Baseball Lingo

[Jersey Yankee]

This is an edited list I'd compiled earlier, which includes a list from Dickson's Baseball Dictionary:

Numbers

"1-2-3 inning":
Top or bottom half of an inning in which the first three (3) batters are retired in successive order, with no one getting on base.

"12 to 6":
A curveball which drops from very high to very low (from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock position). Same as the "bottom fell out".

"1st batter faced":
A figurative measuring tools used for relief pitchers, that shows how well they perform against the first batter. Instances such as a walk, 3-pitch strikeout, "battle", etc., is indicative of their performance against other batters to be faced in that appearance.

"1st pitch strike":
A performance indicator that if a pitcher throws a called strike as his first pitch, he has confidence and can continue throwing strikes, getting the basehitters out.

"27 up, 27 down":
When 27 batters in a row are retired by a single pitcher in a 9-inning game, none of whom get safely to 1B (see "Perfect game").

"2XL":
A 2-run home run, as said on ESPN's Baseball Tonight.

"3 up, 3 down":
An inning in which three (3) batters are retired in successive order. See "1-2-3 inning".

"3/4 delivery":
Pitcher's delivery, as seen from 2B, thrown from a 10 o'clock or 10:30 upper arm position on a LHP, or a 1 o'clock or 1:30 upper arm position on a RHP.

"30-30 Club":
A player who has at least 30 home runs and 30 steals in a single season.

"3B coach signs":
(a) "Go" sign:
(i) A quickly spinning, roundhouse, windmill motion with one or both arms going from front, to top to back, bottom and front again;
(1) Indicates that the runner should take an additional base, usually going not just from 2B to 3B, but to tag home plate;
(ii) A pointing, outstretched arm, usually when the runner is already well aware that he's going home;
(b) "Get down" sign:
(i) Both hands facing down, arms waving downward;
(1) When the coach wants the runner to slide;
(c) "You ran through my sign" sign
(i) Puts his hand up to his head, shaking it from side to side
(d) "Slide" sign:
(i) Holds both hands out, wide apart with palms down;
(e) "Stand up" sign:
(i) Hold both hands out wide apart with palms up.

"3XL":
A 3-run home run, as said on ESPN's Baseball Tonight.

"40-40 Club":
A player who has at least 40 home runs and 40 steals in a single season.

"4XL":
A grand slam, as said on ESPN's Baseball Tonight.

"5-run HR":
When a hitter tries extremely hard to hit a ball out of the park, often swinging futilely. This is often done by hitters who haven't been offensively productive or they think need to be the hero by getting a game-winning HR.

"5-tool player":
(a) Any position player who excels in each of the following:
(1) hitting; (2) hitting with power; (3) running; (4) throwing; (5) fielding. An excellent example would be the "Say Hey Kid", Willie Mays (<-- please see two (2) links to his HOF writeup and his baseball career).
(b) Any pitcher who excels in each of: (1) fastball velocity; (2) breaking ball; (3) off-speed pitch; (4) control; and (5) delivery.

"6-4-3":
Common name for the most popular type of double play: from SS to 2B to 1B.

"7th Inning stretch":
The seventh inning stretch is a time honored baseball custom in which the fans ritualistically stand and stretch before their team comes to bat in the seventh inning. This is done not only to relieve muscles that have begun to stiffen, but also to bring luck to one's team (perhaps from the association of the #7 with good luck). Please see this link for a fuller explanation. After the tragic events of 9/11/2001, it has become commonplace to use this time to pay respects to those no longer amongst us from that day, both for the fallen and the rescue workers.

A

"AAA or AA":
A very underperforming MLB team like the Tampa Bay "AAA's" or the Expos.

"ABC Baseball":
Moving the runners along. Not done with big home runs or triples, but with RBI singles, doubles, sac flies, bunts or sac bunts, etc., with the intention being to advance and scoring runners with at bats from different players before getting the 3rd out in the inning.

"Aboard":
On base. When a team has a man on base, it is said to have a man aboard.

"Admire a HR":
When a hitter slugs a ball they presume to be a home run and instead of running full-speed towards 1B, slow down to watch the path of the ball over the OF fence.

"Advance(ing) the runner(s)":
When a hitter tries to get his team's baserunner(s) to a higher base(s), such as with a base hit, bunt or with a "sacrifice" play (see definition, below). Not done with an RBI, which is considered "scoring" the baserunner(s).

"Airball":
When a hitter swings and misses.

"Alley":
(a) The space between LF and CF (LCF);
(b) The space between CF and RF (RCF).

"Answer back":
When a team scores runs after an opposing team has also scored runs.

"Appearance":
When a relief pitcher comes into the game, including his overall appearance thereof. Similar to "Outing" for a starting pitcher.

"Around The Horn":
A double play completed from the third baseman to the second baseman to the first baseman. The expression originated from the fact that it is the longest way to make an infield double play.

"Asleep" or "Asleep at the Wheel":
When an unalert runner gets picked off a base by the pitcher or gets thrown out by the catcher when taking a lead off the base.

"At 'em ball":
A ball hit right at a defensive player.

"At the crack of the bat":
A player's reaction upon hearing the bat hit the ball for a base hit:
(a) a fielder positioning himself to best catch a fly ball or glove a bounced ball;
(b) a baserunner's charging for the next base, including home plate, as soon as the ball is hit, rather than waiting to see that the fielder doesn't have a play on the hitter. This differs from "hit-and-run", in that the runner doesn't presume the ball will be hit before it arrives at the plate.

B

"Back pages":
A sports term, meaning the back cover headlines and other sports pages of the two NYC tabloids, the NY Daily News and the NY Post, for whose attention many NY area pro sports teams fight for.

"Back-to-back jacks":
Two (2) home runs hit by two (2) hitters in successive order by the same team in the same inning.

"Backstop":
The catcher. Also, a screened structure behind home plate to stop foul balls from going into the stands.

"Backswing":
When a hitter's swing goes around, possibly hitting the catcher.

"Bail out":
When a pitcher allows earned runs, but then either gets a no-decision (with game tied or lead taken by his team after he's been removed) or a win, both due to high run support.

"Ball Hawk":
An outfielder, especially one who is very fast and good at chasing down foul balls and catching them.

"Balanced schedule":
When a team does not play more games against teams in their own division than those teams in other divisions.

"Bang-bang play":
A play in which the base runner hits the bag a split-second before the ball arrives or vice versa.

"Barn up, barn up":
A saying from the early 40's, often called out by the manager and the players whenever the pitcher wasn't doing very well, meaning to do better.

"Basement Bertha":
A last place team, named after the character of the same name, the ever-lovable, full-figured sports fanatic who often waved multiple NYC sports teams' banners, and whose sidekick was Yuchie, as published in the NY Daily News since the 1960s, as drawn by baseball historian, sports cartoonist, portraitist and sportswriter, Bill Gallo.

"Bases loaded", "Bases drunk" or "Bases juiced":
When there are baserunners on each of 1B, 2B and 3B.

"Bat Around":
When all nine (9) players in the batting order come up to bat in a single inning. If a player is pinch-hit for, this isn't a factor, so long as the person in his place in the lineup came up to bat that inning.

"Battery":
The pitcher and the catcher.

"Battle":
When a hitter forces a hitter to throw numerous pitches in a single plate appearance, many of which he fouls off to avoid strike three. If a basehit, the hitter wins the battle; if an out, the pitcher has won the battle. Of used to force an effective pitcher to throw many pitchers, so as to get to the bullpen earlier.

"Bazooka":
Strong throwing arm. "He's got a bazooka.''

"Beanball":
Headhunt, or a pitch thrown at the head of the hitter.

"Beat out the throw":
When a hitter runs as quickly as possible to 1B, beating the IFer's throw to 1Bman.

"Belly-to-belly":
Please see "back-to-back jacks".

"Bench" or "Bench players":
Fill-in position players when the starting players are injured, resting, or there is a need for another player. Bench players are generally "utility players" performing various duties, and some are very speed, in case they're asked to pinch-run.

"Big dance":
World Series.

"Big game pitcher":
A pitcher, especially one who has a very high win percentage in the postseason, and usually exhibits calmness under great pressure, pitching very effectively throughout the game, even with RISP and facing very difficult and powerful hitters.

"Big show":
The major leagues.

"Birthday HR":
A homerun hit on one's birthday.

"Bleacher Creature":
Any fan in Sections 37, 39 and 41 of the boisterous, alcohol-free right field "bleachers" seats at NYC's Yankee Stadium.

"Bleachers":
Stands that got their names because they were uncovered, causing the occupants to bleach in the sun.

"Bleeder":
A lucky one base hit, sometimes called a scratch hit.

"Blooper" or "Cheap shot":
A ball not hit properly which barely drops past the IF for a basehit.

"Blue darter":
A hard hit, low line drive (A blue darter is a kind of falcon I think)

"Bobble":
A fielding error.

"Boom":
Used to indicate a HR.

"Boot":
Fielder's error.

"Bottom":
The second, or home team's half of the inning.

"Bottom fell/dropped out":
A description of a pitch which sinks rapidly right before it approaches the batter. See "12 to 6". Often said "the bottom fell out of that one pretty quickly" about the pitch.

"Box score":
A statistical and factual breakdown of the game, such as each batter's number of at bats, runs, hits, RBI, BB, SO, LOB and that season's BA. Depending upon the source, you may also find other information, such as names of HR hitters that game, who were the RISP, who made 2-out RBIs, who made DP (offensively and defensively), weather, including wind conditions, etc.

"Break the game open":
When a team gets key hits to gain or increase the lead, and in effect, puts the game almost "out of reach" for the opposing team to catch up.

"Break up the DP":
A hard slide and/or wayward limbs from 1B runner into 2Bman, so as to prevent an accurate throw to 1B for the DP.

"Bronx cheer":
Noise made when stuck out tongue flaps between lips.

"Brought it back":
When an outfielder steals a home run from a hitter, jumping to put the glove over the top of the fence, catching the ball and bringing it back onto the field.

"Brushback":
When a pitcher throws inside to prevent the batter from staying too far inside the home plate area.

"Bush" or "Bush league":
(a) any league below the majors;
(b) any unprofessional act by a ballplayer, manager or coach (regardless of the league) which is considered unbecoming or "cheap" in nature.

"Bust it out of the box":
When a hitter runs immediately and full-throttle to 1B upon hitting the ball, so as to get the base hit, rather than being thrown out.

C

"Cage":
Batting practice in a batting cage. A slumping player is said to need more time in the cage.

"Call off":
A call (ie, "I got it") made by a single fielder for catching a flyball, when two or more fielders are converging on a single spot, so that neither bumps into the other(s) and the ball is caught.

"Can of corn":
An easily caught fly ball. Comes from the early grocery stores when most of the time corn was on the top row. Employees would come over with a stick and knock it off the shelf and catch it -- easily. Thus the saying, can of corn on a lazy, easily caught fly ball.

"Cannon":
Please see "bazooka".

"Can't find the strike zone":
When a pitcher has thrown more or almost as many balls as strikes (usually less than ~60% strikes) in an at bat, inning or a game, and is generally unable to strike out any hitters.

"Career year":
The brightest, most notable and achievement-filled year in a player's career, both active and retired. This would be the one commented upon the most, both for HOF players and lesser-knowns. Popular examples would be Walter "Big Train" Johnson's 1913 season, Ted Williams' and Joe DiMaggio's 1941 season, Bob Gibson's 1968 season, and Barry Bonds' 2001 season. Other examples would be Denny McLain's 1968 season and Bret Boone's 2001 season.
(a) For position players, there will be an increase in any of HRs, RBIs, BA, OPS, as well as fewer Ks, as opposed to other years;
(b) For pitchers, there will be an increase in any of Ks, a higher WP (Win %age), a lower BB:SO ratio, a lower ERA, fewer hits allowed and more SHOs.

"Carom":
An action by the ball hit in fair territory, in that it bounces off the OF wall. Also used for such a ball hit off the OFF wall.

"Casey At The Bat":
The foremost ballad of baseball, written in 1888 by Ernest L. Thayer and made popular by De Wolf Hopper.

"Caught looking":
When a hitter strikes out without swinging at the last pitch, or "looking" at a called strike 3.

"Caught napping":
To surprise a less than alert baserunner who has a "lead", with the result that he is picked off or suddenly caught between bases.

"Chainsaw cutter":
A cut fastball which breaks bats.

"Challenge" or "Challenge the arm of":
When a baserunner tries taking an extra base, forcing the fielder (usually an outfielder) to attempt throwing him out, which challenges the arm strength and accuracy of the fielder.

"Chase":
When a hitter swings at a pitch well outside of the strike zone, often thrown to induce the batter to get an extra strike in the "count".

"Check the runner(s)":
(a) When a pitcher checks to see that the runners aren't runner before delivering the pitch, lessening the chance of either a "hit-and-run" or a stolen base.
(b) When a fielder checks a runner who does not have to run, such as a 2B runner when 1B is empty, to insure that he won't try advancing to another base on the throw.

"Check-swing":
When a hitter realizes he can't get a hit off a ball, then pulls back the bat before it reaches in front of him. If he "goes around" and misses the ball, it's a called strike. If he makes contact with the ball, all other rules apply to a contacted ball in a non-bunt situation, such as a foul tip, base hit, etc.

"Cheese":
Refers to a good fastball.

"Chin music":
A pitch thrown high and inside the plate, usually to "brushback" the hitter, sometimes used as a warning.

"Choke":
To fail in a critical situation, or let your emotions get the better of you.

"Choke up":
When a hitter puts the grip on the bat higher, so as to insure greater bat speed, due to an effectively shorter and "lighter" bat, and thus, quicker reaction time. Often used when a pitcher has a very fast "heater".

"Circus catch":
A spectacular catch, suggesting the moves of a circus acrobat.

"Cleanup":
The 4th hitter in a lineup, usually a power hitter, since he drives in runners from the "top of the lineup".

"Clinch":
When a division-leading team has won enough games that the second-place team cannot possibly win or tie the division, even if the winner loses all subsequent games and the second place team wins all subsequent games. This would mean the "magic number" would then be zero.

"Clutch":
A player who constantly comes through in tough spots.

"Collar":
Going through an entire game without getting a hit. A player is said to have gotten the collar (see "oh for").

"Comebacker":
A hard hit ball that goes straight back to the pitcher.

"Cookie":
An easy to hit pitch, usually in the middle of the strike zone. See "Meatball".

"Corner":
Fielding positions:
(a) OF -- LF or RF (ie, "corner outfielder(s)");
(b) IF -- 1B or 3B (ie, "runners at the corners").

"Couldn't get a handle on the ball":
When a fielder gloves a ball, but can't get it out of his glove to throw out a hitter or baserunner.

"Couldn't pitch his way out of a paper bag":
A snide comment that a pitcher either doesn't have good stuff overall or didn't have his good stuff on that particular day.

"Count":
Refers to pitching, as follows:
(a) Count: The number of balls and strikes a pitcher has against a batter. An "0-2" count means no balls, 2 strikes;
(b) Pitch count:
(1) The total number of pitches a pitcher has thrown in the game;
(2) The total number of pitches a pitcher has thrown so far, as in having thrown 85 pitches at the end of the 6th inning, but the game continues and the pitcher stays in said game;
(c) Full count: When a pitcher has 3 balls, 2 strikes on a batter;
(d) Ahead in the count: When a pitcher has more strikes against a hitter than balls, such as 1 ball, 2 strikes;
(e) Behind in the count: When a pitcher has more balls against a hitter than strikes, such as 3 balls, 1 strike.

"Courtesy trot ":
The half-hearted run an outfielder makes towards the "warning track to pursue an obvious home run. The purpose is to save face for the pitcher.

"Crackerjack":
Term used to describe a first-rate or spectacular player or team.

"Crank one out":
To hit a home run.

"Crowd(ing) the plate":
When a hitter stands very close to or leaning over home plate, thus preventing the pitcher from "pitching inside" of the plate.

"Cup of coffee":
A brief call-up from the minor leagues.

"Curtain call":
When a player briefly comes out of the dugout with a hand in the air, to acknowledge the call of the fans, usually after a home run or a game-winning base hit.

"Cutoff man":
The infielder who gloves or "cuts off" a throw to home plate to prevent a run from scoring, then throws the ball home, especially if the outfielder throwing the ball is either not strong-armed enough to throw home quickly enough and/or if the throw from the outfield is inaccurate. This will often be the 3Bman and/or SS, if the throw is from LF; SS and/or 2Bman, if from CF; 2Bman and/or 1Bman, if from RF.

"Cycle" or "Hitting for the Cycle":
When a batter hits a single, double, triple and home run in the same game.

D

"Dead arm":
When a pitcher's arm (shoulder, elbow, bicep, tricep, forearm, etc) is physically unable to continue pitching effectively in the rotation for the expected 6-7 innings per game.

"Deal":
As said by NYY radio announcer, John Sterling, when a pitcher pitches. ("And he deals...")

"Defensive Indifference":
Please see "Fielder's Indifference".

"Defensive replacement":
When an excellent fielder is inserted into a game, usually around the 8th or 9th inning, in order to protect a lead or to stop the opposing team from scoring if their team goes ahead. The defensive replacement is often the best fielder or the second best fielder at that position, even if he has offensive shortcomings.

"Defensive swing":
When a fielder fouls a ball off which he couldn't get a base hit on, as it would otherwise be a called strike.

"Deuce":
The curveball, usually signaled from a catcher to a pitcher by holding down two fingers.

"Dirtball":
Pitched ball which touches the ground before making contact with catcher's glove.

"Double switch":
Changing the pitcher when his turn in the batting order approaches, and replacing a position player at the same time, so as to improve the lineup offensively.

"Doubled off":
When a baserunner runs on a hit ball, but must quickly return back to his prior base, as the ball is caught on an fly, but he is "gunned down" between bases.

"Down The Alley":
A pitch through the middle of the strike zone, frequently an automatic strike (see "Meatball").

"Drive home" or "Drive in":
To get an RBI. Often used since RBIs are often referred to as the number of "runs driven in".

"Duck(s) on the pond":
Runner(s) on base.

"Ducksnort":
A cue shot/Texas leaguer

"Dust bowl":
A dusty field that has not been watered enough so that, at times players feel like they are actors in the film Lawrence of Arabia.

"Dying quail":
A batted ball that drops suddenly and unexpectedly, like a bird that has been shot on the wing.

E

"Earn his pinstripes":
A very gutsy, game-winning or game-saving performance from a Yankee, generally early in that player's Yankee career, as it practically sets the tone for their career. Often said that an excellent example of baseball skills and instinct is in the true Yankee tradition, which has to be earned, not just by wearing the Yankee uniform. Said performance can also be on a road game where the gray uniform is used, rather than pinstriped uniform.

"Easy out":
A hitter who generally poses no threat to the pitcher, and therefore usually bats 8th or 9th in the lineup, such as a pitcher in an NL park (no DH). Often said to be an easy out, since they are either not very "patient at the plate" (such as swinging at first pitch, which the pitcher can then purposely throw out of the strike zone), has a low batting average, or can reliably be induced to hit into a double play, grounding out, flying out, striking out, etc.

"Eat some innings":
When a pitcher can reliably pitch in several innings per outing/appearance, so as to give the bullpen some additional rest. If for a relief pitcher, the rest of the bullpen would be given rest.

"El Droppo":
An "eephus pitch", as thrown by Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez.

"Everyday":
When a player, such as a reliever or catcher, is used more frequently than most players in the same role. So called, since the player rarely gets much rest or days off.

"En fuego":
Directly translated from Spanish, "On fire", or a pitcher, position player or hitter who's playing exceptionally well at the moment.

"Excuse-me single":
A "checked-swing" which becomes a base hit.

"Eyeball the runner(s)":
Please see "Check the runner(s)".

F

"Fall Classic":
World Series.

"Fan":
To strike out swinging; to fan the breeze.

"Farm":
The various minor league affiliates of an MLB team. Please see this link or this link for further Minor League Baseball information.

"Farmhand":
A minor league player. A player who got called up from the "farm" would be an ex-farmhand.

"Fence buster":
A heavy hitter.

"Fielder's indifference":
When a baserunner attempts to steal a base but the fielder does not attempt the throw, resulting in the baserunner getting a "free" extra base.

"First pitch strike":
When the first pitch delivered by a pitcher to a batter is a looked at strike, which often determines whether the pitcher is strong that inning or not. If a first pitch ball, then questions arise of the pitcher's ability to throw strikes that inning.

"Fish":
Please see "Chase".

"Fisted":
Ball hit by a batter that was thrown "inside", on the bat's handle near the fist.

"Flop":
Overreactive acting when illegal body contact is made from an opposing baserunner, similar to what Dennis Rodman or Reggie Miller have done in NBA games. Often done to obviate that the player been hit, but the flopper pretends to be bowled over, run over or hit harder than they actually were hit, so as to get the offending player called out. Also done by hitters if they've been HBP, such as pretending to limp, so as to get on base.

"Foot In The Bucket":
A batting stance in which the front foot is withdrawn toward the foul line.

"Force the hand of":
A maneuver intended to force the opposing manager to make a countermove not in their favor":
(a) Offensive:
Substituting with a hitter who swings from the same side of the plate that pitcher throws from (ie, LH hitter vs LHP), to one who hits from the opposite side of the plate as the current pitcher throws (ie, LH hitter vs RHP or RH hitter vs LHP), so that the opposing manager is forced to go into the bullpen for a pitcher who throws from the same arm as the hitter swings from, giving the pitcher the advantage, based on the premise that a LH hitter will more likely hit better vs a RHP, not a LHP, and that a RH hitter will likely hit better vs a LHP, not a RHP:
(1) Pinch hitting a RH hitter for a LH hitter or a LH hitter for a RH hitter in that situation;
(2) Having a switch hitter change batting positions from the same side of the plate (righty or lefty) where the pitcher throws, to the opposite side;
(b) Defensive[:
When a manager whose team is in the field puts in a pitcher (usually, a LHP against a LH batter (please see "lefty specialist")), to either force the batter to hit at a disadvantage, or PH him for a RH batter, thus removing the batter from the game.

"Foul HR":
A foul ball hit high and deep enough that if fair, would have been a home run.

"Four bagger":
See "grand slam".

"Free pass":
Base on balls, or a walk.

"Friendly confines":
Descriptive of many home ballparks, but most often used to describe Wrigley Field.

"Frozen rope":
A hard-hit, straight line drive whose path resembles a clothes line.

G

"Gap":
The unmanned space a hit ball goes into, between:
(a) 1B and 2B;
(b) 2B and SS;
(c) SS and 3B;
(d) RF and CF (RCF);
(e) LF and CF (LCF).

"Gashouse Gang":
A nickname given to the St Louis Cardinals of the 30s because they were a collection of rowdy and daring players.

"Gem":
A very well-pitched ballgame, usually in which no more than two (2) earned runs are allowed, and usually no more than 5 hits, as well as few walks and hit batsmen.

"Get the runs back":
Rallying cry, often used when a team is behind in runs and wants to drive in runs to take the lead.

"Getting lit up like a Christmas tree":
Please see "Tatooed".

"Gift hit":
A "can of corn" that was supposed to be easily caught, yet either drops in between fielders or simply not caught by a fielder, for a basehit.

"Give/gave it a ride":
A ball hit hard to the "warning track", as if trying to hit a home run or a long sac fly.

"Give it all back":
When a pitcher allows the opponents to tie the game or take the lead, after his team had gotten a lead. Differs from "give it all back", in that the pitcher's team no longer has the lead, rather than just allowing a run(s).

"Give it right back":
When a team has scored runs, but
(a) their pitcher(s) then allow earned runs;
(b) sloppy defense has allowed runners to score.

"Glass arm":
A sore throwing or pitching arm.

"Go 9":
When a team is ready to play a 9-inning game to its fullest, playing all nine innings with strength.

"Go deep":
(a) To hit a home run;
(b) When a pitcher works "deeper" into the game, such as the 8th or 9th inning.

"Go down in order":
When a pitcher retires the side, aka, a "1-2-3 inning".

"Go platinum":
When a hitter makes his 5th strikeout in a game.

"Go yard":
Home run.

"Goes around":
When a runner has failed to check his swing, bringing the bat in front of the body, indicating an attempt to hit the ball.

"Good cheese":
Please see "Cheese".

"Good eye":
A statement given after a batter has drawn a walk, since he was discerning enough to not "chase" the pitch outside of the strike zone. Often said moreso on a full count (3 balls, 2 strikes), where a "called strike" would've meant a strikeout, so the hitter was thus very patient.

"Good morning, good afternoon and good night":
Three (3) consecutive strikes on one batter for a strikeout: strike 1=good morning; strike 2=good afternoon; strike 3=good night.

"Goose egg":
A zero on the scoreboard.

"Gopher ball":
A pitch destined to be hit for a home run; one that will "go for'' a home run.

"Grab some bench":
When a player makes an out, such as striking out, and thus has to return to the dugout.

"Grand slam", "Grand salami" or "Slam":
A bases-loaded 4-run home run.

"Grooved pitch":
Please see "meatball".

"Guess hitter":
Batter who tries to anticipate or out-guess the pitcher based on the situation at hand.

"Gun":
(a) Radar gun, used to track the speed of the pitches thrown;
(b) A position player's strong arm (also used in, ie, "He gunned him down very strongly").

"Gunned down":
(a) When a baserunner is caught stealing;
(b) When a hitter or baserunner is thrown out.

H

"Hacker":
A batter who regularly takes reckless swings at the plate, and often thusly has many strikeouts.

"Hang":
When a pitch's "movement" is expected to drop lower than it does before reaching the batter, but stays higher over the plate and is therefore hittable.

"Hat trick":
Three (3) strikeouts by a single pitcher of a single player in a game. Derived from an NHL term of the same name, meaning a 3-goal game from a single player.

"Heart of the lineup":
Best hitters on the team, usually the 1-4 hitters.

"Help his own cause":
When a pitcher gets a hit or an RBI. This is only done in an NL park, since AL parks use the DH rule.

"Hidden ball trick":
When an infielder has the ball in his hand or glove, then pretends that the pitcher has it, in hopes of luring the runner off the base. Once the baseruner takes a "lead", he either tags the runner out or fires the ball to the fielder where the runner is taking a lead from, for him to tag the runner out.

"High, fair and far":
Description of a hard hit home run.

"High and tight":
Please see "up and in".

"Hill":
Pitcher's mound. When a pitcher takes the mound, it's said that he is "on the hill".

"Hit and Run":
When a runner starts runner before the pitched ball reaches the hitter, with the expectation that a base hit will either allow an extra base, so as to either score or be at 3B, or to beat out a fielding play at the baserunner's next base.

""Hit 'em where they ain't''":
Rallying cry for batters through the decades since 1897, when Wee Willie Keeler hit .432. Asked how a man of his size could put together such an average, Keeler responded: "Simple. I keep my eyes clear and I hit 'em where they ain't.''

"Hit his weight":
Whether a hitter's BA is above or below his listed bodyweight. Usually said as "he can't hit his own weight", meaning he hits <.225 if he weighs 225 lbs, <.200 if he weighs 200 lbs, etc.

"Hit the cover off the ball":
When a slugger hits mammoth home runs and/or hits the ball for extra bases.

"Hit the other way":
When a LH batter hits to LF or a RH batter hits to RF.

"Hitch":
A flaw in a batter's swing.

"Hitting a buck and change":
When a hitter's BA is >.100 but <.200. If he's hitting, i.e., .175, it's called "hitting a buck, seventy-five", much the way a used car salesman will say an $1,800 car is priced at "a buck, eight hundred". Likewise, a .150 BA will be called "a buck, fifty".

"Home run":
A pitched ball hit over the outfield fence in fair territory. See also "Inside the park home run".

"Home field advantage":
When a team in postseason has more regular season wins than their opponent or is the division winner playing the Wild Card winner, and therefore plays the first two (2) games at their stadium, rather than at their opponent's stadium. In a best-of-5-game LDS, these would be the 1st, 2nd and 5th scheduled games. In a best-of-7-game LCS or WS, these would be the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th scheduled games.

"Home grown":
A player who has come up to the MLB through a team's minor league "farm" system:
(a) started with the team's minor league system;
(b) came via trade from another team's minor league system, but made their MLB debut from that team's "farm" system;
(c) came up to the MLB from a team's farm system, regardless of from which original team's minor league, and was acquired by another team, but has returned to the team from which he'd made his MLB debut.

"Homer":
(a) A baseball fan who:
(1) spends more time observing and criticizing another team than their own, ignoring their own team's failures;
(2) thinks more about their own team than about baseball itself (team first, baseball second).
(b) Home run.

"Hometown discount":
When a ballplayer re-signs with his team, but at a price below the going market rate for such a player, which market rate would've been charged had he signed with another team.

"Hook":
(a) Another name for a curve ball.
(b) What a manager does to a pitcher when he is in trouble, he comes out and gives him the hook (see "pull").

"Hot Dog":
Not the tube steak you put mustard on, but a player (such as Reggie Jackson) who is showing off for the fans or TV cameras.

"Hot stove league":
Term for the gab, gossip and debate that takes place during the winter months when baseball is idle.

I

"In the hole":
(a) When a hitter is behind in the count (such as an 0-2 count);
(b) A pitcher is in the hole when he is behind by at least two pitches (ie, a 3-1 count);
(c) When a ball is hit into an the "gap" between infielders.

"Inside the park home run":
A home run in which the hit ball has never left the park but the basehitter has run all the way to home plate safely. Can be considered like an extended triple.

J

"Jack":
Home run.

"Join the party":
When most players on a team have had hits, and a player(s) who hadn't had any hits, now gets one.

"Jump":
When a baserunner starts running before the pitch has reached the batter. Often seen as a point of comparison when a runner gets a steal, such as "He had a great jump and stole", or "He had a late jump and was caught stealing".

"Jump pass":
A midair throw for a putout. Thrown in the air since the bouncer was high in the air and there is no time to wait to plant the feet on the floor to get the speeding runner.

"Junk Man":
A pitcher who relies on off speed pitches and tricks instead of fast balls, such as low balls in the dirt.

K

"K":
Strikeout.

"Keystone":
Second base.

"Kicked upstairs":
A sports term, meaning a manager is relieved of his duties, but rather than being fired, is repositioned to the front office.

"Knock the sauce out of the meatball":
To crush a "meatball" pitch for a mammoth home run.

L

"Laser":
A line drive hit at a rapid rate of projection.

"Lead":
The amount of distance a runner is off the base which is legally theirs, usually to better beat out a throw if a base hit, or to better insure a steal.

"Leadoff" or "Leadoff hitter":
The first hitter in the lineup, usually someone with a good OBP and who can steal bases well.

"Leather on both ends":
When a fielder makes a difficult and excellent grab and a strong throw, however imperfect (midair, off balanced, behind the back, etc), and the receiving fielder makes a great out, such as spinning to tag the baserunner, jumping or stretching to reach the ball, scooping the ball up off the ground, etc.

"Lefty specialist":
A LHP working from the bullpen who's used primarily or exclusively against LH hitters, as they're highly successful in getting them out. Not considered general purpose relief pitchers, since they're usually unable to get out RH hitters, and are often used against the tough lefty in the lineup who's difficult to pitch to. A starting pitcher or regular relief pitcher cannot be considered a "specialist", as they must be able to figure out how to effectively strike out, force flyouts, groundouts, etc to both LH and RH hitters.

"Lefty/Righty Matchup":
When a manager removes all but the most essential RH hitters from the starting lineup against a starting RHP, or removes starting LH hitters vs a starting LHP, increasing odds that they will hit well, as opposed to hitters batting on the same side of the plate from which the pitcher throws. Sometimes done at the expense of defense, as some of the players substituted for might have been better fielders. Also used in late innings for pinch hitters when a reliever throwing from a different side of the plate is called in.

"Line drive":
A hard hit ball which is hit at a very straight angle with little or no arch in its carry.

"Line shawt":
A line drive, fly ball to the outfield, or home run, as often said by YES-TV game announcer, Suzyn Waldman, whose frequency of usage is often counted by fans, as this is her trademarked™ call.

"Lock":
A game that's believed beforehand to be a no contest.

"Lollipop":
A soft pitch or weak throw.

"Long man":
A reliever who can go 4-6 innings, in case the SP gets blown out, injured, etc. Long men have often previously been starters or "utility pitchers", so an appearance of >3 innings ins't unusual to them.

"Longball":
Home run.

"Look":
When a hitter sees a pitch but doesn't swing at it. If a batter is "caught looking", he has gotten a called strike, meaning he has not swung at the pitched ball, thinking it would be called a ball.

"Lord Charles":
An outstanding, sharp-breaking, just-plain-nasty, and basically unhittable curve ball.

"Lumber":
A baseball bat or a power hitter.

M

"Mail it in":
When a player has a very dispassionate, non-committal performance and fails badly due to lack of interest. Comes from the player's practically non-existence during the game, as if they weren't even there or into the game and could've just have stayed home.

"Main Street":
Zone for a pitched ball which should be easy to hit hard (as in "a fat one down Main St." or the same as "meatball").

"Manufacture runs":
Please see "ABC baseball".

"Mash":
To hit the ball hard.

"Meaningless home run":
One which doesn't determine the outcome of the game, as the hitter's team is too far back to allow them to win, even after the HR.

"Meatball":
An easily hit pitch, usually thrown over "Main Street", as in a BP (batting practice) pitch, as it can be hit very hard.

"Mendoza line":
Figurative boundary in the batting averages between those batters hitting above and below .215, Mario Mendoza's career average. Often rounded out to .200, since he usually failed to hit above this.

"Mop up":
When a relief pitcher has to work several innings, especially when a starting pitcher has given up several runs. Can be used as: "Let the starting pitcher go 6 innings and the bullpen can 'mop up' the rest."

"Mound conference":
One in which the C and P discuss strategy. If the pitching coach is included, it may involve IFers also. If the manager is also involved, it will likely involve IFers, as strategy may be discussed or the manager may call in a(nother) relief
pitcher.

"Movement":
Any deviation of a pitch other than its presumed direction (straight), such as one which tails up, down, left or right before it reaches the batter, so as to fool him to swing at that pitch.

"Murderer's Row":
Name given to the 1927 New York Yankees (<-- see link), considered to be the greatest hitting team ever assembled.

N

"Nickel and dime":
When a team plays "small ball" to win games.

"No man's land":
Where a pop-up lands between fielders.

"No-no":
A complete game won by a pitcher who has allowed no base hits and no opposing runs have scored. This differs from a "Perfect game", in that walks, HBP and errors are allowable in this case, as an opposing batter(s) may reach 1B, 2B or 3B, so long as they don't get a base hit and/or score.

"Noodle arm":
A weak throwing arm, especially for an outfielder.

"Nosebleed seat(s)":
Those seats in the top of the upper deck.

O

"Off the hook":
When a pitcher has given up Earned Runs, has left the game behind in runs, but avoids getting the loss when his team ties the game or gains the lead. The pitcher is now "off the hook", getting a "No decision".

"Oh for" or "oh fer":
Slang, meaning a hitter hasn't gotten a hit in a game or a series of games (0 for __ at bats).

"On the board":
To score at least one (1) run, avoiding a shutout.

"On the hill":
The pitcher who is pitching at the moment, since the term "hill" refers to the pitcher's mound.

"On the phone":
When a pitching coach or manager makes a phone call to the bullpen for a(nother) relief pitcher to start warming up or to come onto the mound.

"One-game playoff":
When two teams in the same division and league are tied at the end of the regular season, so must play each other to break the tie, which then determines which team is the division leader, and thusly automatically goes into the playoffs.

"One-hit wonder":
A team which has won the World Series only once in its history.

"Open base":
Strategy, in which a runner can be IBB'd (intentionally walked) without walking in a run, as there are no more than two men on base. Often used to "pitch around" a more dangerous hitter likely to advance a runner(s) or get an RBI(s), to "pitch to" a weaker hitter, who's unlikely to do damage.

"Opening Day":
The first game in a season played at the team's "home" field.

"One O'clock Hitter":
A player who is great during batting practice (which usually is an hour before game time) but is a bust during the game.

P

"Painting the corners":
Pitching on the edges of the plate.

"Park it":
To hit a home run, or hit the ball out of the playing field, but not necessarily the entire ballpark.

"Patience at the plate":
When a hitter doesn't "chase" pitches outside of the strike zone, and purposely fouls off pitches in the strike zone which he couldn't reliably put into play as a base hit (such as a likely groundout, flyout, popup, etc). A patient batter will put into play a ball which usually will be a base hit, rather than flailing away at pitches outside of the strike zone, such as in the dirt, at their eyes, too far inside or too far outside.

"Payoff Pitch":
A pitch that follows a three-ball, two-strike count.

"Perfect game" or "Perfecto":
A 9-inning ballgame in which one pitcher faces 27 batters, none of whom legally make it to 1B or above ("27 up, 27 down"). Instances such as a BH, HBP, BB, IBB, balk, error would all disqualify this from being a perfect game.

"Perfect inning":
Please see "1-2-3 inning".

"Picasso":
A control pitcher; one who paints the black.

"Pileup":
The animated and highly joyous jumping and whooping a team does, usually after having won a League Championship Series (ALCS or NLCS) or moreso, a World Series, such as hugging, jumping onto a "pile" of other players, celebrating, gladhanding, congratulating, etc. Traditionally done in the infield and in one spot.

"Pitch around":
Giving a batter a 4-pitch IBB (intentional walk). Often obviated by the catcher standing several feet outside of the batter's box away from the hitter, so as to avoid allowing a basehit. Often done to a powerful or prolific hitter, usually to get to the weaker or lower BA or OBP hitter in the lineup who can presumably do less damage. Sometimes done to purposely load the bases, so as to try for the groundout, force out at home or to put a man on 1B, allowing a ground into double play (GIDP).

"Pitch to":
When a batter sees hittable pitches, rather than getting "pitched around".

"Pitcher's best friend":
A double play, as it allows the pitcher to escape an inning with basesrunners, especially RISP.

"Pitcher's duel":
A close, low-scoring game, usually in which neither pitcher allows more than 2 runs or 5 hits. Often characterized by the strength and effectiveness of each pitcher and solid defense.

"Pitching BP" or "Serving up BP":
When a pitcher is giving up easily hit balls, leading to several extra-base hits and RBIs, especially in one inning (see "Meatball").

"Pitching underhanded":
When a pitcher delivers soft, slow pitches which are easy to hit. Coming from the early 1900s when pitchers used an underhand delivery, which were generally slower than the overhand delivery used most recently.

"Plate discipline":
When a batter takes the time to take many pitches, rather than just swinging futilely at the first pitch or two that comes his way, which would then often be pitches out of the strike zone. A patient batter would learn to not swing at certain pitches, such as a pitch on a 3-0 count, as it could often be a ball and even if a called strike, would not be such a large number of strikes as to get the batter out. A patient batsman would also foul off many pitches until he's gotten a pitch he can hit solidly for a base hit.

"Platoon":
The practice for using two different men for one fielding position.

"Platter":
Home plate.

"Play by the book":
To play in accord with the conventional wisdom of the game.

"Plunk":
When a pitcher hits a batter with the ball anywhere but the face, head or helmet. If the batter is hit above the neck, this would be called a "bean".

"Porch":
Home run fence and distance to this fence. (See "Short porch")

"Pow wow":
A meeting on the playing field, usually involving several players and a coach who has come on to the field to talk strategy.

"Power outage":
When a hitter who usually hits home runs, such as 20-25 per season, has not hit a homerun in about a month, causing concern that the slugger is off their usual yearly home run pace. For an elite home run hitter, such as Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa or Alex Rodriguez, not hitting a home run in 1-2 weeks may be considered a "power outage" also.

"Productive out":
A no-out or 1-out situation in which a batter has gotten an out, but has advanced a runner(s) to a higher base, including home plate, thereby giving his team a better chance to win. Sac flies, sac bunts or even a run-scoring groundout would qualify for this.

"Promised Land":
Getting to or winning the World Series. Often said that a particular player can help a team get to the "Promised Land", as getting to or winning the World Series is the desired result.

"Protect":
(a) When a powerful hitter bats behind another one, so as to prevent the first from being IBB'd;
(b) When a pitcher hits or brushes back a hitter, after one of his own men got the same treatment earlier in the game.

"Pull the trigger":
When a hitter swings the bat on a pitch he likes.

"Protect the runner":
When a hitter swings at a pitch (fouls it off?) so as to distract the catcher in case the baserunner decides to steal or try for the "hit and run".

"Pull":
When a manager takes the ball, bringing in a(nother) reliever.

"Pulled a string on":
When pitch looks like it will stay in the strike zone, but then the "bottom falls out".

"Punch-and-Judy":
Said of a hitter who tends to hit well-placed but weakly-hit balls for singles. The first reference was made by former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Walter Alston when asked about a home run by Willie McCovey of the San Francisco Giants. "When he belts a home run, he does it with such authority it seems like an act of God. You can't cry about it. He's not a Punch and Judy belter.''

"Push":
A game that could go either way.

Q

"Quality start":
When a starting pitcher has given his team a chance to win, including not overly taxing the bullpen, such as going 7.0 innings and allowing no more than 3 runs. If there are very few baserunners, such as not many hits, walks, IBB or HBP, this adds to keeping his team in the game.

R

"Rainbow":
A hit ball, usually a home run, which has a high arch in its path.

"Rally":
When a team tries scoring runs to either gain or increase a lead, usually through a multi-hit inning.

"Reach":
When a player runs out or "reaches" 1B an infield single, rather than a traditional single to the OF.

"Rent-a-player":
A player acquired for one season or less, in order to help that club win the upcoming playoffs. Often not signed to long-term deals, in case the club either falls out of contention and doesn’t wish to pay the high salary, or the club has other options for that position or pitcher, such as an another teammate, free agency, trade or a minor league call-up. The Cleveland Indians' 2001 acquisition of Juan "JuanGone" Gonzalez is a good example, as he was acquired for a year, but after losing the 2001 ALDS, he was not re-signed as a free agent after his "walk year", hence the nickname.

"Retaliation":
When a pitcher hits a batter after one of his own batters have been hit. Please see "protection", definition (b).

"Retire the side":
When a pitcher gets the batter to make the 3rd out.

"Rhubarb":
A ruckus with the umpires; confusion; a fight between players.

"Ribby" or "Ribeye":
A slang term for Runs Batted In, or RBI.

"Right down Broadway":
A pitch that is delivered in the middle of the strike zone (please see "Main Street").

"Room service":
Term describing a pitch or batted ball that comes right to a defensive player.

"Roundtripper":
A homerun.

"Rubber arm":
A pitcher able to eat many innings.

"Runners at the corners":
1B and 3B runners, but no baserunner one on 2B.

"Runners will go":
A saying in a situation, usually a two-out, full count (3-2), where all baserunners will run as soon as the ball is pitched, since this lessens the chance of a "fielder's choice" and increases the likelihood that they'll advance on a base hit.

S

"Sacrifice":
Usually a fly ball (sac fly) or bunt (sac bunt), done for the express purpose of advancing a runner(s) already on base, but also resulting in the hitter either having their ball caught on a fly (sac fly) or being thrown out at 1B (sac bunt). If a sac fly, _after_ the ball is caught, the baserunner(s) must have tagged up on the base that's legally theirs before advancing to steal the next base (including home base for a 3B runner), or he may not legally attempt to claim the next base.

"Scoop":
When a fielder has a lateral snap on the glove, catching a thrown ball.

"Screaming mimi":
A very hard hit line drive.

"Second sacker":
A second baseman.

"Seeing eye grounder":
A grounder that ecks its way out of the infield, usually with 2 fielders converging on it at once. As if the ball had eyes and avoided the fielders.

"Send":
When a managers signals a baserunner to steal a base.

"Shadow hitting":
When a hitter in the on deck circle pretends to be in the batter's box, timing the speed of the pitches.

"Shelled" or "Shellacked":
When a pitcher is giving up many run-scoring base hits. Please see RP Jay Witasick in Game 6 of 2001 WS.

"Shift":
A defensive maneuver against a dangerous LH hitter who usually hits to the CF/RF part of the diamond, in which more infield defense is given on the 1B/2B side of the field, leaving 3B unprotected. The SS moves to the 1B side of 2B and the 3Bman plays where the SS normally would.

"Shoestring catch":
A catch made by a running fielder just before the ball hits the ground.

"Short leash":
When a pitcher who's not physically up to par, such as a recent injury, has a limited maximum pitch count, usually <100 pitches, so as to prevent any further injury.

"Short porch":
Short distance between home plate and OF fence, which affects whether a hit is a catchable flyball to the "Warning track" or a HR.

"Shorten the swing":
Please see "choke up".

"Shut the doors" or "Slam the doors shut":
When a relief pitcher, such as a Closer or Setup man, finishes a game in a commanding fashion, such as a "1-2-3 inning". Need not be a "Save" situation to qualify for this.

"Sidearm":
Pitcher's delivery, as seen from 2B, thrown from a 9 o'clock or 9:30 upper arm position on a LHP, or 3 o'clock or 2:30 position on a RHP.

"Slugfest":
A high-scoring game from both teams, not determined by quality pitching and defense, but being won with offensive support.

"Slugger":
Any hitter who hits for power, usually seen by extra-base hits, such as doubles, triples, home runs; a high OPS, such as >.900, especially >1.000; many RBIs, such as >120 per season.

"Slump":
A long period of ineffectiveness

"Smoke":
(a) To hit a ball very hard and very fast. Can be said "He smoked that ball deep into the upper deck";
(b) To pitch a fastball very quickly. Can be said that "Roger Clemens was throwing lots of smoke today".

"Snow cone":
A caught ball which has part of the ball sticking out of the glove so as to resemble an ice cream cone.

"Spot start":
When a reliever or "utility pitcher" starts a game, especially in an emergency, such as a starting pitcher's illness.

"Souvenir":
A ball hit for a home run, as kept by a fan.

"Spike":
When a baserunner steps on a fielder's foot, usually when stepping on the base or when passing by the fielder.

"Spitball":
From the '20s through the '80s, an illegally altered baseball, usually a razor, hair grease, sweat.

"Split the outfielders":
A ball hit into the "gap" between LCF or RCF, making it difficult for both the center fielder and the corner outfielder to get to the ball. This would be splitting the CFer and LFer, if hit into the LCF gap, or the CFer and RFer, if hit into the RCF gap.

"Spot start":
When a relief pitcher starts a game.

"Standing O":
A standing ovation. Often given out of respect to a quality pitcher being relieved, an ex-player now on the visiting team, or an outstanding pitcher's accomplishment, such as a "no-hitter" or "Perfect game". Less frequently, but sometimes given for an excellent pitching performance from a visiting starting pitcher upon his departure from the mound.

"Stopper":
A very reliable setup man or closer who is called in to stop any ensuing rallies.

"Straight up":
A trade involving two players. Often said: "Let's trade [Player A] for [Player B], straight up".

"Strand":
When runners are left on base after the 3rd out of the inning.

"Stretch":
When a runner tries legging out an extra base (turning a single into a double, double into a triple, etc).

"Strike out the side":
When a pitcher makes all three (3) outs on strikeouts. Not necessarily a 1-2-3 inning, since runners on base, or an RBI(s), etc., would still qualify for this.

"Strike-'em-out, throw-'em-out":
A double play in which a hitter is struck out and a base runner is thrown out by the catcher trying to "steal".

"Submarine":
Type of pitcher that throws with an underhand delivery.

"Submarine":
Pitcher's delivery, as seen from 2B, thrown from a 8 o'clock or 7:30 upper arm position on a LHP, or a 4 o'clock or 4:30 upper arm position on a RHP. A pitcher throwing this is called a "submariner".

"Swing man":
A starting pitcher who also does relief work. Please see "Utility Player", definition (b).

T

"Table setter":
Leadoff hitter, or the first hitter in the lineup, since he "sets the table" (gets on base) for the power hitters to drive him in (score).

"Take a pitch":
To let a pitch go by without swinging.

"Take one for the team":
When a player suffers a personal injustice for the good of the team:
(a) When a batter gets HBP, thereby allowing the team another scoring opportunity;
(b) When a pitcher is asked to work beyond their usual number of innings, even when pitching ineffectively, to spare the bullpen for an upcoming series, such as Game 2 of a doubleheader or another game or series starting the next day.

"Take pitches":
When a hitter sees many pitches during an at bat, often 6+, waiting for several pitches before trying to get a hit, usually including fouling off pitches which may not likely result in a base hit, but would likely be called a strike.

"Take something off":
When a pitcher slows down a regular pitch to throw off a hitter's timing.

"Take the ball":
When a manager takes the ball from a pitcher to bring in a(nother) relief pitcher. Usually done because of either a poor performance, high pitch count or the number of innings already thrown.

"Take the bat out of the hand of a hitter":
(a) When a batter is walked;
(b) When a runner is caught stealing with two outs, meaning the hitter at bat leads off the next inning, given that the game is not then ended.

"Take your base":
What fans usually say when a batter has received a BB or IBB.

"Tater" or "Taterball":
A homerun.

"Test" or "Test the arm of":
Please see "Challenge".

"Texas Leaguer":
A poorly-hit, looping fly ball that drops safely but meekly just beyond the infield but in front of the outfielder, and lands for a hit.

"The House that Ruth Built":
Yankee Stadium. Said so, since he was the major star which allowed the building of "The Stadium", as it's also called, to be financially feasible, and who, on April 18, 1923, opened the first game with a 4-1 win over the Boston Red Sox, hitting The Stadium's first home run.

"Theft":
When a baserunner(s) steals a base(s).

"Thief":
A prolific base stealer, usually with a high SB:CS (stolen base-to-caught stealing) ratio.

"Three-bagger":
A triple, or a hit ball in which the runner has safely gotten onto 3B without need for advancing on a throw to another runner.

"Tipping pitches":
When a pitcher gives a blatant or subtle hint as to which pitch he's about to throw, based upon hand position or direction, as well as glove movement if the glove is open, or an involuntary action, such as habitually tugging a shirt, stance before the delivery, body language, or simply touching his cap, which the pitcher frequently does before delivering that specific pitch. Please see this thread, which discusses this.

"Top of the inning":
The first half, or visiting team's half of the inning.

"Top of the lineup":
The #1, #2 and #3 hitters.

"Touch 'em all":
Hitting a home run (touching all the bases).

"Turf":
Artificial grass. So called since natural grass will not grow properly in a domed stadium. Originally called "Astro turf" when in 1965, the Houston Astros becamse the first MLB team to build a domed, retractable-roof, all-weather stadium, the old Houston Astrodome (link), now replaced by Astros Field (link), also a domed, retractable-roof, all-weather stadium.

"Turn two":
When a team in the field turns (makes) an infield double play, aka GIDP. Not usually used for other types of double plays, such as "Throw-'em-out, Strike-'em-out", or sac fly attempts where the outfielder catches the ball on a fly, then throws out a baserunner, etc.

"Twi-night double header":
A double header in which the first game is scheduled to start in the afternoon, the second game is scheduled to start in the evening, after 6pm.

"Twin bill":
A double header.

"Twin killing":
A double play.

"Two-bagger":
A double, or a hit ball in which the runner has safely gotten onto 2B without need for advancing on a throw to another runner.

U

"Unbalanced schedule":
When a team plays more games against teams in their own division than against teams in other divisions.

"Uncle Charlie":
Curveball.

"Underhand delivery":
Pitcher's delivery, as seen from 2B, thrown from a 6:30 or 7 o'clock position by a LHP or a 4:30 or 5 o'clock position by a RHP.

"Uni":
Short for a team's baseball uniform.

"Unintentional/Intentional walk":
When a pitcher throws 4 straight balls to a hitter, but not an IBB, since the catcher is in the usual crouch, rather than standing up with hands spread and glove aimed away from the batter, as would be done in an IBB (Intentional Base on Balls). Often done to save face for a pitcher against a hitter he doesn't wish to face, usually because of the hitter's power and/or OBP or due to prior success against that pitcher.

"Unscatched":
When a pitcher doesn't allow any runs, despite 1+ RISP, and often involving fewer than 2 outs. Also used generically to mean "unhurt", since a top hitter may not have hit any HRs or RBIs during a game or series against a team, and was therefore made relatively ineffective.

"Up and in":
A pitch which comes in high and inside, approaching a batter's head, that's up in the strike zone and inside on a hitter. Also called "chin music".

"Utility player":
(a) a fielder who plays more than one position (generally all IF or all OF);
(b) a pitcher who can alternatively start games (usually a "Spot start") and pitch in relief.

W

"Walk year":
The last season of a player's contract, after which he is a free agent and can then "walk away" from the team. Clubs sometimes trade players the winter before or during the player's walk year, especially if they hadn't intended to re-sign him as a free agent, because, i.e., high salary, hoping to get lower-priced prospects and/or quality MLB players in return. Many players will also put up impressive stats in their walk year, to improve their chances of a new higher-priced contract with a contending team.

"Walkoff home run":
A game-winning HR, meaning it was done in the bottom of the 9th or later innings. Dennis Eckersley has been credited with inventing the term after he gave up a HR to Kirk Gibson to end Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. In the postgame interview, Eckersley spoke about the pain of having to walk off the field after giving up the HR.

"Walkoff walk":
A game-ending, bases loaded, RBI walk which breaks a tied game. This is always done in the bottom of the 9th or extra innings in which the batter drawing the walk is on the home team.

"Want no part of":
When a pitcher refuses to pitch to a very dangerous hitter (usually BBs, IBBs, HBP, etc), thereby denying the hitter any quality pitches for a base hit.

"Warning track":
That area on the entire outfield directly preceding the HR fence, which is often covered in earth/soil, not grass or turf.

"Warning track power":
The ability of a batter with enough strength to hit a ball to the warning track, but not enough to hit a home run.

"Wave":
A left-to-right or right-to-left standing and hands-in-air reaction across a stadium, in which groups of fans briefly stand with hands held in the air as the "wave" came in their direction. Often done in the 1980s at New York Mets' Shea Stadium.

"Webgem":
A brilliant defensive play, such as those shown on highlight plays of ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" TV broadcast.

"Wheels":
Quick feet, long strides for an outfielder or a baserunner.

"Wheels come off" or "Wheels fall off":
When a player or a team which usually plays well, becomes undone, then plays very poorly. If a pitcher was pitching a gem then gives up a 3-run home run, his wheels may fall off and his pitches aren't as controlled as they were before the HR, especially if he pitches very poorly afterwards.

"Whiff":
A strikeout.

"Whitewash":
To shut out a team.

"Work the count":
When a hitter sees many pitches, including fouling off many, until they see a ball they can hit.

"Worm burner":
Batted ball that moves across the ground hard and fast.

[thecaptain]

can of corn? cannon,

[Carissa]

Can someone define a Texas League Single to me? I know what it looks like but why is it called that?

[thecaptain]

chinker - a ball hit very soft usually a base hit between infielders and outfielders ...Texas Leaguer - same as a chinker, old term from America . why i dont know. and cant find it . might have to ask Gehrig...

[Butnud]

I never heard most of htese sayings!

Am i the only one?

[thecaptain]

ace -- A team's best starting pitcher......might be alot of dups..

alley -- The section of the outfield between the outfielders. Also "gap."

around the horn -- A double play going from third base to second to first.

backdoor slider -- A pitch that appears to be out of the strike zone, but then breaks back over the plate.

bag -- A base.

Baltimore chop -- A ground ball that hits in front of home plate (or off of it) and takes a large hop over the infielder's head.

bandbox -- A small ballpark that favors hitters.

bang-bang play -- A play in which the baserunner hits the bag a split-second before the ball arrives or vice versa.

basket catch -- When a fielder catches a ball with his glove near belt level.

Bronx cheer -- When the crowd boos.

brushback -- A pitch that nearly hits a batter.

bush -- Also "bush league." An amateur play or behavior.

can of corn -- An easy catch by a fielder.

caught looking -- When a batter is called out on strikes.

cellar -- Last place. Also "basement."

cheese -- Also "good cheese." Refers to a good fastball.

chin music -- A pitch that is high and inside.

circus catch -- An outstanding catch by a fielder.

closer -- A team's relief pitcher who finishes the game.

cutter -- A cut fastball (one with a late break to it).

cycle -- When a batter hits a single, double, triple and home run in the same game.

dinger -- A home run.

dish -- Home plate.

fireman -- A team's closer or late-inning relief pitcher.

fungo -- A ball hit to a fielder during practice. It's usually hit by a coach using a "fungo bat," which is longer and thinner than a normal bat.

gap -- See "alley." A ball hit here is a "gapper."

gopher ball -- A pitch hit for a home run, as in "go for."

heat -- A good fastball. Also "heater."

high and tight -- Referring to a pitch that's up in the strike zone and inside on a hitter. Also known as "up and in."

hill -- Pitcher's mound.

homer -- A home run. Other terms include: blast, dinger, dong, four-bagger, four-base knock, moon shot, tape-measure blast and tater.

hot corner -- Third base.

in the hole -- The batter after the on-deck hitter.

jam -- When a hitter gets a pitch near his hands, he is "jammed." Also when a pitcher gets himself in trouble, he is in a "jam."

leather -- Refers to how good a player plays defensively or handles the glove. Ex: "He flashed some leather on that play."

meatball -- An easy pitch to hit, usually right down the middle of the plate.

Mendoza line -- A batting average of around .200.

moon shot -- A very long, high home run.

nail down -- As in "nail down a victory." Refers to a relief pitcher finishing off the game.

on the screws -- When a batter hits the ball hard. Also "on the button."

painting the black -- When a pitcher throws the ball over the edge of the plate.

pea -- A ball traveling at high speed, either batted or thrown.

pepper -- Pepper is a common pre-game exercise where one player bunts brisk grounders and line drives to a group of fielders who are standing about 20 feet away. The fielders try to throw it back as quickly as possible. The batter hits the return throw. (Some ballparks ban pepper games because wild pitches could land in the stands and injure spectators).

pick -- A good defensive play by an infielder on a ground ball. Also a shortened version of "pick-off."

pickle -- A rundown.

punchout -- A strikeout.

rhubarb -- A fight or scuffle.

ribbie -- Another way of saying RBI. Also "ribeye."

rope -- A hard line drive hit by a batter. Also "frozen rope."

rubber game -- The deciding game of a series.

run-down -- When a baserunner gets caught between bases by the fielders.

Ruthian -- With great power.

seeing-eye single -- A soft ground ball that finds its way between infielders for a base hit.

set-up man -- A relief pitcher who usually enters the game in the 7th or 8th inning.

shoestring catch -- A running catch made just above the fielder's shoetops.

southpaw -- A left-handed pitcher.

sweet spot -- The part of the bat just a few inches from the barrel.

table setter -- Batter whose job is to get on base for other hitters to drive him in. Usually a leadoff or No. 2 hitter.

tape-measure blast -- An extremely long home run.

tater -- A home run.

Texas Leaguer -- A bloop hit that drops between an infielder and outfielder.

tools of ignorance -- Catcher's equipment.

touch 'em all -- Hitting a home run (touching all the bases).

twin killing -- A double play.

Uncle Charlie -- Curve ball.

utility player -- A player who fills in at many positions.

wheelhouse -- A hitter's power zone. Usually a pitch waist-high and over the heart of the plate.

wheels -- A ballplayer's legs.

whiff -- Strikeout.

yakker -- Curve ball.

[Jersey Yankee]

I hope everyone gets to use the list a little bit. I'd made it for another board but I'm not still there so I just removed any details relating to that board.

[PinstripePride]

That's alotta info. Thanks

[Jersey Yankee]

Originally posted by PinstripePride
That's alotta info. Thanks

You're welcome. If you've got any to add, feel free to compile your own as "thecaptain" has done. It's a group thing and all are welcome!!!

BTW, I'll be editing it unanounced so feel free to check back.

[JeanC]

If they said all this lingo in the game we wouldnt know who was up whats the score or what happened in the inning.....but then they never do anyways! (I mean other broadcasters other than our guys!

but then again do other teams broadcasters ever stop talking about their teams or personal lives!

Real Good Guys! Thanks for the Info! Im gonna have to reread all of this again Im sure Ive heard Katt or Singleton use it or talk about it in the past !

[LOU]

YO,,,"CHICKS DIG THE LONG BALL",,,,,

,,,,,NUFF SAID,,

[Jersey Yankee]

JeanC, I actually "remembered" many of these terms from TV and radio broadcasts. When Sori hit one off Byung Kim (spl), I used the term "walk off HR". I usually find that the announcers will sprinkle their banter with these but nothing nonstop about this. If so, no one would understand them, like it's a foreign language or something.

I figured something about baseball would help so please enjoy and feel free to post any of your own here also.

[koko]

Baltimore Chop
Blue Darter
Frozen Rope
Seeing Eye Grounder
Ducksnort

[okieyankee]

Originally posted by thecaptain
can of corn? cannon,

Can of corn comes from the early grocery stores when most of the time corn was on the top row. Employees would come over with a stick and knock it off the shelf and catch it -- easily. Thus the saying, can of corn on a lazy, easily caught fly ball.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.........

[Jersey Yankee]

Originally posted by koko
Baltimore Chop
Blue Darter
Frozen Rope
Seeing Eye Grounder
Ducksnort

I think that thecaptain already defined what a Baltimore Chop was. Can you define the others for us? I remember hearing of a Seeing Eye Grounder but never knew what it was. Thanks.

Originally posted by okieyankee
Can of corn comes from the early grocery stores when most of the time corn was on the top row. Employees would come over with a stick and knock it off the shelf and catch it -- easily. Thus the saying, can of corn on a lazy, easily caught fly ball.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.........

I would imagine how shelves are stacked varies from state to state. Which state do/did you live in and around when was corn stacked on the top shelf? Oklahoma?

I like what you're saying, BTW.

[JeanC]

Originally posted by Jersey Yankee
JeanC, I actually "remembered" many of these terms from TV and radio broadcasts. When Sori hit one off Byung Kim (spl), I used the term "walk off HR". I usually find that the announcers will sprinkle their banter with these but nothing nonstop about this. If so, no one would understand them, like it's a foreign language or something.

I figured something about baseball would help so please enjoy and feel free to post any of your own here also.

Thats great Im enjoying all the lingo!

Thanks for the Thread Jersey Yankee!

[Jersey Yankee]

Originally posted by JeanC

Thats great Im enjoying all the lingo!

Thanks for the Thread Jersey Yankee!

If you remember last season, I was on another board but that's no longer. I'd posted it there and figured why keep all my stuff there?

Since all my buds are here, I felt why not recreate it over here? Wasn't Yankee history or trivia so I posted it here. Everyone heard the "bases are drunk" during the 3/28 MLB Audio broadcast, so the terms are just mixed in a little bit by the announcers.

If you or anyone else has something to add, feel perfectly free to do so, the more the merrier!!! In the meanwhile, just continue enjoying it!!!

[coalcracker]

Originally posted by thecaptain
chinker - a ball hit very soft usually a base hit between infielders and outfielders ...Texas Leaguer - same as a chinker, old term from America . why i dont know. and cant find it . might have to ask Gehrig...

http://www.kasei.ac.jp/library/kiyou/97/Robert.pdf

This is what is said about Texas Leaguers in this article, Take it for what it's worth Please don't shoot the messenger.

"In 1886, three players of small stature from the Texas League were called up to play in Syracuse, NY. They repeatedly got on base with short hits over the the second baseman's glove. The disgusted pitcher exclaimed, "We lost because of those dinky (tiny) little Texas Leaguers. The name stuck not with the men, but with their many hits to the same place.":

Do you think it is legit?

[CaptainCargo]

Wow all those baseballisms and nobody said,


Taterball!








Casey

[Jersey Yankee]

Originally posted by CaptainCargo
Wow all those baseballisms and nobody said,


Taterball!








Casey

In that case, why not define it?