On the bump: This phrase is used when talking about a pitcher on the pitcher’s mound. There have been quite a few different terms used over the years to describe different plays or actions when it comes to fielding in baseball, some of which can be somewhat confusing when first hearing them. That's true in engineering, science, literature studies, plumbing, highway construction, etc. Bonus baseball: When a baseball game goes to extra innings; past 9 innings of play. Mendoza line: A batting average around .200, named after former Major Leaguer Mario Mendoza, who posted a .215 career average. “Left field is a short porch!”. Confused about what those broadcasters are referring to on Sunday Night Baseball? Or, when a team wins both games in a double-header. 4 hitter in a batting order, who conceivably has a lot of opportunities to hit with men on base. Lay out: When a fielder dives to make a play on a batted ball. Drop a bunt down: When a batter stays in his batting stance until the last possible second before the ball gets to the plate, then quickly bunts the ball in the attempt to bunt for a base hit. When the ball is a foul tip. Stretch: The stretch is a simpler, more compact pitching position. Curious to know why doctoring a baseball requires no Ph.D? Barrel it up: Refers to the action of hitting a pitch hard with the sweet spot of the baseball bat. A. Also see Curtain call: As in theater, when a player’s performance causes such excitement from the audience that he returns from the dugout to tip his cap or wave. Best Baseball Terms . These are probably the most commonly known terms, but we thought we would highlight them for someone who may be new to the game. Usually a power hitter. Shoestring catch: A running catch made near a fielder’s feet. “This pitcher is throwing gas.”. Position player: Any baseball player on the field but the pitcher. Crooked number: A team’s inning run total greater than zero or one. Well, we’ve put together this extensive list of some commonly used baseball terms and jargon you may come across when watching a baseball game or talking with a player, coach or baseball fan! Offspeed pitch: Any pitch thrown at a slower speed than a fastball. Pop Time: On a pickoff attempt by a catcher, the time it takes from the pitch hitting the catcher's mitt to the time it reaches the infielder's glove (usually around 2 seconds). This is not a definitive list of definitions and will be updated frequently. Hanger: A poorly placed off-speed pitch that seems to just hang in the air, usually right down the middle of the strike zone, that can be easily hit by the batter. making out) 2nd base (double) is the use of hands on or in the "privates" (ex. The following list is a good reference to help you understand the meaning of all the slang terms used during sporting events and in the post-game analysis. Circus catch: An outstanding catch by a fielder. Therefore, we have defined these terms for you to hopefully make them a little easier to understand or use for yourself! Thought I would share some slang words and phrases for baseball. Donut: Circular weight attached to the bat and used in warm-up. It's hit by a coach using a fungo bat, which is longer and thinner than a normal bat. So what follows is a list of words and phrases you might hear at a game or on a broadcast that are specific to this sport. Bandbox: A small ballpark that is beneficial to hitters. Clear the bases: When a batter drives home/scores all runners on base. Hole in their glove: Used to describe dropping fly balls or misplaying ground balls, usually after they hit (and seem to go through) the fielder’s glove. Baseball Terms, Glossary of baseball terms and definitions, Baseball Terms / Baseball Terminology; assist; at bat; athlete; ball; base; baseball; baserunning; bases loaded; bat; batboy; batter; batting team; bullpen; bunt; card; catch; catcher; center field; center fielder . We hope you have enjoyed reading through this list of commonly used baseball terms and phrases. Junk: Pitches thrown with low velocity but lots of movement. Typically done on pitches that are slightly outside the strike zone and may be questionable for the umpire to call a strike. Fungo: A ball hit to a fielder during practice. Sometimes called “free baseball.”. Usually a result of an argument between player/coach and an umpire. Glove: the glove fielders (except for the first baseman and catcher) wear on their non; Going Around : the umpire ruling that a hitter has failed to check his swing and a strike should be called. For the pitcher: vice versa. Meatball: When a pitcher is throwing pitches that are extremely easy to hit. Next time you are watching a game, dazzle your friends with some new baseball lingo. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Ultimate grand slam: A game-ending grand slam hit when the hitter’s team is down by exactly three runs in the final inning of play. Hitting a ball here will produce the most solid contact possible. Gas: A high-velocity fastball. Caught looking: A term used when the third strike is called on a batter without the batter trying to swing at the ball. Choke up: When a batter grips the bat handle higher to achieve greater control. Left on base: A baserunner is said to be left on base or stranded when the half-inning ends, and he has not scored or been put out. Slang Term Meaning Votes; BF: Batters faced: 550 138 88: HR: Home run: 589 11 0: Clutch: … Live on the corners: A pitcher is said to “live on the corners” when they are consistently making pitches on the outside or inside corners of home plate. Also known as "up and in.". The distance between each base is 90 feet. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Banjo hitter: A hitter who notches a lot of bloop hits without hard contact. “Being in the bigs.”. The show: A nickname for Major League Baseball. Ace – A team’s best pitcher who starts the game. Uncle Charlie: A term sometimes used for a curveball. Leather: The glove. Sweet spot: A location on the barrel of the bat that is perfect for the batter to hit a ball on. Commonly described as “above the knees and below the letters” (letters on the front of the batter’s jersey). Payoff pitch: A pitch thrown with a full count. Green light: When a hitter is given the go-ahead to swing in a 3-0 count or a runner is given the go-ahead to try to steal a base. Runners at the corners: Term used when base runners are on first and third base. The pitcher is not to try and trick the base runners with illegal motions. The Official Site of Major League Baseball. Slump: An extended period when a player or team is not performing well. Golfing: Swinging at an obviously low pitch, particularly one in the dirt. Baseball Slang - There are TONS of terms, lingo and jargon that you'll hear during a baseball game that would make absolutely no sense unless you grew up with the game or had done your homework. Infield fly rule: The umpire calls the batter out when (a) there are less than two outs in the inning, and (b) the batter hits a fly ball that can be caught by an infielder in fair territory, and (c) there are runners on first and second or the bases are loaded. When it comes to base running, many of these terms are used mainly when discussing what happened during an earlier inning or what is happening in the current inning. Around the horn: The act of infielders’ throwing the ball to each other after recording an out (if there are no runners on base). Catbird seat: When a team is in a desirable situation in a game. James has tried to formalize its meaning for statistical analysis: a run is "a manufactured run if it is at least one-half created by the offense doing something other than playing station-to-station baseball." Golden sombrero: When a player strikes out four times in a … These can be used when talking about certain statistics, situations or actions a hitter may experience while batting in a baseball game. Turn two: To execute a double play. Also known as a “versatile player.”. A batter can also be said to rifle a … Sort By Section Sort By Alphabetical Aboard Ace American League Championship Series (ALCS) American League Division Series (ALDS) Around The Horn At-Bat Ate … This is a category of articles on terms used in baseball, with sub-categories for statistics, pitching terminology, and field positions. “This pitcher is really painting the black.”. Blue: A term commonly used by players to address an umpire, referring to the typical dark blue color of the umpire’s uniform. Rake: A term used to describe a player who hits well to all parts of the field. Ground ball: A baseball that is hit on the ground. Find more ways to say baseball player, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. Find a hole: To get a base hit by hitting the ball between infielders. Brushback: A pitch that nearly hits a batter. champion; club; clutch hitter; curveball; deck; defense; diamond; double header; equipment; farm team; fastball; field; fielder This is typically what the closer (closing pitcher) is brought into the game for. Again, these can be used when discussing certain actions, plays or statistics you may encounter as a pitcher. Hence, Rhubarb, a novel by H. Allen Smith. Everything from alleys to Uncle Charlie’s, bazookas to whiffs and more will be covered with this comprehensive A-Z baseball guide to our national pastime’s terms, lingo and slang. Typically, a curveball or changeup of some variation. Shot: Another name for a home run or hard-hit ball. Fastball: The most commonly thrown pitch in baseball, it is a pitch that is meant to be thrown very fast. Intentional walk: When the defending team elects to walk a batter on purpose, putting him on first base instead of letting him try to hit. Submarine: A pitcher who throws with a severe sidearm motion, making the pitch appear to come from below the waist or even right off the ground, is said to throw “submarine.”, Take the hill: When a pitcher steps on the mound they are said to “take the hill.”. Set-up pitcher: A relief pitcher who is consistently used immediately before the closer. Fly ball: A baseball that is hit high into the air. This gives the base runner a head start. Baseball Glossary. Bases loaded: Runners on first, second, and third base. The pitch is considered not cleanly caught if the ball touches the dirt before being caught, or if the ball is dropped immediately after being caught. Have you ever been watching a baseball game and overheard some words or phrases that you didn’t understand? Force play: A play in which a runner must advance when a ball is hit, thereby allowing a fielder to put the runner out by touching the approached base before the runner gets there. Ace: The team’s best starting pitcher. Back to Sports Back to Baseball Baseball Rules Player Positions Baseball Strategy Baseball Glossary. Tossed: When a player or coach is ejected from the game by an umpire, they are said to have been “tossed” out of the game. Tied up: When a batter gets a pitch in on the hands making it impossible for them to swing, they are said to have gotten “tied up.”. (Or when we get a chance.) Cutoff man: A fielder who takes the incoming throw from an outfielder after a hit. Excuse-me swing: When a batter inadvertently makes contact with a checked swing. “That was a shot!”. After reading this, you’ll be able to talk baseball with the best of them! Youth Big Barrel & Senior League Baseball Bats, Youth & Little League Composite Baseball Bats, Youth Infield and Outfield Baseball Gloves, Slowpitch Softball Gloves for Men & Women, Baseball Protective: Elbow, Leg & Arm Guards, Fastpitch Softball Catcher's Helmets & Masks, Baseball & Softball Batting Practice Equipment, Baseball Equipment Pro Tips & Equipment Guides. Flashing the leather: When a fielder makes a great play. Also called a “reliever.”. Get educated here as we define them all! Golden sombrero: When a player strikes out four times in one game. Chin music: A pitch that is thrown high and inside on a batter in attempt to back them up off the plate. Nubber: A batted ball off the end of the bat that does not travel very far. Baseball Glossary and Terms. Outfielder: A player whose position is either left field, center field, or right field. Slang for a run batted in (RBI). This is where a hitter mainly prefers a pitch to be thrown in the strike zone. A cannon, a bazooka, a gun. Bang-bang play: A play in which the baserunner hits the bag a split-second before or after the ball arrives. Seeing-eye single: A soft ground ball that finds its way between fielders for a base hit. They won’t be statistics or scenarios, just common terms used for certain areas on a baseball field that someone hearing them for the first time may be confused by. Painting the black: When a pitcher throws the ball over the edge of the plate. ribbie, ribeye. “That pitch was right in my wheelhouse!”, Yiketty: Another term for a home run, made famous by Chipper Jones. Bag: A base. Relief pitcher: A pitcher who comes in the game to relieve the starting pitcher when they become tired, suffer an injury or are letting up too many hits/runs. Error: A mistake in fielding the baseball by the defense that allows a batter to reach base or a base runner to advance. Commonly used in the National League when it is the pitchers turn to bat. Meatball: An easy pitch to hit, usually right down the middle of the plate. Bad-ball hitter: A batter adept at hitting pitches outside the strike zone. Beanball: A pitch that hits a batter in the head. Basket catch: When a fielder catches a ball with his glove near his belt. Blistered: A ball that is hit extremely hard. Dead-red: When a batter is waiting on or expecting a fastball to be thrown. Baseball Phrases for our national pastime. Ducks on the pond: When two or three players are on base. Learn these basketball slang terms if you want to sound like a b-ball pro. Corked bat: A bat in which cork (or possibly rubber or some other elastic material) has been inserted into the core of the wooden barrel. Warning track power: When a hitter doesn’t have enough power to hit the ball over the wall. Dugout: Holding area for … Strike out: The throwing of three strikes in one plate appearance. Windup: The windup involves a longer motion than the stretch. Long strike: A long foul ball that is usually close to being fair, and typically, would result in a home run if it were fair. Throw ’em a chair: Most commonly used when cheering on a pitcher to strike out a batter, due to the batter going back to the dugout to sit down after striking out. Also called a “bloop single.”. Baseball is considered to be an american invention but historical records suggest that games involving bats, balls, bases, and running around bases have been played in england (rounders) and also in asia, (cricket). A huge collection of baseball sayings, phrases, slogans, mottos and quotes that won’t leave you stranded at third. Glossary of Baseball Lingo, Slang & Terms. Also called a “pop fly.”. The batter might do this to advance another base runner. Strike zone: The area above home plate where strikes are called. It is intended to help fielders get a feel of how close they are to the fence. Single: When a player hits the ball safely in fair play, and only gets to first base. Drive - Offense ball handler strategy to quickly beat the defender to the basket with the ball, Russel Westbrooks go-to strategy. The stretch is most commonly used when there are base runners on first or second base. There are several baseball slang terms used to describe the pitch they play on. Sometimes used in conjunction with Yak. Closer: A relief pitcher (closing pitcher) who is consistently used to “close” or finish a game by getting the final outs. The most common ways batters or runners are put out are by strikeouts, fly outs, tag outs, and force outs; however, there are many, somewhat rarer, ways an out can occur. Web gem: Literally refers to the webbing of a fielder’s glove. Hit and run: A baseball play where the base runner begins to run when the pitch is released. We define them all here! Baseball writers in times past were often judged by how well they could sling jargon, and that became a type of slang.Ex-ballplayer Ping Bodie, in his later days, liked to ham it up for fans who remembered him, spouting things like "Give me the mace and I'll drive the pumpkin down Whitey Ford's throat." “Hey, let’s turn two here!”. Baseball has its own rhythm, its own rules, its own specific appeal to our senses and sensibilities. Bottom of the inning: The second half or “last half” of an inning, during which the home team bats, derived from its position in the line score. Table setter: A batter whose job is to get on base for others to drive him in. When the term made its way to the States, the meaning shifted to signify that you’re in a little bit of trouble. Bat flip: An action typically done by a batter to show off after hitting a home run. List of Common Terms in Baseball. “That player has a hose!” “That runner was hosed at third base!”. Also called a save opportunity. Infielder: A player whose position is either first base, second base, third base, or shortstop. 1-2-3 inning: An inning in which a pitcher faces only three batters, none of whom successfully reach base. In each half, one team bats until three outs are made. Upper decker: A home run that lands in a stadiums upper deck of seating is referred to as “an upper deck home run” or “upper decker.”, Warning track power: What a batter hits a fly ball that is either caught on the warning track or lands just on the warning track just shy of a home run, they are said to have “warning track power.”, Wheelhouse: A hitter’s power zone is usually called their “wheelhouse”. Pea: A batted or thrown ball traveling at high speed. If the catcher thwarts the stolen base by throwing the runner out, the event is recorded as caught stealing (CS). Can of corn: A fly ball hit to a player, typically in the outfield, that is very easy for the player to catch; usually without moving at all. It's hit by a coach using a fungo bat, which is longer and thinner than a normal bat. Seventh-inning stretch: The period between the top and bottom of the seventh inning, when the fans present traditionally stand up to stretch their legs. If you have a glossary suggestion, submit it in our Fantasy Baseball Forums. Fungo bat: A lightweight bat with a long, skinny barrel used by coaches to hit ground balls or fly balls during practice. Cut-off man: An infielder that “cuts off” a long throw from the outfield to an important target in the infield. Around the horn – A double play which moves from the third base to the second then the first. From ace to yakker, a glossary of baseball slang. Baltimore chop: A ground ball that hits in front of or off of home plate and hops over the infielder's head. Pitch around: When the pitcher does not throw the batter a pitch near the plate to walk the batter without intentionally walking them. Runners in scoring position: When there is a baserunner at second and/or third base, capable of scoring on a single. In my field of research there's a lot of technical jargon that I would not call slang. Balk: An illegal motion by the pitcher with one or more runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one base. When a ball is bunted foul, regardless of the strike count. Hose(d): A strong throwing arm. Hard 90: Running hard to first base out of the batter’s box. Punch and Judy hitter: A hitter with no power. Slugger: A player who commonly hits with great power. Dead-red: When a batter is waiting on or expecting a fastball to be thrown. Ugly finder: A hard hit ball which hits or nearly hits someone, especially a line drive foul ball hit into a dugout. Now get out there and start talking some baseball! Count: The number of balls and strikes on a batter. Bleeder: A weakly hit ground ball that goes for a base hit. Batter’s box: A rectangle on either side of home plate in which the batter must be standing for fair play to resume. Alley: The areas of the outfield between the outfielders. “Yiketty Yak.”. There are different variations of fastballs. Most commonly used when it comes to hitting; if a batter does not get a hit in X amount of games, that batter would be in slump. Bad hop: When a groundball unexpectedly makes a strange jump. Bigs: Another term for being in the Major Leagues. Warning track: The dirt area that borders the fences of a baseball field, usually in the outfield, that is used to help prevent fielders from running in to the fence at full speed. Pine tar: A sticky substance most commonly used by batters to improve their grip on the bat. The pitch must be over home plate, above the batter’s knees, and below the middle of the torso. When a batter gets 3 strikes on them, they are out. Cycle: When a batter hits a single, double, triple and homer in the same game. There are different variations of breaking balls. Breaking ball: A pitch thrown with movement, usually sideways or downward. “Lay out for it!”. Behind in the count: For the batter: when the count contains more strikes than balls. Switch-hitter: A player who can hit from both sides of the plate; left-handed and right-handed. An argument or fight in a baseball game. There are a huge number of terms and phrases used in baseball to describe different aspects of the game. handjobs) 3rd base (triple) is the use of mouths on the "privates" (ex. There are different variants of changeups. As a rule, players get a lot of freedom when choosing which gear to use. Frame: Half of an inning, either top or bottom. Pinch hitter: A substitute batter. This is a list of common baseball lingo and jargon terms. Ace: The best starting pitcher on the team, who is usually first on a pitching rotation. Also used as a verb, "He rifled the ball home to catch the runner." And with all of that comes its own language, its own grand and goofy glossary of phrases that, for the unindoctrinated, might sound like total gibberish. This normally retires the batter and counts as one out. Collar: When a hitter goes hitless in a game, he is said to have taken the “collar.”. Gap: Same as "alley." To start things off we will look at some commonly used terms when it comes to batting. In baseball statistics, stolen bases are denoted by SB. Slurve: A pitch that is a cross between a slider and a curveball. Baseball Monkey™ and Baseballmonkey.com™ are operated by and are trademarks of MonkeySports, Inc. Unfortunately there are just so many new terms used that it is almost impossible to keep up with all the lingo,slang or jargon around our world of baseball but for many of us with an interest about the game we must try! Bonus Baby: A young player who received a large signing bonus when he became a pro. Balk: Any pitching motion that is against the baseball rules, resulting in any runners on base advancing one base. Seen in the scorebook as “K.”. Changeup: A slow pitch that is meant to look much faster. Read his columns and follow him on Twitter at @Castrovince. By Dave Michaels April 19, 2017 November 23rd, 2018 No Comments. Locked up: When a batter gets a pitch in on the hands making it impossible for them to swing in an effective matter or at all, they are said to have gotten “locked up.”. When the ball is hit foul, and the strike count is less than 2 (a batter cannot strike out on a foul ball, however he can fly out in foul territory). “On the bump tonight is [insert pitcher’s name here].”, Paint the black: This refers to a pitcher throwing strikes that cross the zone just on the edge of the literal black border of home plate. Southpaw: A left-hand thrower; typically, used to describe a pitcher. If you’re new, or old with a bad memory, then this might be a helpful list of some frequently used terms. Also called a “three up, three down” inning. Double: When a batter hits the ball safely in fair play and gets to second base.