Glossary of baseball (H) facts for kids
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:
- When a manager walks to the mound to take a Glossary of baseball (P)#pitcher out of the game, they are said to be carrying a "hook."
- A pitcher is "on the hook" when they leave the game with their team losing because of runs they gave up. They might end up being "hung with the loss."
- A "hook" can also be another name for a Glossary of baseball (C)#curveball.
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 for kids
-
Jake Bauers (right) holding Yandy Díaz on at first base
.jpg)
