Glossary of baseball (B) facts for kids
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
- A "blooper" is a softly hit Glossary of baseball (F)#fly ball that falls between an Glossary of baseball (I)#infielder and an Glossary of baseball (O)#outfielder for a Glossary of baseball (S)#single. It's also called a "bloop single."
- It can also mean a fielding error or an odd, funny play.
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.
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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 for kids
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Kevin Pillar (right) beats out a throw to first base.
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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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