Glossary of baseball (N) facts for kids
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 man's land can be an area in the outfield. It's between the infielders and outfielders. A fly ball hit here can drop for a hit. This is sometimes called a Texas Leaguer.
- A Glossary of baseball (B)#baserunner caught in a Glossary of baseball (P)#pickle is also in "no man's land." They are stuck between bases.
- It can also mean the front row of seats where a fielder can reach for a ball. If a fan touches the ball here, it's not interference.
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.
