Glossary of baseball (S) facts for kids
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.
