meat

The word "meat" has a few meanings in baseball:

  • The "meat" of the bat is the thickest part of the bat's barrel, where hitters try to hit the ball for the most power.
  • The "meat of the order" refers to the middle of the batting lineup, usually where the team's strongest hitters are placed.
  • A pitcher's "meat hand" is their throwing hand.

Meatball

A "meatball" is an easy pitch for a batter to hit. It's usually thrown right down the middle of the plate, making it very tempting for the batter.

Men in Blue

This is a common nickname for the umpires because they wear blue uniforms.

Metal Bat Swing

A "metal bat swing" describes the type of swing used by college players who are used to hitting with metal bats. When they move to professional baseball, they have to adjust to wooden bats, which require a different swing style.

Middle Infielders

The "middle infielders" are the second baseman and the shortstop. They play in the middle of the infield.

Middle Innings

The "middle innings" are the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings of a standard nine-inning game.

Middle of the Inning

This is the short break between the top half and bottom half of an inning. During this time, the visiting team goes to the field, and the home team gets ready to bat. No game action happens, and it's often when commercials are shown on TV.

Middle of the Order Hitter

A "middle of the order hitter" is a batter who hits with power. They are usually placed in the third, fourth, or fifth spot in the batting lineup because they are expected to drive in runs.

Middle Reliever

A "middle reliever" is a relief pitcher who comes into the game during the middle innings (usually the 4th, 5th, or 6th). Their job is to stop the opposing team from scoring more runs, especially if the starting pitcher struggled.

Miscue

A "miscue" is another word for an Glossary of baseball (E)#error. It means a mistake made by a player during a play.

Miss Some Bats

When a pitcher "misses some bats," it means they are very good at getting batters to swing and miss the ball. Pitchers who can do this are often brought into games when the other team has runners in scoring position.

Miss Some Spots

A pitcher who "misses some spots" is not throwing the ball exactly where they want it to go. This means they don't have good command over their pitches, making it easier for batters to hit them.

Mistake

In baseball, a "mistake" is a poor play or decision that isn't officially an error. This could be throwing the ball to the wrong base, missing a cut-off man, or a pitcher throwing a pitch right into a batter's favorite hitting zone.

Mitt

Main article: Baseball glove

A "mitt" is a type of baseball glove. While the term can sometimes refer to any glove, it officially describes the special gloves worn by the catcher and the first baseman. Unlike regular gloves, mitts have a slot for the thumb but only one large pocket for all the fingers, like a mitten.

Mix Up Pitches

To be successful, pitchers need to "mix up their pitches." This means they use a variety of different pitches (like fastballs, curveballs, and changeups) and throw them in a smart way to keep batters guessing and off balance.

MLB

"MLB" is a common abbreviation for Major League Baseball. This is the organization that runs the two main professional baseball leagues in North America: the American League and the National League.

Money Pitch

A "money pitch" is a pitcher's best and most reliable pitch. It's the pitch they throw when the game is on the line, and they need to get a crucial out. They are said to "earn their money" with this pitch.

Money Player

A "money player" is someone who performs very well in important, high-pressure situations, also known as the clutch. You can count on them to deliver when it really matters.

Moneyball

"Moneyball" refers to a strategy in baseball that focuses on finding undervalued players using advanced statistics. The idea is to build a strong team by identifying players whose skills are not fully appreciated by others in the league. For example, it often focused on players with a high on-base percentage. It's often seen as the opposite of "smallball" strategies.

Moonshot

A "moonshot" is a home run that is hit very high into the air. The term became popular when the Brooklyn Dodgers moved to Los Angeles and played in a stadium with a very short left-field fence. Player Wally Moon hit many high home runs there to clear the tall fence.

Mop Up

A "mop-up pitcher" or "mop-up man" is a relief pitcher who comes into the game when the outcome is already pretty clear, usually when one team is winning or losing by a lot. Their job is to finish the game without letting the score get even worse. Sometimes, other position players might even pitch in these situations to get some experience.

Motor

To "motor" means to run very fast and without hesitation, usually to an extra base. For example, a player might "motor to third base" after a hit, showing great speed and determination.

Mound

The "mound" is the raised area in the middle of the baseball field where the pitcher stands to throw the ball. In Major League Baseball, it's about 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. The front of the pitcher's plate, or "rubber," is 60 feet 6 inches (18.4 meters) from home plate. The top of the rubber can be no more than 10 inches (25.4 cm) higher than home plate.

Moundsman

"Moundsman" is another word for a pitcher. It refers to the player who pitches from the pitcher's mound.

Movement

"Movement" refers to how a pitch deviates or moves from a straight path as it travels toward the plate. Pitches with good movement are harder for batters to hit because they don't fly straight. This can apply to both fastballs and breaking balls.

Mow 'Em Down

When a pitcher "mows 'em down," it means they are completely dominating the opposing batters. They are getting outs easily, allowing very few, if any, batters to reach base.

Muff

To "muff" a play means to make an Glossary of baseball (E)#error, especially on an easy play. It implies dropping or mishandling the ball.

Mustard

"Mustard" refers to a lot of speed or power on a throw or pitch. If a player is told to "put some mustard on it," it means they should throw the ball with extra velocity.

MVP

"MVP" is an abbreviation for Most Valuable Player. At the end of each season, an MVP award is given to the best player in each Major League. MVPs are also chosen for important playoff series, like the World Series, and the All-Star Game.

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Baseball has many unique words and phrases. This list helps you understand some of the terms starting with the letter "N." Knowing these terms will help you enjoy the game even more!

N Terms in Baseball

Baseball Organizations (NA, NABBP, NAPBL)

  • NABBP (National Association of Base Ball Players): This was the first group that managed baseball rules. It existed from 1857 to 1870.
  • NA (National Association of Professional Base Ball Players): This was the first professional sports league ever! It played from 1871 to 1875.
  • NAPBL (National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues): This group started in 1901. It helps manage all the minor league teams. In 1999, its name officially changed to Minor League Baseball.

Nail-Biter Game

A nail-biter is a very close game. It's so exciting and tense that fans might feel nervous. They might even bite their nails because of the suspense!

Nailed (Different Meanings)

  • When a batter is nailed by a pitch, it means they were hit by the ball. You might also hear it called "drilled" or "plunked."
  • To nail down the win means to finish a game strongly. The team makes the last pitches or plays to secure their victory.
  • If a player nails a runner, it means they threw the ball to a base quickly and accurately. This causes the runner to be out. For example, "Laureano nailed him at the plate!"

Nails (Pitcher or Player)

A relief pitcher who is very good at finishing games is called "nails." This means they are tough and effective. They can "nail down" a win for their team. A player known for their intense style, like Lenny Dykstra, might also be called "Nails."

Neighborhood Play Rule

The neighborhood play was an old, informal rule. It applied to double plays. If a defensive player was near second base when they caught the ball, the runner was called out. This rule helped protect players from hard slides. Today, players must touch the base, and aggressive slides are penalized. So, you rarely see this play now.

Next Batter's Box Area

The next batter's box is the official name for the on-deck circle. There are two of these circles, one for each team. They are five feet wide. The player who is next to bat stands here. They can stretch or take practice swings. This helps them get ready before they step into the batter's box.

Nibble at the Plate

When a pitcher nibbles at the edges of home plate, they are trying to throw pitches just outside the strike zone. They avoid throwing the ball over the middle of the plate. This makes it harder for the batter to hit the ball well. A good pitcher will be aggressive and not "nibble around the edges."

Nickel Curve Pitch

A nickel curve is another name for a Glossary of baseball (S)#slider. It's a type of pitch that moves sideways. Sometimes, it means an average slider. Hitters look for a "dot" on the ball as it spins. This dot helps them identify it as a slider.

Nightcap Game

The nightcap is the second game of a doubleheader. A doubleheader is when two games are played on the same day.

NL or N.L. (National League)

NL or N.L. is short for the National League. This is one of the two main leagues in Major League Baseball. It is the older of the two leagues.

NLCS (National League Championship Series)

NLCS or N.L.C.S. stands for the National League Championship Series. This is a playoff series. The two best teams in the National League play each other. The first team to win four games becomes the National League champion. The winner then goes on to play in the World Series.

NLDS (National League Division Series)

NLDS or N.L.D.S. is short for the National League Division Series. This is the first round of the playoffs. The winners of the three divisions and a "wild-card" team play in this series. They play best-of-five games. The winners move on to the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

No Decision for a Pitcher

A no decision happens when a starting pitcher does not get a win or a loss. This means the game's outcome was decided after they left the game. It doesn't have a special meaning in stats. However, people often note if the pitcher had a quality start.

No-Doubter Home Run

A no-doubter is a home run that is hit so hard and far that everyone knows it's going out of the park. From the moment the ball leaves the bat, there's no doubt it will be a home run. These hits usually fly off the bat at a high speed and angle.

No-Hitter Game

A no-hitter is a very rare game. One team does not get any hits against the opposing pitcher. It's also called a "no-no." If no batter reaches base at all (no walks, no errors, etc.), it's a Glossary of baseball (P)#perfect game. That is even rarer!

  • There's a superstition about no-hitters. If a pitcher is throwing one, teammates usually stay away from them. They also avoid talking about it. Some announcers might not mention it until it's over.

No Man's Land (Areas on the Field)

No Room at the Inn (Bases Loaded)

This phrase is used when the bases are loaded. It means there are no open bases for runners. If the fielding team walks the batter, a run will score. So, walking or pitching around the batter is a bad idea. You might also hear "nowhere to put the batter."

No-No (No-Hitter and Shutout)

A no-no means a no-hitter and a shutout. This means the opposing team got no hits and no runs.

Northpaw Pitcher

A northpaw is a right-handed pitcher. This term is not as common as southpaw, which means a left-handed pitcher.

NRI (Non-Roster Invitee)

An NRI is a Non-Roster Invitee. This is a player who is invited to Spring training but is not yet on the team's main 40-man roster. They might be a young player or a veteran looking for a new chance. If they play well, they might earn a spot on the team.

Nubber (Batted Ball)

A nubber is a batted ball that doesn't go very far or fast. It usually happens when the batter hits the ball with the very end of the bat.


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Baseball has many unique words and phrases! This guide explains some of the terms that start with the letter "O". Knowing these terms will help you understand the game better.

O

Obstruction: When a Fielder Blocks a Runner

Obstruction happens when a baseball player on defense illegally gets in the way of a baserunner. This means the fielder stops the runner from moving freely. However, a fielder is allowed to be in the way if they are actively trying to catch the ball or if they already have the ball and are trying to tag the runner out.

OBP: Understanding On-Base Percentage

See on-base percentage.

O-fer: A Batter with No Hits

An O-fer is when a batter plays a whole game without getting any hits. For example, if a batter goes 0 for 4, it means they had four chances to hit but didn't get any hits. People sometimes say they "wore the collar" or "took the collar."

Official Game: When a Game Counts

An official game is a baseball game that is considered finished and complete. If more than half of the game has been played before an umpire stops it (or "calls" it), then it's official. All the stats from that game, like hits and runs, will count for the players and teams.

For a normal nine-inning game, at least five innings must be played for it to be official. If the home team is winning, it only needs to be 4 and a half innings. If a game isn't official, it might be paused and finished later, or it might be replayed from the start.

Official Scorer: The Game's Record Keeper

The official scorer is a person chosen by the league to write down everything that happens during a game. They send this official record to the league offices. The official scorer usually watches the game from the press box and never goes onto the field.

Their decisions don't change how the game is played or who wins. But they do affect the statistics for players and teams. For example, umpires decide if a pitch is a ball or strike, or if a hit is a home run. But the official scorer decides if a pitch that got past the catcher was a wild pitch or a passed ball. They also decide if a batted ball was a hit or an error.

Off Day: Two Meanings

  • Sometimes, an off day means a player isn't performing as well as usual. This could be because they're sick, unlucky, or for other reasons. For example, "Bonderman had an off-day and didn't have good command of his breaking pitches."
  • An off day can also mean a day when a team doesn't have a game scheduled. Major League Baseball teams usually play on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Off-days often happen on Mondays and Thursdays, giving players a break or time to travel.

Off-Speed Pitch: A Slower Pitch

An off-speed pitch is a baseball pitch that is much slower than a pitcher's fastball. Common off-speed pitches include a curveball or a change-up.

Off the Hook: When a Pitcher Avoids a Loss

When a team that was losing ties the game or takes the lead, the pitcher who was going to get the loss is now "off the hook". This means they won't be charged with the loss anymore.

Off the Trademark: A Weak Hit

Hitting the ball "off the trademark" means the batter hit the ball on the middle part of the bat, where the company's logo is. This usually results in a weakly hit ball. It often happens when a pitcher jams the hitter, meaning they throw the ball very close to the batter's hands.

OFP: Overall Future Potential

OFP stands for Overall Future Potential. This is a score used by scouts to guess how good a young player might become in the major leagues. The score goes from 20 to 80. The things they look at are different for pitchers and position players.

Ol' Number One: The Fastball

Ol' number one is a nickname for a fastball. It comes from the sign the catcher often gives to call for that pitch.

Olympic Rings: Five Strikeouts in a Game

When a batter strikes out five times in a single game, it's called getting the Olympic rings. This not-so-great achievement is also sometimes called a Glossary of baseball (P)#platinum sombrero.

On a Line: A Strong Throw

When an outfielder throws the ball directly to an infielder or the catcher without it bouncing or needing to be relayed, they are said to "throw the ball on a line". This usually means it was a strong, accurate throw that helped get a runner out. For example, "Jack Barry made a great catch and threw on a line to McInnis for an out."

On-Base Percentage (OBP): How Often a Batter Reaches Base

On-base percentage (OBP) is a stat that shows how often a batter gets on base. This includes getting a hit, a walk, or being hit by a pitch. It does not count if they reach base because of an Glossary of baseball (E)#error or a Glossary of baseball (F)#fielder's choice.

On Deck: The Next Batter Up

The player who is "on deck" is the next batter who will bat after the current one. The area for this player is a circle called the "on-deck circle." Fun fact: the on-deck batter often stands outside the circle!

On His Horse: Running Fast

When a player is "on his horse," it means they are running at full speed. This phrase is often used when an outfielder is chasing down a fly ball.

On the Black: The Edge of the Plate

"On the black" has two meanings:

  • It refers to the very edge of home plate. The plate has a black border that is usually buried when it's installed correctly.
  • It also describes a pitch that just barely touches the edge of the strike zone. This pitch is often called a Glossary of baseball (S)#strike.

On the Board: Scoring Runs

A team is "on the board" when they have scored one or more runs. This means their score is now visible on the scoreboard. For example, "After being shut out for six innings, the Sox are finally on the board."

On the Farm: Playing in the Minor Leagues

When a player is playing in the minor leagues, they are said to be spending time "on the farm." This refers to a team's farm system, which is where young players develop their skills before playing in the major leagues.

On the Interstate: A Low Batting Average

A player batting between .100 and .199 is said to be "on the interstate." This term comes from the fact that a batting average like .195 looks a bit like an interstate highway number (like I-95). If a batter gets a hit that raises their average above .199, they are "off the interstate." If their average drops below .100, they might be "off the map." Players who stay "on the interstate" for too long in the major leagues might be sent down to Triple-A.

On the Ropes: A Tired Pitcher

When a pitcher seems tired or is losing control of their pitches, they might be described as "on the ropes." This means they are struggling and might soon be replaced by another pitcher. The phrase comes from boxing, where a fighter who is getting beaten might lean on the ropes to stay standing.

On the Rug: Playing on Artificial Turf

A player is said to be "on the rug" when they are playing a ball in the outfield on artificial turf.

On the Throw: Advancing or Getting Out on a Play

"On the throw" describes what happens when a runner tries to advance extra bases during a play where the defense is throwing the ball.

  • A runner might advance safely "on the throw" if the defense is focused on another runner.
  • A batter who gets a Glossary of baseball (H)#hit but then gets tagged out trying to reach another base on the same play is said to be out "on the throw." For example, if a batter hits a Glossary of baseball (D)#double but gets thrown out trying to reach third base, they still get credit for the double, but they were out "on the throw."

One-Game Wonder: A Brief Major League Career

A one-game wonder is a player who only appears in one major league game. They might play well in that game, but then they are either sent back to the minor leagues or stay on the bench without playing again.

One-Hitter: A Pitcher's Great Game

A one-hitter is a game where one team only gets one Glossary of baseball (H)#hit. This is a fantastic achievement for a Glossary of baseball (P)#pitcher. In a one-hitter, batters might still reach base through walks, errors, or by being hit by a pitch. It's almost as good as a Glossary of baseball (N)#no-hitter or a Glossary of baseball (P)#perfect game.

One-Two-Three Inning: Three Batters, Three Outs

A one-two-three inning is when a pitcher gets three outs using only three batters. This means the side is retired in order, also known as three up, three down.

Opener: A Short-Starting Pitcher

An opener is a type of relief Glossary of baseball (P)#pitcher who starts a game for strategic reasons. They usually pitch for only a short time, often just the first inning. After the opener, another pitcher comes in who is expected to pitch for many more innings, like a regular starter.

Opposite Field Hit: Hitting Away from Your Strong Side

An opposite field hit is when a batter hits the ball to the "opposite" side of the field from their natural Glossary of baseball (S)#swing. For a left-handed batter, this means hitting to left field. For a right-handed batter, it means hitting to right field. This is also known as going the other way.

OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging): Measuring a Batter's Power

OPS stands for On-base Plus Slugging. This is a statistic that helps measure a Glossary of baseball (B)#batter's ability to create runs. It is calculated by adding a batter's slugging average and their on-base percentage.

Ordinary Effort: What a Fielder Should Do

Ordinary effort is a term used in baseball rules. It means the effort that an average fielder at a certain position should show on a play. This takes into account the condition of the field and the weather. The official scorer uses this idea when deciding if a play was a Glossary of baseball (H)#hit or an Glossary of baseball (E)#error, or a wild pitch versus a passed ball.

Out Pitch: A Pitcher's Best Weapon

An out pitch is the type of pitch that a pitcher uses most often to get an out. It's usually their best or most effective pitch. For example, "Rodriguez uses his change-up as his out pitch."

Outfielder: A Player in the Outfield

An outfielder is a player whose position is in the outfield. This includes left field, center field, or right field. See position.

Outside Corner: The Edge of the Plate for a Strike

The outside corner is the location of a Glossary of baseball (S)#strike that passes over the far edge of home plate from the batter.

Overpower the Hitter: Throwing Too Fast

To overpower the hitter means to throw a pitch so fast that the batter cannot swing quickly enough to hit it. For example, "Wolfe continually overpowered hitters with his blazing fastball. Santa Clara hitters just couldn't catch up to it."

Overshift: Moving Fielders Around

Overshift is another word for a "shift" in baseball. This is when the defensive players move from their normal positions to cover areas where a specific batter is most likely to hit the ball. This can be an infield shift or an outfield shift.

Overthrow: Throwing the Ball Too Far

Overthrow has a few meanings:

  • It can mean when a fielder throws the ball so high or far that it goes over the head of their target and out of reach. For example, "Sean Halton struck out, but the catcher couldn't hold the pitch and then overthrew first base, allowing two runners to score."
  • If a thrown ball goes over the head or wide of an infielder and leaves the playing field (like into the dugout or stands), the umpire will call it an overthrow. This usually allows the runner to advance one extra base.
  • A pitcher who throws the ball too hard and loses control of it is said to be "overthrowing the ball." For example, "Gardenhire said Crain is pitching with more confidence and, most importantly, he's not trying to overthrow the ball."


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Baseball is a sport full of unique words and phrases! This guide will help you understand some of the special terms used in baseball, especially those starting with the letter "P". Learning these words will make watching and talking about baseball even more fun.

Baseball Terms Starting with P

Pitching and Hitting Terms

Painting the Corners

When a pitcher throws a pitch right on the edge of the strike zone, it's called "painting." It means they are very accurate, hitting the "black" line of the plate or the "corner" of the zone. This makes it hard for the batter to hit.

Pasting the Ball

If a batter "pastes the ball," it means they hit it very hard and with a lot of power.

Patient Hitter

A "patient hitter" is a batter who waits for the perfect pitch to swing at. They don't swing at the first pitch or at balls outside the strike zone. Because they are so careful, they often get a lot of walks.

Payoff Pitch

This is a very important pitch thrown when the count is "full" (three balls and two strikes). It's called a "payoff pitch" because it will either be a strikeout for the pitcher or a hit or walk for the batter. It's a big moment in the at-bat.

Pea

A "pea" is a baseball thrown at a very high speed. It's like saying the ball is flying like a small, fast object.

Pearl

A "pearl" is a brand new baseball that has been rubbed with special mud. This mud makes the ball less bright white and gives it a pearl-like color, making it easier for pitchers to grip.

Pearod

A "pearod" is a baseball hit very hard and straight back towards the pitcher.

Peeking

When a batter tries to secretly look at the catcher's signals to the pitcher, it's called "peeking." This is against the rules!

Peg

To "peg" the ball means to throw it hard and accurately to one of the bases. For example, a fielder might "peg the ball to first base."

Pen

"Pen" is a short way to say bullpen. This is where relief pitchers warm up before they enter the game.

Perfect Game

A "perfect game" is a super rare and amazing achievement for a pitcher. It's a type of no-hitter where no batter from the other team reaches base for the entire game. This means no hits, no walks, and no errors – "27 up, 27 down!"

Perfect Inning

A "perfect inning" is when a pitcher faces three batters and gets all three out without any of them reaching base.

Pick it Clean

To "pick it clean" means a fielder catches a hard-hit ground ball smoothly without fumbling or bobbling it.

Pick Up the Pitch

This refers to a batter's skill in figuring out what kind of pitch the pitcher is throwing very quickly.

Pickle

A "pickle" is another name for a rundown. This happens when a baserunner is caught between two fielders who are throwing the ball back and forth to try and tag them out.

Pickoff

A "pickoff" is a quick throw by the pitcher (or sometimes the catcher) to a fielder at a base to try and tag out a baserunner who has gone too far from the base.

Pill

"Pill" is a slang term for the baseball itself.

Pimping

"Pimping" refers to a batter showing off after hitting a great hit, like watching a home run fly instead of immediately running the bases.

Pinch Hitter

A "pinch hitter" is a substitute batter who comes into the game to bat in a key situation, often when the team needs a hit badly.

Pinch Runner

A "pinch runner" is a substitute baserunner who comes into the game to run for another player, usually because they are faster.

Pine

"Pine" refers to pine tar, a sticky substance that batters can put on their bats to get a better grip.

Pinpoint Control

A pitcher with "pinpoint control" can throw the baseball exactly where they want it in the strike zone, making it very hard for batters to guess.

Pitch Around

To "pitch around" a batter means the pitcher throws balls outside the strike zone on purpose, hoping the batter will swing at a bad pitch or that they will walk them.

Pitch Count

The "pitch count" is the total number of pitches a pitcher has thrown in a game so far. Coaches watch this closely to protect a pitcher's arm.

Pitch to Contact

A pitcher who "pitches to contact" tries to get batters to hit the ball weakly, especially on the ground, instead of trying to strike them out every time.

Pitcher's Best Friend

This is a nickname for a double play. It's a pitcher's "best friend" because it gets two outs with just one play, helping them get out of tough situations.

Pitchers' Duel

A "pitchers' duel" is a game where both starting pitchers are playing incredibly well, allowing very few hits or runs. These games are usually low-scoring and exciting.

Pitcher's Pitch

This is a pitch that the pitcher wants the batter to hit because they know it will most likely result in an out.

Pitching from Behind

When a pitcher often falls behind in the count (meaning they have more balls than strikes), they are "pitching from behind." This puts them at a disadvantage.

Pitchout

A "pitchout" is a special pitch thrown far outside the strike zone on purpose. The catcher stands up to catch it quickly, ready to throw to a base to try and catch a baserunner stealing.

Place Hitter

A "place hitter" is a batter who is skilled at hitting the ball to a specific part of the field, not just hitting it hard.

Plate

"Plate" usually refers to home plate, which is where the batter stands. As a verb, to "plate" means to score a run.

Plate Appearance

Any time a batter comes up to bat, it's called a "plate appearance." This includes times they get a hit, a walk, or even strike out.

Plate Discipline

A batter shows "plate discipline" when they are careful not to swing at pitches outside the strike zone or at pitches they can't hit well.

Platinum Sombrero

A "platinum sombrero" is a funny term for when a batter strikes out five times in a single game. It's also called "Olympic Rings."

Platoon

"Platooning" is when a team uses two different players for the same position, usually one who hits well against left-handed pitchers and another who hits well against right-handed pitchers.

Platter

"Platter" is another slang term for home plate.

Play

  • A "play" is any short action during a game, like a fielder catching a ball or a runner trying to advance.
  • It also refers to where the main action is happening, like "a play at home" when a runner is trying to score.

Play by the Book

To "play by the book" means to follow the common and traditional strategies in baseball, like when to use a sacrifice bunt or when to bring in the closer.

Player to Be Named Later

When teams make a trade, sometimes part of the deal is a "player to be named later." This means a specific player will be sent to the other team at a later time, or sometimes it's just a financial payment.

Players' Manager

A "players' manager" is a coach who is very close to their players, often seen as a friend. While this can build good team spirit, some say it can make it hard for them to make tough decisions.

Playing Back

When infielders are "playing back," they are standing in their normal, deeper positions on the field, not expecting a bunt or a double play.

Playing In

When the infield is "playing in," the infielders stand closer to home plate than usual. They do this to try and throw out a runner at home plate on a ground ball, but it also means they cover less ground.

Playoffs

The "playoffs" are all the important games played after the regular 162-game season. This includes the Division Series, Championship Series, and the World Series, where teams compete for the championship. It's also called the "post-season."

Plunked

To be "plunked" means a batter was hit by a pitch.

Plus Pitch

A "plus pitch" is a pitch that is better than average compared to other pitches in the league. It's often a pitch that gets a lot of strikeouts.

Plus Plus Pitch

A "plus plus pitch" is an amazing pitch that is among the very best of its kind in the entire league. It's almost impossible to hit when thrown well.

Plus Player

A "plus player" is a player who has skills that are better than average for a major league player.

Poke

A "poke" is a hit, especially one that goes for extra bases or a home run.

Pop

  • A batter with "pop" has a lot of power and can hit the ball very hard.
  • A "pop-up" is a batted ball that goes very high into the air and stays in the infield. If it goes into foul territory, it's a "pop-foul."

Portsider

A "portsider" is another name for a left-handed pitcher. It comes from sailing, where "port" means the left side of a ship.

Position

  • A "position" is one of the nine defensive roles on a baseball team, like pitcher, catcher, first baseman, etc.
  • It also means where a fielder stands on the field, which can change depending on the game situation.

Position Player

A "position player" is any defensive player on the team except for the pitcher.

Pound the Batter Inside

To "pound the batter inside" means the pitcher throws the ball over the inside part of home plate, close to the batter's body, usually with a fastball.

Powder River

"Powder river" is a colorful term for a fastball thrown with extreme speed.

Power Alleys

The "power alleys" are the areas in the outfield between the outfielders, specifically left-center field and right-center field. These are common spots for extra-base hits.

Power Hitter

A "power hitter" is a strong batter who hits many home runs and extra-base hits. They might not have a super high batting average, but they hit for a lot of power.

Power Outage

When a batter who usually hits with a lot of power suddenly stops hitting for power, they are having a "power outage."

Power Pitcher

A "power pitcher" is a pitcher who mostly relies on throwing a very fast fastball to get outs.

Power Stroke

A batter with a good "power stroke" is someone who can consistently hit the ball for extra bases.

Power Surge

When a batter who doesn't usually hit for much power suddenly starts hitting many extra-base hits, they are having a "power surge."

Pow Wow

A "pow wow" is a meeting on the pitcher's mound between the pitcher, catcher, and a coach to talk about strategy.

Probable Pitcher

A "probable pitcher" is the pitcher who is expected to start the next game for a team.

Productive Out

A "productive out" is when a batter makes an out but still helps the team by moving one or more runners closer to home plate. For example, hitting a fly ball that allows a runner to tag up and advance.

Protested Game

A manager can "protest a game" if they believe an umpire made a decision that goes against the official rules of baseball. However, they cannot protest an umpire's judgment call, like whether a pitch was a strike or a ball.

Public Enemy Number One

This term can refer to a very good curveball pitch, or to a player who is hitting exceptionally well and is a big threat to the opposing team.

Pull the Ball

To "pull the ball" means a batter hits the ball towards the side of the field they usually swing towards. A right-handed batter pulls it to left field, and a left-handed batter pulls it to right field.

Pull a Hitter/Pitcher

To "pull a hitter" means to replace a batter with a pinch hitter. To "pull a pitcher" means to take a pitcher out of the game and bring in a relief pitcher.

Pulled the String

A pitcher has "pulled the string" if they throw a pitch that looks fast but then slows down or breaks sharply, making the batter swing too early.

Punch and Judy Hitter

A "Punch and Judy hitter" is a batter who hits with very little power, usually hitting singles or ground balls.

Punch Out

A "punch out" is a strikeout. It's named after the umpire's arm motion, which looks like a punch, when calling a third strike.

Purpose Pitch

A "purpose pitch" is a pitch thrown intentionally close to the batter to make them move away from home plate. It's meant to send a message or make the batter uncomfortable.

Push

  • A right-handed batter who "pushes" the ball hits it towards right field.
  • A "push bunt" is a type of bunt where the batter pushes the ball past the pitcher and first baseman.

Put a Charge on the Ball

To "put a charge on the ball" means to hit the baseball very hard, usually resulting in a home run.

Put Away

  • A fielder can "put away" an opponent by catching a fly ball or tagging a runner out.
  • A pitcher can "put away" a batter by striking them out.
  • A team can "put away" an opponent by making a decisive play or getting a big lead that wins the game.
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Baseball has many special words and phrases! This article explains some of them, starting with the letter 'Q'.

Quality At Bat

A quality at bat happens when a batter does something helpful for their team, even if they don't get a hit. It's about being productive at the plate.

What Makes a Quality At Bat?

  • Advancing runners: Moving a teammate closer to scoring, like with a sacrifice bunt.
  • Getting on base: Reaching a base safely, perhaps by drawing a walk.
  • Making the pitcher work: Forcing the pitcher to throw many pitches. This can tire the pitcher out.

A quality at bat isn't just measured by typical stats like batting average. It's about smart play. Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer once said that a quality at bat is about "waiting for a pitch you can handle." He added that if you get on base or hit the ball well, you know you had a good plate appearance.

Quality Start

A quality start is a way to measure how well a starting pitcher performs.

When is it a Quality Start?

A pitcher gets a quality start when they:

This can happen even if the pitcher's team loses the game! A pitcher might pitch very well but still not get a win. This statistic was created by sportswriter John Lowe. It helps show a pitcher's good performance, even if the team's offense doesn't score enough runs to win.

Quick Pitch

A quick pitch is an illegal pitch in baseball. It happens when the pitcher throws the ball before the batter is ready in the batter's box.

Rules for a Quick Pitch

  • If there are no runners on base, the umpire calls the pitch a ball.
  • If there are any runners on base, the umpire calls a balk. A balk means all runners on base get to move up one base.

The umpire always decides if a pitch is a quick pitch.

Quiet Bats

When a pitcher is doing a great job and stopping the other team from getting many hits, it's said that they have "quieted some bats."

What it Means

This phrase means the pitcher is making it hard for the opposing hitters to get on base or hit the ball hard. For example, a headline might say, "Miscues, Quiet Bats, Cost D-Backs." This means the team made mistakes and their hitters weren't getting hits, which led to a loss.

Quiet Swing

A batter with a quiet swing keeps their head, hands, and bat very still while waiting for the pitcher to throw the ball.

Why a Quiet Swing is Good

This stillness helps the batter focus on the pitch. It allows them to react better and hit the ball with more power and accuracy. For example, Hideki Matsui was known for his quiet swing and stance. This helped him hit for both power and a good batting average.

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Baseball is a super fun sport with lots of special words and phrases! This guide will help you understand some of the terms that start with the letter "R."

Baseball Terms: Letter R

Rabbit Ears

This term describes a player who hears everything that opponents or fans say, especially if it makes them nervous or causes them to play poorly. An umpire who pays too much attention to every complaint from the dugouts might also be said to have "rabbit ears."

Rag Arm

A "rag arm" is a term used for a player, usually a pitcher, who has a weak arm. It means their throws might not be very fast or strong.

Railroad

To "railroad" means to run into and knock over another player. This usually happens when a runner crashes into the catcher at home plate or a first baseman at first base. The player being run into might not be able to get out of the way because they are focused on catching the ball to make an out.

Rain Delay

A "rain delay" happens when a baseball game starts late or is temporarily stopped because of rain. If a game is stopped after it has begun, it might start again later the same day or on a different day. If a game is completely canceled because of rain, it's called a rainout. Most rainouts are rescheduled for a later date.

Rainbow

A "rainbow" is a special kind of curveball. It gets its name because it has a high, arching path to home plate, just like a rainbow.

Rainout

A "rainout" is a game that is canceled or stopped because of rain. Major League Baseball teams usually keep playing in light rain. However, they will stop if it's raining heavily or if the field has too much standing water. Games can also be delayed or canceled due to other bad weather or if the field isn't safe to play on.

If a game is rained out before it starts, a make-up game is scheduled for another day. If a game is stopped before enough innings are played (usually 4½ or 5 innings), it's not an official game. The umpire will say "No Game," and the game will be played again from the beginning on a new date. Statistics from that stopped game won't count.

Rake

To "rake" means to hit the baseball really hard and all over the field. When a player is "raking," it means they are hitting the ball very well.

Rally

A "rally" is when a team comes back from being behind in the score. This often happens in the later innings of a game, when a team scores many runs to catch up or take the lead.

Rally Cap

A "rally cap" is a baseball cap worn in a funny way—backwards, sideways, or inside-out. Fans or players wear them to try and bring about a rally for their team. This tradition became famous during the 1986 World Series when New York Mets players wore their caps inside-out, and their team came back to win the game and the series.

Range

"Range" refers to how well a fielder can move from their position to catch or field a ball that is hit. A fielder with good range can cover a lot of ground quickly.

RBI

RBI stands for "Run Batted In." An RBI is a run that is scored because of a Glossary of baseball (H)#hit, a walk with the bases loaded, a hit-by-pitch, a sacrifice fly, or a fielder's choice that results in an out but allows a run to score. It's a way to give credit to the batter for helping their team score.

RBI Situation

An "RBI situation" means there are runners on base who are in scoring position. This means they are on second or third base, making it easier for them to score a run if the batter gets a hit.

Receiver

"Receiver" is another word for a catcher. Other terms for a catcher include "backstop" or "signal caller."

Regular Season

The "regular season" is the main part of the baseball schedule. In Major League Baseball, teams usually play 162 games. Sometimes, if two teams are tied for a playoff spot, they might play an extra 163rd game, which also counts as part of the regular season.

Regulation Game

A "regulation game" is a standard baseball game. Most professional games last nine innings. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins. If the home team is ahead after eight-and-a-half innings, they win, and the last half-inning isn't played. If the game is tied after nine innings, they play extra innings until one team has the lead at the end of an inning.

Rehab Assignment

When a Major League player is recovering from an injury or illness, they might play a short time with one of the team's minor-league teams. This is called a "rehab assignment." It helps them get back into playing shape before they return to the main team. It's different from being sent to the minors for poor performance.

Relay

A "relay" is a defensive play where an outfielder throws the ball to an infielder, who then throws it to the final target (like a base or home plate). This is done because it's hard to throw accurately and fast over very long distances. It's also called a "cut-off."

Relief Pitcher / Reliever

A "relief pitcher" or "reliever" is a pitcher who comes into the game to replace another pitcher. They usually pitch for a few innings or just a few batters, often when the starting pitcher is tired or not pitching well.

Replacement-Level Player

A "replacement-level player" is a player with average skills who can be easily found and signed by a Major League team for a low cost. A team made up entirely of these players would be expected to win a certain minimum number of games in a season.

Replacement Player

A "replacement player" is someone who plays baseball during times when the regular players are on strike or locked out. These players are not part of the main players' union.

Restricted List

The "restricted list" is a special roster status for players who are not available to play because of their own actions, such as refusing to play or getting into trouble. When a player is on this list, the team can remove them from the active roster and stop paying them, but they still keep the player's rights.

Retire the Batter

To "retire the batter" means to get the batter out.

Retire the Runner

To "retire the runner" means to get a runner out at a base, usually by throwing the ball to that base before the runner gets there.

Retire the Side

See side retired. This means getting three outs in an inning, which ends the batting team's turn.

Rhubarb

A "rhubarb" is an old-fashioned term for an argument or a fight that breaks out during a baseball game.

Ribbie, Ribeye

These are slang terms for a run batted in (RBI).

Rifle

"Rifle" can mean two things:

  • A very strong arm: A player with a "rifle" arm can throw the ball very fast and accurately. It's like saying they have a "cannon" for an arm. It can also be used as a verb, like "He rifled the ball home to catch the runner."
  • A hard hit: A batter can "rifle" a ball when they hit a very hard line drive.

Right-Handed Bat

Even though a baseball bat is the same no matter how you hold it, a "right-handed bat" is a way to describe a player who bats right-handed.

Right-Handed Hitter

A "right-handed hitter" is a batter who stands on the left side of home plate and swings the bat with their right hand leading.

Ring Him Up

To "ring him up" means to call a strikeout, especially when the batter doesn't swing at the third strike. The umpire makes a motion like ringing a bell, similar to an old-fashioned cash register.

Rip

"Rip" can also mean two things:

  • To hit a hard line drive: "He ripped a single through the right side" means he hit a fast, low ball.
  • A hard swing: "Reyes took a good rip at that pitch" means he swung hard, even if he missed.

RISP

RISP is an acronym that stands for Runners In Scoring Position. This means there are runners on second or third base, making it easier for them to score.

RLSP

RLSP stands for Runners Left in Scoring Position. This number is often seen in a game's box score. It tells you how many runners were on second or third base when the batting team got their third out and their turn to bat ended.

Road Game

A "road game" is a baseball game played at another team's home stadium, not your own. When a team plays away from home, they are on a "road trip" and are called the "visiting team."

Road Trip

A "road trip" is a series of "road games" or away games where a team travels from one city to another to play.

Robbed

"Robbed" can mean two things:

  • When a fielder makes an amazing play that stops a batter from getting a hit or a home run, the batter is said to have "been robbed" by the fielder.
  • If an umpire makes a call that seems unfair or wrong, the losing team or their fans might complain that they "were robbed" of a win.

Rocking Chair

The "rocking chair" is a nickname for the position of the third base umpire. It's called this because the third base umpire usually doesn't have to make as many difficult or frequent calls as the other umpires.

ROOGY

ROOGY is a slightly funny acronym for "Righty One Out GuY. It refers to a right-handed relief specialist who is often brought in to get just one or two specific right-handed batters out.

Rookie

A "rookie" is an athlete in their first year of playing a sport professionally. In Major League Baseball, there are specific rules about how much a player can have played before they are no longer considered a rookie, especially for awards like the Rookie of the Year.

Roll a Pair

To "roll a pair" means that the next play will be a double play, where two outs are made on one play. It's also sometimes shortened to "roll it."

Room Service

"Room service" describes a ball hit directly to a fielder, so they barely have to move to catch it. It can also refer to a pitch that is very easy for a batter to hit.

Rooster Tail

A "rooster tail" happens when a baseball rolls on wet grass and kicks up water behind it, looking like a rooster's tail.

Rope

A "rope" is a very hard line drive, which is a ball hit low and fast. It's also called a frozen rope. You can also use it as a verb, like "He roped one up the middle."

Roster

A "roster" is the official list of players who are allowed to play in a game. Major League Baseball teams usually have 25 players on their active roster for most of the season. However, more players can be added to the roster later in the season.

Rotation

The "rotation" or "starting rotation" refers to the group of starting pitchers a team uses and the order in which they pitch. Because pitchers need several days to rest after a game, most teams have four or five starting pitchers who take turns pitching every few days.

Roughed Up

When an offense has "roughed up" the opposing pitcher, it means they have hit the pitcher's pitches very hard and scored many runs against them.

Roundhouse Curveball

A "roundhouse curveball" is a type of curveball that doesn't break sharply but instead makes a more gradual, wide loop as it travels to the plate.

Round-Tripper

A "round-tripper" is another term for a home run. It's like a trip around all the bases, starting and ending at home plate.

Rubber

The "rubber," officially called the pitching plate, is a white rubber strip on the pitcher's mound. It is exactly 60 feet 6 inches from the back of home plate. A pitcher pushes off the rubber with their foot to gain speed when throwing the ball.

Rubber Arm

A pitcher is said to have a "rubber arm" if they can throw many pitches or pitch on consecutive days without getting tired. These pitchers are very valuable because they can be used often.

Rubber Game

A "rubber game" is the final game in a series (like a three-game series) when the teams have split the wins evenly in the games before. For example, if each team has won one game in a two-game series, the third game is the "rubber game" because it decides the winner of the series.

Run

"Run" can mean a few things in baseball:

  • A player scores a "run" when they advance around all the bases and touch home plate. The team with the most runs wins.
  • A manager "runs his players" when he encourages them to steal bases or try to advance extra bases aggressively.
  • A player or coach can be "run" by an umpire, which means they are ejected from the game.

Run on Contact

See contact play. This is a strategy where runners on base start running as soon as the batter makes contact with the ball, rather than waiting to see if it's a hit.

Rundown

A "rundown" is a play where a runner is stuck between two bases. Fielders with the ball toss it back and forth, trying to tag the runner out as they run back and forth to avoid being tagged. It's also called a "hotbox" or a "pickle."

Rung Up

"Rung up" can mean two things:

  • Being ejected from the game by an umpire.
  • Slang for having struck out looking, meaning the batter didn't swing at the third strike.

Runners at the Corners

"Runners at the corners" means there are runners on first base and third base, with second base empty.

Runners in Scoring Position

"Runners in scoring position" means there are runners on second or third base. From these bases, a typical base hit should allow them to score a run.

Ruthian Blast

A "Ruthian blast" is a home run that travels a very long distance. This term is used to honor the famous slugger Babe Ruth, who was known for hitting incredibly long home runs.


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Baseball has many unique words and phrases! This guide helps you understand some of the terms that start with the letter "S".

Baseball Terms Starting with S

What is a Sack?

A sack is another name for a base, like first, second, or third base. A player who plays a specific base might be called a sacker. For example, a second baseman is often called a "second sacker." When the second baseman and shortstop work together, they are sometimes called sackmates because they often cover second base together, especially during a double play.

What is a Sacrifice Bunt?

A sacrifice bunt is when a batter deliberately hits the ball softly, usually by holding the bat out, to help a runner on base move to the next base. The batter usually gets out, but if the runner advances successfully, the batter doesn't get a strikeout on their record. Instead, they get credit for a "sacrifice."

What is a Sacrifice Fly?

A sacrifice fly happens when a batter hits a fly ball (a ball hit high in the air) to the outfield. An outfielder catches the ball for an out, but a runner on third base is able to run home and score a run after the catch. The batter gets credit for an RBI (Run Batted In) and isn't charged with an at-bat.

What is a Safety?

A safety is simply a base hit. It means the batter hit the ball and reached first base safely without any errors from the fielders.

What is a Safety Squeeze?

A safety squeeze is a type of squeeze play. In this play, a runner on third base waits for the batter to successfully lay down a bunt before running towards home plate. This is different from a suicide squeeze, where the runner starts running earlier.

What is a Salami?

A salami is a fun nickname for a grand slam. This happens when a batter hits a home run with the bases loaded, scoring four runs!

What is a Save?

In baseball, a save is a statistic given to a relief pitcher who successfully protects their team's lead until the end of the game. Usually, the team's closer gets the save. To get a save, a pitcher must:

  • Be the last pitcher for their team in a game they win.
  • Not be the pitcher who earned the win for the game.
  • Meet at least one of these conditions:

* Enter the game with a lead of no more than three runs. * Enter the game with the potential tying run already on base, at bat, or waiting to bat. * Pitch for at least three innings after entering the game with a lead and finish the game. Only one save can be given in each game. If a pitcher gives up the lead, they cannot get a save, even if their team wins later.

What Does "Saw Off" Mean?

When a pitcher makes a batter hit the ball on the handle of the bat, causing a weak hit or even breaking the bat, the pitcher is said to have sawed off the bat. This means the pitcher threw a very effective pitch.

What is Scoring Position?

A runner on second or third base is in scoring position. This means they are close enough to home plate that they have a good chance to score a run if the next batter gets a base hit to the outfield.

What is a Scratch Hit?

A scratch hit is a weakly hit ground ball that just barely gets past the infielders, resulting in a base hit. It's also sometimes called a bleeder.

What is a Screaming Line Drive?

A screaming line drive or screamer is a ball hit extremely hard and fast, usually in a straight line. These hits can be so powerful that they might knock a glove off a fielder's hand or be too fast for a pitcher to avoid.

What is a Screwball?

A screwball is a type of pitch that curves in the same direction as the pitcher's throwing arm. For a right-handed pitcher, the ball would curve to the right, moving "in" towards a right-handed batter.

What Does "Seal the Win" Mean?

To seal the win means to finish the game strongly and secure the victory for your team. This usually refers to a pitcher, often the closer, who gets the final outs without letting the other team score.

What is a Seamer?

A seamer refers to how a fastball is thrown based on how many seams on the ball are visible during its spin:

  • Two-seamer: The pitcher holds the ball so that only two seams are visible as it spins.
  • Four-seamer: The pitcher holds the ball so that four seams are visible as it spins.

What is a Season?

In baseball, the season is the period from the first game to the last game of the year. For Major League Baseball, the regular season usually runs from April to October, with each team playing 162 games. After the regular season, there are playoffs and the World Series. The time after the regular season is sometimes called the "Second Season."

What is Seasoning?

Seasoning refers to the time a young player spends in the minor leagues to develop their skills before they are ready to play in the major leagues. It can also mean when a struggling major league player is sent to the minor leagues temporarily to improve.

What is a Seed?

A seed is a hit that is struck so hard that it travels with very little arc. It can also refer to a thrown ball that is thrown very hard and fast, especially in the infield.

What is a Seeing-Eye Ball?

A seeing-eye ball is a ground ball that just barely gets past an infielder, as if it could "see" where to go to avoid being caught. It's sometimes called a seeing-eye single.

What Does "Send a Runner" Mean?

When a coach signals a runner to try and steal a base, they are "sending" the runner. A third-base coach might also "send" a runner home by signaling them to run from third base to home plate to score.

What is the Senior Circuit?

The Senior Circuit is a nickname for the National League. It's called this because it's the older of the two major leagues, founded in 1876. The American League, founded in 1901, is called the Junior Circuit.

What Does "Sent Down" Mean?

When a major league player is sent down or "demoted," it means they are moved to a minor league team. This can happen before or during the season. Usually, another player is then called up from the minor leagues to take their spot.

What Does "Sent to the Showers" Mean?

When a pitcher is removed from the game, they are sometimes said to be sent to the showers because their work for the day is done. This means they are done pitching for that game.

What is a Series?

A series is a set of games played between two teams. During the regular season, teams usually play 3- or 4-game series against each other, with all games in that series played at the same stadium. In the playoffs, series involve games played at both teams' home stadiums.

What Does "Serve" Mean?

To serve a pitch means to throw a pitch that is hit very hard by the batter, often for a home run. It's like the pitcher "served up" an easy pitch to hit.

What is the Set Position?

The set position is how a pitcher stands just before throwing the ball, especially when there are runners on base. Their hands are together in front of them, and their back foot is on the pitching rubber.

What Does "Set the Table" Mean?

To set the table means to get runners on base, usually by getting hits or walks, so that the powerful hitters coming up next in the lineup have a chance to hit them in and score runs.

What is a Setup Pitcher?

A setup pitcher is a relief pitcher who consistently pitches right before the team's closer. Their job is to maintain the lead and get the game to the closer.

What is the Seventh-Inning Stretch?

The seventh-inning stretch is a tradition in baseball where fans stand up and stretch between the top and bottom halves of the seventh inning. It's a chance to stretch your legs during the game. Often, fans sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during this time.

What Does "Shade" Mean?

When a player, usually an outfielder, moves slightly away from their normal position on the field based on where they expect the batter to hit the ball, they are said to shade towards that side.

What Does "Shake Off" Mean?

  • When a player has a bad game, they might try to shake off the experience to get back to their normal performance.
  • When a pitcher disagrees with the catcher's signal for the next pitch, they might shake off the sign by shaking their head "no," telling the catcher to suggest a different pitch.

What Does "Shell" Mean?

When a pitcher gives up many hits, especially extra-base hits, they are said to be getting shelled. It's like they are under attack from the opposing team's hitters.

What is a Shift?

A shift is when infielders and/or outfielders move significantly from their usual positions. This is done to anticipate where a batter, who tends to hit the ball to one specific side of the field, might hit it. A famous example is the "Ted Williams shift," where almost all fielders moved to the right side of the field to try and stop Ted Williams from hitting to his strong side.

What is a Shoestring Catch?

A shoestring catch is when a fielder, usually an outfielder, catches a ball just before it hits the ground, often while running. It's called "shoestring" because the ball is caught very low, near their shoetops.

What is a Short Hop?

A short hop is a ball that bounces right in front of an infielder. An infielder might intentionally "short hop the ball" to catch it right after it bounces, allowing them to throw to a base faster.

What is a Short Porch?

A short porch refers to an outfield wall that is closer to home plate than usual. For example, Yankee Stadium is known for having a short porch in right field, which can lead to more home runs.

What is Short Rest?

When a pitcher starts a game with only a three- or four-day break since their last start, instead of the usual five days, they are said to have had short rest.

What Does "Shorten His Swing" Mean?

To shorten his swing means the batter takes a smaller, quicker swing at the ball. This is often done to make better contact and avoid striking out, especially with two strikes.

What Does "Shorten the Game" Mean?

A team with a strong group of relief pitchers is sometimes said to have the ability to shorten games. This means if they get a lead early, their bullpen can be counted on to hold that lead, making it harder for the opponent to come back in the later innings.

What is a Shot?

A shot is a common slang term for a home run.

What is "The Show"?

The Show is a nickname for the major leagues. Players dream of making it "in the Show."

What Does "Show Bunt" Mean?

When a batter changes their stance to look like they are ready to bunt the ball, they are said to show bunt. Sometimes this is a trick to make infielders move closer, but then the batter swings normally.

What is a Shutout?

A shutout happens when one team prevents the other team from scoring any runs in a game. If a pitcher pitches the entire game and the other team scores no runs, they get credit for a complete-game shutout.

What Does "Shuts the Door" Mean?

When a pitcher, usually the closer, finishes the game by getting the final outs and securing the win, they are said to have shut the door on the opposing team.

What Does "Side Retired" Mean?

When the third out of an inning is made, the side is retired, and the other team gets to bat. A pitcher or a defensive team can be said to have "retired the side" when they get three outs. If they do it with only three batters, it's called "retiring the side in order" or a "one-two-three inning."

What is a Sidearmer?

A sidearmer is a pitcher who throws the ball with a sidearm motion, meaning their arm is more horizontal when they release the ball, rather than the usual overhand motion.

What is a Sign?

Signs are non-verbal gestures used by catchers and coaches to communicate team strategy:

  • A catcher uses hand signals to tell the pitcher what type of pitch to throw (like a fastball or curveball) and where to throw it. The pitcher can shake off the sign if they don't agree.
  • Coaches use hand movements to send signs to batters and runners, telling them whether to bunt, steal a base, or try a hit-and-run.

What is a Single?

A single is a base hit that allows the batter to reach first base safely.

What is a Sinker?

A sinker is a type of pitch, usually a fastball, that drops sharply downward as it gets close to home plate.

What Does "Sitting on a Pitch" Mean?

When a batter is sitting on a pitch, it means they are waiting for a specific type of pitch (like a curveball) or a pitch in a certain location before they swing. They might not swing at anything else, even if it's a strike.

What is Situational Hitting?

Situational hitting is when a batter changes their strategy based on the game situation, such as the inning, how many outs there are, how many runners are on base, or the score. They might try for a sacrifice bunt or a sacrifice fly instead of a regular hit.

What are Skids?

A team that is on the skids is having a losing streak, meaning they are losing many games in a row. A player can also be on a "skid" if they are in a hitting slump.

What is a Slap Hitter?

A slap hitter is a batter who focuses on making contact with the ball and hitting it to open spaces on the field, rather than trying to hit for power. They aim for a high batting average. Famous slap hitters include Tony Gwynn and Ichiro Suzuki.

What is a Slash Line?

A slash line is a way to show a player's batting statistics using slashes. For example, .330/.420/.505 typically represents a player's batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.

What is a Slide?

  • A slide is when a runner drops to the ground while running towards a base to avoid being tagged out. Players sometimes slide head-first into first base.
  • A team having a losing streak is also said to be in a slide.

What is a Slider?

A slider is a relatively fast pitch that has a slight curve in the opposite direction of the pitcher's throwing arm.

What is a Slump?

A slump is an extended period when a player or a team is not performing well or meeting expectations. It's like a "dry spell" where things aren't going right.

What is a Slurve?

A slurve is a pitch that is a mix between a slider and a curveball, having characteristics of both.

What is Small Ball?

Small ball is a strategy where teams try to score runs using tactics like bunting, sacrifice plays, and moving runners one base at a time. It's often used when one run could tie or win the game, focusing on getting runs without relying on home runs.

What Does "Smoke" Mean?

  • To smoke a batter means to throw a very fast pitch, often an inside fastball, for a called strike.
  • A pitcher who throws smoke throws the ball extremely hard and fast.

What is a Snap Throw?

A snap throw is a quick throw made by the catcher to first or third base after a pitch, trying to pick off a runner who has strayed too far from the base.

What is a Snow Cone?

A snow cone catch is when a fielder catches the ball barely held in the very tip of their glove's webbing, almost like an ice cream cone.

What is a Snowman?

A snowman is a nickname for an 8-run inning, because the number "8" looks like two snowballs stacked on top of each other on the scoreboard.

What are Soft Hands?

Soft hands refers to a fielder's ability to smoothly catch and control the ball in their glove. It means they can "give in" with the ball and absorb its impact well.

What is a Soft Tosser?

A soft tosser is a pitcher who does not throw a very fast fastball. They rely more on control and different types of pitches.

What is a Solo Home Run?

A solo home run is a home run hit when there are no runners on base, so only the batter scores a run.

What is a Southpaw?

A southpaw is a nickname for a left-handed person, especially a left-handed pitcher. Most baseball stadiums are built so that home plate faces west, meaning a left-handed pitcher's arm faces south when they throw.

What Does "Spank" Mean?

  • To spank the ball means to hit it hard, often for a line drive to the opposite field.
  • To spank a team means to win a game easily and decisively.

What is a Sparkplug?

A sparkplug is a player known for their aggressive, never-give-up attitude. They might not be the most skilled player, but they can inspire their team to rally or win.

What is a Speedster?

A speedster is a very fast runner, often known for stealing bases and getting infield hits.

What is a Spitter?

A spitter is a nickname for a spitball, which is an illegal pitch where the ball has been altered with spit, petroleum jelly, or another substance to make it move in an unusual way.

What is a Split-Finger?

A split-finger fastball is a pitch where the pitcher spreads their first two fingers apart to put a downward spin on the ball. This makes the ball drop sharply just before it reaches home plate. It's also called a splitter or forkball.

What are Splits?

A player's splits are their performance statistics broken down into different categories. For example, a player's batting average might be "split" to show how they perform against right-handed pitchers versus left-handed pitchers, or in home games versus away games. These splits can help managers make strategic decisions.

What Does "Spoil a Pitch" Mean?

When a batter fouls off a pitch that was a good strike, especially with two strikes, they are said to spoil the pitch. This means they avoid striking out and get to see another pitch.

What is a Spot Starter?

A spot starter is a pitcher who starts a game occasionally, but is not a regular starting pitcher in the team's rotation. They usually work as a relief pitcher but fill in when needed.

What is a Spray Hitter?

A spray hitter is a batter who hits line drives to all parts of the field, rather than consistently hitting to one side. They are not a pull hitter.

What is Spring Training?

Spring training is a period before the regular baseball season where teams hold workouts and play exhibition games. It helps players get in shape and allows coaches to decide on the final roster for the upcoming season.

What is a Squad?

Squad is simply another word for the team.

What Does "Square Around" Mean?

To square around means when a batter turns their body to face the pitcher's mound directly. This is typically done when a batter is preparing to bunt the ball, especially for a sacrifice bunt.

What Does "Square Up" Mean?

To square up the ball means to hit it well and hard, usually near the center of the bat. It results in a solid hit.

What is a Squeeze Play?

A squeeze play is a tactic used to try and score a runner from third base using a bunt. There are two types:

  • Suicide squeeze: The runner on third starts running home as soon as the pitcher begins to throw.
  • Safety squeeze: The runner on third waits until the batter makes contact with the ball before running home.

What Does "Squeeze the Zone" Mean?

When an umpire calls balls and strikes as if the strike zone is smaller than usual, they are said to squeeze the zone. This makes it harder for pitchers to get strikes.

What is a Squibber?

A squibber is a weakly hit batted ball that rolls slowly, often with a side spin, usually towards the first or third baseman. It's also called a nubber.

What is a Staff?

The staff refers to the pitching staff, which includes all the pitchers on a team's roster.

What is a Stand-Up Double or Triple?

A stand-up double or triple is an extra-base hit where the runner reaches second or third base easily without needing to slide. They remain standing as they touch the base.

What is a Stance?

  • A batter's stance is how a hitter stands in the batter's box, including how they bend their knees or hold their bat.
  • A catcher's stance is how the catcher crouches behind home plate.
  • A pitcher's stance is how and where a pitcher stands on the mound before throwing the ball.

What is a Stanza?

Stanza is another word for an inning in a baseball game.

What is a Starting Pitcher?

The starting pitcher is the first pitcher who begins the game for each team.

What is a Starting Rotation?

The starting rotation is the planned order of a team's starting pitchers throughout a series of games.

What is a Station?

A station is a player's assigned defensive position on the field.

What is Station-to-Station?

Station-to-station can have different meanings. It can refer to a strategy where runners advance one base at a time, often using hit-and-runs or stolen bases. It can also mean the opposite, where a team takes fewer risks on the bases, waiting for big hits like home runs to score runs.

What is a Stathead?

A stathead is someone who uses statistical methods to analyze baseball strategy and player performance. They often use tools from sabermetrics to study the game.

What are Stats?

Stats is short for "statistics," which are the numbers generated by the game, such as runs, hits, errors, strikeouts, batting average, and earned run average.

What Does "Stayed Alive" Mean?

  • When a batter fouls off a pitch with two strikes, they are said to have stayed alive because they avoid striking out and get to see another pitch.
  • When a team facing elimination in the playoffs wins a game, they have stayed alive to play another game.

What is a Steady Diet?

If a batter struggles against a certain type of pitch, they might receive a steady diet of that pitch from opposing pitchers. This means the pitcher will throw that pitch often.

What are Steaks?

Steaks is a slang term for RBIs (Runs Batted In), coming from the pronunciation of RBI as "ribbie."

What is a Steal?

A steal is short for a stolen base.

What is Stealing Signs?

Stealing signs is when a team tries to figure out the signals the opposing catcher is giving to the pitcher (which tell the pitcher what pitch to throw). This can be done by a runner on base signaling to the batter, or sometimes by coaches. To prevent this, pitchers and catchers might change their signs.

What Does "Stepping in the Bucket" Mean?

Stepping in the bucket describes a batting stance where the hitter's front foot moves away from home plate (towards left field for a right-handed batter). This stance can reduce power but some players believe it helps them see the pitch better.

What Does "Stick It in His Ear" Mean?

"Stick it in his ear!" is a phrase used to encourage a pitcher to throw the ball aggressively, sometimes even at the opposing batter, as a message.

What Does "Stick It in His Pocket" Mean?

When an infielder fields a batted or thrown ball but chooses to hold onto it instead of throwing it for an out, they are said to stick it in his pocket. This might happen to avoid a throwing error or to prevent another runner from advancing.

What is a Stolen Base?

A stolen base happens when a runner successfully moves to the next base while the pitcher is throwing the ball to home plate. It's recorded as SB in statistics. If the runner is thrown out, it's called "caught stealing."

What Does "Stole First" Mean?

A batter who reaches first base after an uncaught third strike (when the catcher drops the third strike) has unofficially "stolen" first base.

What are Stone Fingers?

Stone fingers describes a fielder who often misplays easy ground balls, meaning they have trouble catching the ball cleanly. It's the opposite of having soft hands.

What is a Stopper?

  • A stopper can be a team's best starting pitcher, who is relied upon to end a losing streak.
  • A stopper can also refer to a team's closer, who finishes the game.

What Does "Stranded" Mean?

Stranded is another term for left on base. It means a runner was on base at the end of an inning but didn't score a run.

What is a Streak?

A streak is a series of consecutive wins (a winning streak) or losses (a losing streak). A batter can also have a hitting streak (getting a hit in many games in a row) or a hitless streak (not getting a hit in many games in a row).

What is a Stretch?

  • To pitch from a stretch means a pitcher starts their throwing motion by facing sideways to home plate, bringing their hands together, and then throwing. This is common when runners are on base so the pitcher can watch them.
  • To stretch a hit means to take an extra base on a hit, like turning a single into a double by running aggressively.
  • The stretch run is the final part of the regular baseball season when teams are trying to reach the playoffs.

What Does "Stretch the Lineup" Mean?

To stretch the lineup means to have strong hitters not just in the usual power spots (3rd, 4th, 5th in the batting order), but also in later spots, making the entire batting order dangerous for the opposing team.

What is a Strike?

A strike is called when:

  • A batter swings at a pitch and misses it.
  • A batter doesn't swing at a pitch that is thrown within the strike zone.
  • A ball is hit foul and the strike count is less than two (a batter cannot strike out on a foul ball, but can on a bunted foul).
  • The ball touches the batter as they swing at it.
  • The ball touches the batter while it's in the strike zone.
  • The ball is a foul tip (a foul ball that goes directly into the catcher's mitt).

What Does "Strike Out" Mean?

  • For a pitcher, to strike out a batter means to throw three strikes in one turn at bat. This usually results in an out.
  • For a hitter, to strike out means to get three strikes against them, either by swinging and missing, taking a called strike, or bunting a ball foul.

What is a Strikeout Pitch?

A strikeout pitch is the final pitch that results in a strikeout. It's often a breaking pitch that moves out of the strike zone, making it hard for the batter to hit.

What is a Strikeout Pitcher?

A strikeout pitcher is a pitcher who gets many batters out by striking them out.

What is a Strike 'Em Out/Throw 'Em Out?

A strike 'em out/throw 'em out is a type of double play. It happens when the batter strikes out, and then the catcher immediately throws out a runner trying to steal a base.

What Does "Strike Out the Side" Mean?

A pitcher is said to have struck out the side when they get all three outs in an inning by striking out the batters.

What is the Strike Zone?

The strike zone is an imaginary box over home plate. If a pitch passes through this box and the batter doesn't swing, it's called a strike.

What is a String?

A string is another term for a series of consecutive wins, also known as a streak. It can also refer to any series of consecutive events, like strikeouts.

What Does "Struck Out Looking" Mean?

A batter who is called out on strikes without swinging at the third strike is said to have struck out looking.

What Does "Struck Out Swinging" Mean?

A batter who is called out on strikes because they swung at the third strike and missed is said to have struck out swinging.

What Does "Struck Out Bunting" Mean?

A batter is struck out bunting when the third strike results from a bunted ball that lands in foul territory.

What is Stuff?

A pitcher's stuff is a general term for how effective their pitches are. "Good stuff" means their pitches are hard to hit, while "lousy stuff" means they are easy to hit. It often refers to the movement and speed of their pitches.

What is a Submarine Pitcher?

A submarine pitcher throws with a very low sidearm motion, almost from below their waist, close to the ground.

What is a Subway Series?

A subway series is when two baseball teams from the same city or metropolitan area play against each other. It's called this because fans could theoretically take the subway to get to either stadium. Famous examples include the Mets vs. Yankees series.

What is a Suicide Squeeze?

A suicide squeeze is a risky squeeze play. The runner on third base starts running towards home plate as soon as the pitcher begins their throw. If the batter doesn't successfully bunt the ball, the runner is usually an easy out. This is different from a safety squeeze.

What is the Summer Classic?

The Summer Classic is another name for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which is also known as the Mid-Summer Classic. It's an annual game where the best players from the National League play against the best players from the American League.

What is a Sweep?

To sweep a series means to win all the games played against another team in that series. This can happen during the regular season (e.g., winning all 3 or 4 games in a series) or in the playoffs, like the World Series.

What is the Sweet Spot?

The sweet spot is the part of the bat, about 17 centimeters (7 inches) from the end of the barrel, where hitting the ball feels best and causes the least shock to the batter's hands. Hits off the sweet spot are usually very powerful.

What is a Swing?

  • To swing away means a batter is trying to hit the ball normally, not bunt.
  • To swing for the fences means to swing very hard, trying to hit a home run.
  • A swingman is a pitcher who can be used as either a long reliever or a starter.

What is a Switch Hitter?

A switch hitter is a batter who can hit from both the left-handed and right-handed sides of home plate. They can choose which side to bat from depending on the pitcher.

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Baseball is a super fun sport with lots of special words and phrases! This guide will help you understand some of the unique terms used in baseball, especially those starting with the letter 'T'. Get ready to learn how players talk about hitting, pitching, and fielding in the game.

Baseball Terms Starting with 'T'

Tabasco: A Fast Pitch

When a pitcher throws a ball with a little extra speed, it's sometimes called a "tabasco" pitch. It means the ball is super fast!

Tablesetter: Getting Ready to Score

A "tablesetter" is a player who bats early in the game. They are good at getting on base and stealing bases. This helps the stronger hitters behind them get chances to hit home runs and score runs. It's like they are setting up the table for a big meal! Sometimes, an unexpected event early in a game, like a mistake by a fielder or a batter getting hit by a pitch, can also be called a "tablesetter." It means it sets the stage for how the rest of the game might go.

Tag: Touching a Runner or Hitting the Ball Hard

  • A "tag" is when a fielder touches a runner with the ball (or their glove holding the ball) while the runner is in danger of being out. If they do this, the runner is out! This is called a tag out.
  • To "tag" the ball also means to hit it very hard, often for an extra-base hit like a double or a home run.

Tag Up: Going Back to Base

When a batter hits a ball that is caught in the air (meaning the batter is out), any runners on base must go back to the base they just left. This is called "tagging up." Once they touch that base again, they can then try to run to the next base. If a runner forgets to tag up, they can be called out later.

Tailgate: The Catcher's Rear

"Tailgate" is a funny way to refer to a catcher's rear end. If an announcer says a catcher "didn't keep his tailgate down," it means a pitched ball was very low and went between the catcher's legs.

Take a Pitch: Not Swinging

When a batter decides not to swing at a pitch, they "take the pitch." A coach might give a "take sign" to tell the batter not to swing. This often happens when the count is 3 balls and 0 strikes, as the batter is likely to get a walk.

Take Something Off the Pitch: Throwing Slower

This means a pitcher throws a pitch slower than usual. It's often done with an off-speed pitch, like a curveball or changeup, to trick the batter.

Take the Bat Out of His Hands: Intentional Walk

To "take the bat out of his hands" means to give a batter an intentional walk. This is when the pitcher purposely throws four balls to let the batter go to first base. Teams do this to avoid a strong hitter from hitting a home run or a big hit that could score many runs.

Take the Crown: Winning the Championship

When a team "takes the crown," it means they win the championship! They have beaten the previous champions and are now the best team.

Take the Field: Starting Defense

When the defensive players run out to their positions at the start of an inning, they have "taken the field." The pitcher "takes the hill" when they go to the pitcher's mound.

Take-Out Slide: Breaking Up a Double Play

A "take-out slide" is a slide into a base that tries to stop the defense from making a play. For example, a runner sliding into second base might try to hit the fielder there. This can make it harder for the fielder to throw the ball to first base and complete a double play. Baseball has rules about how runners must slide. They need to touch the ground before the base and be able to reach the base with a hand or foot. They also shouldn't change their path just to hit a fielder.

Tap: A Soft Hit

To "tap" the ball means to hit a very slow or easy ground ball, usually right back to the pitcher. A ball hit this way is called a "tapper."

Tape Measure Home Run: A Very Long Home Run

An "especially long" home run is called a "tape measure home run." This term started in 1953 when Mickey Mantle hit a ball so far that people actually measured how far it went! Announcers might also call it a "tape measure job."

Tater: Another Word for Home Run

"Tater" is a slang term for a home run. The baseball itself has sometimes been called a "potato" or "tater" for a long time.

Tattoo: Hitting the Ball Hard

To "tattoo" the ball means to hit it very, very hard. It's like the bat's brand mark gets "tattooed" onto the ball because of how hard it was hit.

Tea Party: A Mound Meeting

A "tea party" is when many players, like the pitcher, catcher, and sometimes coaches or managers, gather on the pitcher's mound to talk. It's also called a pow wow.

Tee Off: Hitting Easy Pitches

When a pitcher throws pitches that are easy to hit, batters are said to be "teeing off." It's like hitting a ball off a batting tee, which is very easy.

Terminator: The Pitcher's Best Pitch

A pitcher's "terminator" is their best pitch, the one they use to get batters out when it really matters. It's their most reliable pitch.

Texas Leaguer: A Lucky Hit

A "Texas Leaguer" is a weakly hit fly ball that luckily falls to the ground between an infielder and an outfielder for a single hit. It's also called a flare, blooper, or "bloop single." It got its name from a player named Ollie Pickering in the Texas League who had many such lucky hits in one game.

Third of an Inning: Pitching Statistics

In baseball statistics, a "third of an inning" is used to show how many outs a pitcher got if they didn't finish a full inning. For example, "3.1" means 3 full innings and 1 out, and "5.2" means 5 full innings and 2 outs.

Three-Bagger or Three-Base Hit: A Triple

A "three-bagger" or "three-base hit" is another name for a triple. This is when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches third base.

Three True Outcomes: Walks, Home Runs, Strikeouts

The "three true outcomes" are the three ways a batter's turn at bat can end without any fielders needing to make a play:

  • A walk (the batter gets to first base for free)
  • A home run (the batter hits the ball out of the park)
  • A strikeout (the batter swings and misses three times, or gets three strikes)

These outcomes show a player's power and patience, even if they don't get many regular hits.

Three Up, Three Down: A Quick Inning

When a pitcher faces only three batters in an inning, it's called "three up, three down." This is a great goal for any pitcher because it means they got three outs quickly. Even if a batter gets on base, if the next two batters create a double play, it can still be a "three up, three down" inning.

Through the Wickets: A Ball Through the Legs

If a batted ball goes right through a fielder's legs, it's said to have gone "through the wickets." This term comes from the game of croquet, where balls are hit through arches called wickets. When this happens in baseball, it usually means the fielder made a mistake, and it's often recorded as an error.

Throw a Clothesline: A Hard, Flat Throw

When a fielder throws the ball so hard and straight that it barely arcs, they have "thrown a clothesline." It's like a rope stretched tight.

Throw Him the Chair: A Strikeout

This is a fun way to say a pitcher got a strikeout. It means the batter is out and has to go "sit down" in the dugout.

Thrower: A Pitcher with Less Control

A "thrower" is a pitcher who throws the ball very hard but might not have great accuracy or command over where the ball goes. A "pitcher" usually has better control and is more successful at getting batters out.

Throwing Seeds/Throwing the Pill/Throwing BBs: A Very Fast Fastball

These phrases mean a pitcher's fastball is so fast and good that the baseball seems tiny and hard to hit, like a seed, a pill, or a BB.

Tie Him Up: Pitching Inside

To "tie him up" means to throw a pitch very close to the batter's body, especially on their hands. This makes it hard for the batter to swing properly.

Tilt: A Game or Matchup

"Tilt" is another word for a game or a face-off between two teams or competitors. You might see a headline like "Phillies beat Mets in key NL East tilt."

Time Play: Scoring Before the Third Out

A "time play" happens when a run scores on the same play as the third out. For the run to count, the runner must touch home plate before the third out is made, as long as the third out isn't a force out or the batter being out before reaching first base.

Tin Glove: A Poor Fielder

Someone who is not good at fielding (playing defense) is sometimes said to have a "tin glove." This is a sarcastic joke, comparing it to the Gold Glove award given to the best defensive players. A tin glove would be stiff and hard to use!

Tipping: Giving Away the Pitch

"Tipping" or "telegraphing" pitches is when a pitcher accidentally shows what kind of pitch they are about to throw. This could be a small movement, how they hold their glove, or how they stand. It's like a "tell" in poker, where a player's actions give away information. Coaches and players on the other team watch closely for these "tells" to try and guess what pitch is coming. Pitchers and their coaches often study videos to make sure they aren't "tipping" their pitches.

Toe the Slab: To Pitch

"Toe the slab" or "toe the rubber" means to take the mound and pitch. It literally refers to the pitcher putting their foot on the rubber on the pitcher's mound.

Took the Ball Out of the Catcher's Glove: A Late Swing

When a batter swings a little late and hits the ball to the opposite side of the field, a broadcaster might say they "took the ball out of the catcher's glove." This means the batter hit the ball just before the catcher could catch it.

Took the Collar: Went Hitless

If a batter "took the collar," it means they didn't get any hits in a game. See collar.

Tomahawk: Hitting a High Pitch

To "tomahawk" a pitch means to hit a high pitch, sometimes one that's outside the strike zone. The batter might swing downwards, like they are swinging a tomahawk.

Tools: Player Skills

"Tools" refers to the different skills a baseball player has, like hitting for power, hitting for average, running fast, throwing well, and fielding well. A player with all these skills is called a 5-tool player.

Tools of Ignorance: Catcher's Gear

"Tools of ignorance" is a playful nickname for a catcher's protective gear, like their mask, chest protector, and shin guards. It's a joke because catchers put themselves in a dangerous position behind home plate.

Top of the Inning: The First Half

The "top of the inning" is the first half of an inning when the visiting team bats. It's called "top" because of how it looks in the scorecard.

Top-Step Pitcher: Manager Ready to Make a Change

When a pitcher is struggling and might be taken out of the game, the manager might stand on the "top step" of the dugout. This shows they are ready to go to the mound and replace the pitcher at any moment.

Tore the Cover Off the Ball: Hitting Very Hard

This phrase means a batter hit the ball so incredibly hard that it's like they literally "tore the cover off the ball."

Tossed: Ejected from the Game

When a player or manager is "tossed," it means an umpire has ordered them to leave the game. This usually happens because they argued too much with an umpire. It's similar to getting a "red card" in soccer. See ejected.

Total Bases: Measuring Hitting Power

"Total bases" is a way to measure a batter's hitting power. It's the sum of the bases a batter gets from their hits:

  • Single = 1 base
  • Double = 2 bases
  • Triple = 3 bases
  • Home Run = 4 bases

If you divide total bases by the number of times a batter is at bat, you get their slugging average, which shows how much power they have.

Touch All the Bases: Hitting a Home Run

To "touch all the bases" or "touch 'em all" means to hit a home run. A player must literally touch every base (first, second, third, and home plate) after hitting a home run, or they can be called out!

Touched Up: A Pitcher Giving Up Hits

When a pitcher gives up several hits and runs, they are said to have been "touched up." It means the opposing team hit them pretty well.

Touchdown: A Seven-Run Difference

This term comes from American football. A "touchdown" in baseball means a seven-run difference between two teams. For example, if a team is ahead 10-3, they are "up by a touchdown."

TR: Throws Right

"TR" stands for "Throws Right." It's used in a player's description to show which hand they throw with, like "John Doe (TR, BR)" means he throws right and bats right.

Track Down: Catching a Ball

To "track down" a ball means a fielder has to run a good distance to stop a ground ball or catch a fly ball. For example, a great outfielder can "track down flies" in the outfield.

Trap: A Ball That Hits the Ground First

When a fielder tries to catch a batted ball in the air but it hits the ground just before it goes into their glove, they have "trapped the ball." It looks like a catch, but it's not. Sometimes, it's hard for the umpire to tell if it was a catch or a trap. If it's a trap, the batter is not out.

Triple: A Three-Base Hit

A "triple" is a hit where the batter safely reaches third base.

Triple Crown: Leading in Three Categories

  • For a batter, winning the "triple crown" means they lead their league in three main categories at the end of the season: home runs, runs batted in (RBI), and batting average.
  • For a pitcher, winning the "triple crown" means they lead their league in earned run average (ERA), wins, and strikeouts. This is a very rare and impressive achievement!

Triple Play: Three Outs on One Play

A "triple play" is when three outs are made on just one play. This is extremely rare in baseball. It usually happens when:

  • The batter hits a sharp ground ball to an infielder, who quickly throws the ball around the bases to get three runners out.
  • Runners are trying to steal bases, but an infielder catches a hard-hit line drive. The infielder then quickly throws to the bases to get the other runners out before they can get back.

An even rarer "unassisted triple play" happens when one fielder makes all three outs by themselves!

Turn Two: Making a Double Play

To "turn two" means to successfully complete a double play, getting two outs on one play.

Twin Bill: A Doubleheader

A "twin bill" is another name for a doubleheader, which is when two games are played back-to-back on the same day.

Twin Killing: A Double Play or Winning Both Games

Twirler: An Old Term for a Pitcher

"Twirler" is an old-fashioned term for a pitcher. In the early days of baseball, pitchers would sometimes "twirl" their arms in circles before throwing the ball. This motion was called a "windup." The term "hurler" is a more modern word for a pitcher.

Two Away or Two Down: Two Outs

When there are two outs in an inning, announcers might say "two away" or "two down."

Two-Bagger or Two-Base Hit: A Double

A "two-bagger" or "two-base hit" is another name for a double. This is when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches second base.

Two-Seam Fastball: A Pitch with Movement

A "two-seam fastball" is a type of fastball where the pitcher holds the ball so that only two seams are visible to the batter as it spins. This grip makes the ball move slightly downward and away from the pitcher's arm as it crosses the plate. It's also called a "two-seamer" or a sinker.

Two-Sport Player: Playing Two Professional Sports

A "two-sport player" is someone who plays two different professional sports at a high level. While many college athletes play two sports, it's very rare for someone to play two major league professional sports at the same time. Famous examples include Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, who played both baseball and American football.

Two-Way Player: Good at Pitching and Hitting (or Offense and Defense)

  • A "two-way player" is a player who is good at both pitching and hitting. The most famous example is Babe Ruth, who started as an amazing pitcher and later became one of the greatest home run hitters ever.
  • Sometimes, the term is also used for a player who is excellent at both offense (hitting) and defense (fielding).
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Baseball Terms Starting with U

UA or U.A.

UA or U.A. is a short way to say Union Association. This was a major baseball league that only lasted for one year in 1884.

Ugly Finder

An ugly finder is a funny name for a foul ball. It's a ball hit hard into the team's dugout. The joke is that it might "find" someone who is ugly, or make them look that way if they don't get out of the way!

Ukulele Hitter

A ukulele hitter is a player who doesn't hit the ball very hard. They are also sometimes called a banjo hitter or a Punch and Judy hitter.

Ultimate Grand Slam

An ultimate grand slam is a very exciting type of grand slam. It happens when the home team is exactly three runs behind in the very last inning of the game. If a player then hits a grand slam, it means they score four runs. This not only ties the game but also wins it with one swing! It's a type of walk-off home run.

Umpire

An umpire (often called "the ump") is like a referee in other sports. Umpires are in charge of making sure the game follows all the rules. A baseball game usually has a crew of several umpires.

Unassisted Play

An unassisted play happens when one player does something that usually takes more than one player to complete. For example, if a player on first base tries to steal second, and the shortstop catches the ball and steps on second base all by themselves, that's an unassisted out. An unassisted double play is rare, and an unassisted triple play is extremely rare!

Uncle Charlie

Uncle Charlie is a nickname for a curveball. A curveball is a pitch that curves as it travels toward home plate.

Uncontested Steal or Undefended Steal

An uncontested steal happens when a runner successfully moves to the next base while the pitcher is throwing the ball. However, the catcher does not even try to throw the runner out. Because the defense didn't try to stop the runner, the runner is not given credit for a stolen base in the game's statistics. This is also called defensive indifference.

Up

The word "up" can mean a few different things in baseball:

  • A player who is up is the one who is currently at bat or is about to bat.
  • "Batter up!" is what an umpire says to start an inning.
  • Three up, three down means that three batters came to the plate, and all three of them got out.
  • A team that is winning is "up" by a certain number of runs. For example, "They are up by two runs."
  • When a player is called up, it means they have been promoted from a minor league team to a major league team.

Up and In

Up and in describes a pitch that is thrown high and close to the batter's body. It's the same as a high and tight pitch.

Up in the Zone

A pitch that is up in the zone is thrown to the upper part of the strike zone. Pitchers often try to throw fastballs high in the zone because they are harder for batters to hit well.

Up the Middle (Adverb)

When a ball is hit up the middle, it means it was batted through the middle of the infield. This is usually over or near second base and goes into the outfield.

Upper Decker

An upper decker can mean two things:

  • A home run that is hit so far it lands in the stadium's upper deck seating area.
  • It can also refer to a type of chewing tobacco placed in the upper lip (but this is not allowed for players in MLB today).

Uppercut

An uppercut is a type of swing where the batter's bat moves upward as it swings forward. Batters sometimes use an uppercut swing when they want to hit the ball with more power.

Upstairs

Upstairs is a term for a high pitch. It usually means the pitch is above the strike zone.

Up the Elevator Shaft

When a ball is hit up the elevator shaft, it means it's a very high pop-up. The ball goes almost straight up into the air, directly over the batter.

Up the Middle (Area)

Up the middle also refers to an important area on the baseball field. This area is an imaginary line from home plate, through the pitcher's mound, and second base, extending into center field. Baseball teams often try to build their strength "up the middle" by having strong players at catcher, second base, shortstop, and center field.

Utility Player

A utility player is a player who can play several different positions on the field. They are usually bench players who can fill in wherever the team needs them.

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Baseball has many unique words and phrases! Here are some terms that start with the letter "V" that you might hear when watching or playing the game.

Understanding "V" Terms in Baseball

What Does "Visit" Mean in Baseball?

In baseball, the word "visit" can mean a couple of different things.

Visiting Team

When a baseball team plays a game away from their home stadium, they are called the visiting team. The fans who travel to watch them play in another city are also considered "visitors." It's like when you go to a friend's house – you're visiting them!

Visit to the Mound

Sometimes, you'll see a coach, manager, or catcher walk out to the pitcher's mound to talk to the pitcher. This is called a visit to the mound. They might do this to give advice, calm the pitcher down, or discuss strategy during the game.

What is VORP?

VORP stands for Value Over Replacement Player. It's a special way to measure how good a baseball player is. A smart person named Keith Woolner created this method.

How VORP Works

VORP helps teams figure out a player's true worth. It compares a player's performance, like how many runs they help score, to an "imaginary" player. This imaginary player is called a "replacement-level" player. Think of a replacement-level player as someone who is just good enough to be in the league and can be hired for a very low salary.

If a player has a high VORP, it means they are much better than a basic replacement player. This helps teams decide if a player is worth their salary and how valuable they are to the team's success.

What is a "Vulture" in Baseball?

In baseball, a "vulture" is a nickname for a certain type of relief pitcher. A relief pitcher is someone who comes into the game after the starting pitcher.

How a Reliever Becomes a "Vulture"

A relief pitcher gets called a "vulture" when they earn a win in a game without doing a lot of pitching work. This often happens when their team is losing, and the reliever comes into the game. If their team then makes a big comeback and takes the lead while that reliever is pitching, the reliever gets credited with the win. It's like they "swooped in" and took the win, even if they only pitched for a short time.


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Baseball is a super fun sport with lots of special words and phrases! This guide will help you understand some of the unique terms that start with the letter 'W'. Knowing these words will make watching or playing baseball even more exciting!

Baseball Terms Starting with W

Waiting for the Express and Caught the Local

This funny phrase is used when a batter is expecting a really fast pitch (the "express") but instead gets a slower pitch (the "local"). If they don't swing and the umpire calls it strike three, they've "waited for the express and caught the local." It means they were fooled!

Wallop

When a player hits a baseball really hard and it goes out of the park for a home run, they "walloped" it. It's like saying they hit it with a lot of power!

Walk

In baseball, a "walk" happens when a pitcher throws four pitches outside the strike zone that the batter doesn't swing at. The batter then gets to go to first base for free. This is also called a base on balls.

Walk-Off

A "walk-off" is one of the most exciting ways for the home team to win a game! It happens in the bottom of the last inning (usually the ninth) when the home team scores the winning run. As soon as they score, the game is over, and everyone can "walk off" the field because they won! A walk-off home run is when the winning run is scored by hitting a home run.

Warning Track

Around the edge of a baseball field, right before the fence, there's a special area made of dirt or gravel. This is called the "warning track." It's there to help outfielders know they are getting close to the fence so they don't run into it while trying to catch a ball. It's like a warning!

Warning Track Power

If a batter hits a ball really high and far, but it's caught by an outfielder right on the warning track, it means they had "warning track power." The ball almost went for a home run, but not quite!

Waste a Pitch

Sometimes, a pitcher will throw a ball far outside the strike zone on purpose. This is called "wasting a pitch." They might do this if they are already ahead in the count (like having two strikes on the batter) and hope the batter will swing at a bad pitch. It's the opposite of trying to throw strikes.

Wave

The word "wave" can mean a few things in baseball:

  • If a batter swings at a pitch and misses it, especially with a weak swing, they might have "waved" at it.
  • When an umpire points a runner to the next base because of a rule (like a ball going out of play), they are "waving the runner" to that base.
  • A third-base coach will "wave the runner home" by making a big arm motion, telling a runner to keep going and try to score.
  • "Doing the wave" is when fans in the stands stand up and sit down in sequence, creating a moving "wave" around the stadium.

Wearing a Pitch

This happens when a batter lets a pitch hit them on purpose, or they move their body slightly to get hit by the ball. If a pitch hits a batter, they get to go to first base. Sometimes, teammates will even yell "wear it!" from the dugout if a pitch is coming close.

Web Gem

A "web gem" is an amazing defensive play, like a spectacular catch or a fantastic throw. It refers to the "webbing" of a baseball glove. This term became popular thanks to the TV show Baseball Tonight on ESPN.

Went Deep

This is another way to say a batter hit a home run. If a player "went deep," it means they hit the ball far out of the park!

Went Fishing

When a batter swings at a pitch that is very far outside the strike zone, especially one they have to reach across the plate for, they are said to have "went fishing" for it. They're trying to catch a pitch that's not really catchable!

Wheelhouse

A batter's "wheelhouse" is their favorite spot to hit the ball. It's usually a pitch that's about waist-high and right over the middle of home plate. When a pitcher throws a ball into a batter's wheelhouse, it's often hit very hard!

Wheel Play

A "wheel play" is a defensive move by infielders, especially when a batter tries to bunt the ball to the left side of the field. The third baseman runs in to field the bunt, and the shortstop quickly moves to cover third base. They rotate like a wheel to cover all the bases.

Wheels

In baseball, "wheels" is a slang term for a player's legs. If a player "has wheels," it means they are very fast runners, especially when running the bases.

Whiff

To "whiff" means to swing at a pitch and completely miss it. It's a swinging strike, and you might even hear the sound of the bat "whiffing" through the air.

Whiffout

A "whiffout" is a swinging third strike. This means the batter swung at the pitch and missed, leading to the third strike and an out.

Whip

"Whip" can mean two things:

  • It's another name for a curveball, which is a pitch that curves as it travels toward the plate.
  • It's also a short way to say Walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP), which is a statistic that measures how many walks and hits a pitcher allows per inning.

Whitewash

To "whitewash" a team means to shutout them. This means the opposing team scores zero runs in the entire game.

Wild Card

In baseball playoffs, the "wild card" spot is given to the best team that didn't win their division. It's a chance for a strong team to still make it to the playoffs even if another team in their division was slightly better.

Wild in the Strike Zone

A pitcher who is "wild in the strike zone" throws a lot of strikes, but they don't have good control over exactly where those strikes go. This can make it hard for the catcher and easy for batters to hit. For example, Carlos Zambrano was sometimes described this way.

Wild Pitch

A "wild pitch" (often shortened to WP) happens when a pitcher throws a ball so badly that the catcher can't catch it with normal effort. This allows runners on base to move to the next base, or if it's a third strike, it might allow the batter to run to first base. It's different from a passed ball because it's the pitcher's fault, not the catcher's. It's recorded as a separate statistic and not an error.

Win

In baseball, a "win" is given to the pitcher who was on the mound when their team took the lead for good. You can learn more about how wins and losses are counted for pitchers in a Win–loss record (pitching).

Window Shopping

This is another way to say a batter was "caught looking" for strike three. It means they didn't swing at the pitch, and the umpire called it a strike, ending their turn at bat.

Windup

When a pitcher throws the ball, they can use one of two main positions: the "windup" or the "set." The "windup" is usually a bigger, more flowing motion that pitchers use when there are no runners on base. It can help them throw with more power. The "set" position is quicker and used when runners are on base to prevent them from stealing.

Winning Record

A team has a "winning record" or a "winning season" if they have won more games than they have lost. For example, if a team plays 162 games in a season, they need to win at least 82 games to have a winning record.

Winning Streak

A "winning streak" is when a team wins several games in a row without losing. It's a great sign that the team is playing well!

Winter Leagues

"Winter leagues" are professional baseball leagues that play their seasons during the off-season of Major League Baseball (MLB). Many players, especially younger ones, play in these leagues to get more experience or stay in shape. Some well-known winter leagues include the Arizona Fall League, the Dominican Winter Baseball League, and the Mexican Pacific League.

Wire-to-Wire

This phrase means that a team led from the very beginning to the very end.

  • In a game, if a team scores in the first inning and never loses the lead, they led "wire-to-wire."
  • For a season, if a team is in first place from the start and stays there until the end, they led their division or league "wire-to-wire."
  • It can also describe a pitcher who throws a complete game (pitches the whole game), especially a shutout.

Wood

"Wood" is a slang term for the baseball bat. When a player "gets good wood" on the ball, it means they hit it perfectly with the bat.

Work the Count

When a batter is "working the count," they are being patient and trying to see a lot of pitches. They want to get ahead in the count (like having more balls than strikes) or wait for a pitch they can hit really hard. This makes the pitcher throw more pitches and can tire them out.

Worm Burner

A "worm burner" is a baseball that is hit very hard and low to the ground, almost as if it's "burning" the ground as it goes. It's a fast ground ball. Another term for this is a daisy cutter.

Worm Killer

A "worm killer" is a pitch that is thrown so low that it hits the ground before it even reaches home plate. These are usually off-speed or breaking balls that don't make it to the catcher.

Wrapped Around the Foul Pole

When a batter hits a home run that just barely stays fair, curving very close to the foul pole, it's sometimes described as having "wrapped around the foul pole." Even if the ball lands in foul territory, if it passed on the fair side of the pole, it's still a home run!

WW

This is a funny note sometimes used by unofficial scorekeepers. "WW" stands for "wasn't watching." It's used when they got distracted and missed what happened on the field! Famous baseball announcer Phil Rizzuto was known for supposedly using this note.

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Baseball has many unique words and phrases that players and fans use. This article explains some of these terms that start with the letter "Y." Understanding these words can help you better enjoy and understand the game!

Baseball Terms Starting with Y

What is a Yacker or Yakker?

A yacker or yakker is a type of curveball in baseball. It's known for having a very big, sharp drop or "break" as it approaches the batter. Imagine a ball that looks like it's going straight, then suddenly dips down quickly. This makes it very hard for a batter to hit!

What Does it Mean to Yank a Ball?

When a batter yanks a ball, it means they hit it very hard and pull it down one of the foul lines. A "foul line" is one of the two lines that stretch from home plate to the outfield, marking the edges of the field where the ball must stay to be fair. If a player "yanks" a ball, they usually hit it with a lot of power. For example, a player might "yank a double just inside the third-base bag," meaning they hit a hard line drive that landed just inside the line near third base, allowing them to reach second base.

Understanding "The Yard" in Baseball

In baseball, "the yard" is another name for the baseball field itself. It's a casual way to refer to where the game is played.

  • Left the yard: When a player hits a home run, people often say the ball "left the yard." This means the ball was hit so far that it went out of the playing field.
  • Went yard: This phrase means the same thing as "left the yard." If a player "went yard," they hit a home run.
  • Doing yardwork: This fun phrase describes a player who is hitting many home runs or showing a lot of power at the plate. It's like they are "working" the field by hitting powerful shots.

What is a Yellow Hammer?

A yellow hammer is another term for a curveball that has a very sharp and sudden drop. It's similar to a yacker. This name comes from a type of bird called a yellowhammer, which is known for diving very steeply when it catches its prey. The way the bird dives looks a lot like how this type of curveball drops sharply.

What are the Yips?

The yips describe a problem where a player, most often a pitcher, suddenly loses control over where their throws go. It's not a physical injury, but more like a mental block that makes it hard to throw accurately. For example, the famous baseball player Rick Ankiel was a pitcher who developed the yips. Because he struggled with controlling his throws, he eventually changed his position and became an outfielder instead.

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Baseball is a sport full of unique words and phrases! This article will help you understand some of the terms that start with the letter 'Z'.

Baseball Terms Starting with Z

What are Zeroes in Baseball?

In baseball, "zeroes" is a fun way to talk about a game where one team doesn't get any hits, runs, or errors. This is often seen on the scoreboard as "0-0-0".

  • No-hitter: When a pitcher (or pitchers) prevents the other team from getting any hits during the entire game.
  • Perfect game: This is even rarer! It's when a pitcher prevents any opposing player from reaching base at all, meaning no hits, no walks, and no errors by their own team.

So, when you see "0-0-0" on the scoreboard, it means the team has had no runs, no hits, and no errors. It's a great sign for the pitching team!

What is a Zinger?

A "zinger" is a baseball term for a ball that is hit very hard and fast. It usually travels in a straight line, close to the ground, and is tough for fielders to catch.

  • Imagine a batter hitting the ball so hard it flies like a rocket! That's a zinger.
  • These hits are often base hits because they are so difficult to stop.

What Does Zip Mean in Baseball?

When someone talks about a pitcher having "zip" on the ball, they are talking about how fast and powerful their pitch is.

  • A pitcher with a great fastball is said to have a lot of zip.
  • It means the ball is traveling at a very high speed, making it hard for batters to hit.

Understanding the Zone in Baseball

The word "zone" in baseball can mean two different things:

  • The Strike Zone: This is an imaginary box over home plate. If a pitcher throws the ball through this box, it's called a strike. The umpire decides if the ball is in the strike zone.
  • "In the Zone": This phrase describes a player, especially a pitcher, who is performing incredibly well. When a pitcher is "in the zone," they are focused, throwing pitches exactly where they want them, and getting batters out easily. They feel like they can't make a mistake!



See also

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