Glossary of baseball (Z) facts for kids
Baseball is a sport full of unique words and phrases! This article will help you understand some of the terms that start with the letter 'Z'.
Baseball Terms Starting with Z
What are Zeroes in Baseball?
In baseball, "zeroes" is a fun way to talk about a game where one team doesn't get any hits, runs, or errors. This is often seen on the scoreboard as "0-0-0".
- No-hitter: When a pitcher (or pitchers) prevents the other team from getting any hits during the entire game.
- Perfect game: This is even rarer! It's when a pitcher prevents any opposing player from reaching base at all, meaning no hits, no walks, and no errors by their own team.
So, when you see "0-0-0" on the scoreboard, it means the team has had no runs, no hits, and no errors. It's a great sign for the pitching team!
What is a Zinger?
A "zinger" is a baseball term for a ball that is hit very hard and fast. It usually travels in a straight line, close to the ground, and is tough for fielders to catch.
- Imagine a batter hitting the ball so hard it flies like a rocket! That's a zinger.
- These hits are often base hits because they are so difficult to stop.
What Does Zip Mean in Baseball?
When someone talks about a pitcher having "zip" on the ball, they are talking about how fast and powerful their pitch is.
- A pitcher with a great fastball is said to have a lot of zip.
- It means the ball is traveling at a very high speed, making it hard for batters to hit.
Understanding the Zone in Baseball
The word "zone" in baseball can mean two different things:
- The Strike Zone: This is an imaginary box over home plate. If a pitcher throws the ball through this box, it's called a strike. The umpire decides if the ball is in the strike zone.
- "In the Zone": This phrase describes a player, especially a pitcher, who is performing incredibly well. When a pitcher is "in the zone," they are focused, throwing pitches exactly where they want them, and getting batters out easily. They feel like they can't make a mistake!
