Glossary of baseball (Y) facts for kids

Baseball has many unique words and phrases that players and fans use. This article explains some of these terms that start with the letter "Y." Understanding these words can help you better enjoy and understand the game!

Baseball Terms Starting with Y

What is a Yacker or Yakker?

A yacker or yakker is a type of curveball in baseball. It's known for having a very big, sharp drop or "break" as it approaches the batter. Imagine a ball that looks like it's going straight, then suddenly dips down quickly. This makes it very hard for a batter to hit!

What Does it Mean to Yank a Ball?

When a batter yanks a ball, it means they hit it very hard and pull it down one of the foul lines. A "foul line" is one of the two lines that stretch from home plate to the outfield, marking the edges of the field where the ball must stay to be fair. If a player "yanks" a ball, they usually hit it with a lot of power. For example, a player might "yank a double just inside the third-base bag," meaning they hit a hard line drive that landed just inside the line near third base, allowing them to reach second base.

Understanding "The Yard" in Baseball

In baseball, "the yard" is another name for the baseball field itself. It's a casual way to refer to where the game is played.

• Left the yard: When a player hits a home run, people often say the ball "left the yard." This means the ball was hit so far that it went out of the playing field.
• Went yard: This phrase means the same thing as "left the yard." If a player "went yard," they hit a home run.
• Doing yardwork: This fun phrase describes a player who is hitting many home runs or showing a lot of power at the plate. It's like they are "working" the field by hitting powerful shots.

What is a Yellow Hammer?

A yellow hammer is another term for a curveball that has a very sharp and sudden drop. It's similar to a yacker. This name comes from a type of bird called a yellowhammer, which is known for diving very steeply when it catches its prey. The way the bird dives looks a lot like how this type of curveball drops sharply.

What are the Yips?

The yips describe a problem where a player, most often a pitcher, suddenly loses control over where their throws go. It's not a physical injury, but more like a mental block that makes it hard to throw accurately. For example, the famous baseball player Rick Ankiel was a pitcher who developed the yips. Because he struggled with controlling his throws, he eventually changed his position and became an outfielder instead.