Glossary of baseball (C) facts for kids
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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 for kids
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Joey Votto chokes up on the bat during a 2015 game
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