What did he say?

We are just like you - sometimes we wonder what the heck the announcer just said. So, we did something about it and pulled together terms that are relevant to the sport of Baseball. It is still one of the best sports in the world to follow and watch. If you know of a term that should be included, please let us know by clicking the Contact Us button on the left. We'll add it to the list as soon as possible.

Yes, we do realize that this page is long. We felt compiling the terms on one page was a better solution than having a page for each letter of the alphabet. So, for navigation purposes, and to keep the size of our site down to a manageable level, we have made one, extra-long page. Everything is right here. You can scroll through the terms or simply click on the corresponding letter for the term you are searching for.

If this list was of use to you, let us know. We always like to hear if we help out in any way! Thanks for stopping by. Now go learn something new.

The Language of Baseball

A

ace

A team's best starting pitcher

adjusted ERA

A measure of a pitcher's ability to prevent runs from being scored, adjusted for league and home park factors

alley

The section of the outfield between the outfielders. Also known as the "gap".

around the horn

A double play going from third base to second to first.

assist

Help from a fielder in putting an offensive player out. A fielder is credited with an 'assist' when he throws a base runner or hitter out at a base.

at bat

The offensive team's turn to bat the ball and score. Each player takes a turn at bat until three outs are made. Each batter's opportunity at the plate is scored as an at bat for him

away

A pitch out of the reach of a batter. Also a team retired in its half of an inning. Also the visiting team.

B

backdoor slider

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

backstop

Fence or wall behind home plate

backwards K

Used when scoring a beseball game to designate a batter striking out looking. Also special K. See also "caught looking".

bags

The bases, also known as 'sacks' and 'bases'

bail

To dive out of the way of an incoming pitch

balk

Called by an Umpire, this is a penalty for an illegal movement by a pitcher. The rule is designed to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving baserunners. If called, baserunners advance one base

ball

A pitch that is outside of the strike zone

Baltimore chop

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

banana

Refers to a throw that veers away from its intended target

bandbox

A small ballpark that favors hitters

bang-bang play

A play in which the base runner hits the bag a split-second before the ball arrives or vice-versa

base coach

A coach who stands by first or third base and instructs the the batter and baserunners with a series of hand signals

base on balls (BB)

When a batter takes first base after the pitcher has thrown four balls

base hit

When a batter reaches first, second, third, or home base safely on a fair ball

base line

The white chalk lines that extend from home plate through first and third base to the outfield and include the foul poles. Inside of the base lines a batted ball is considered in fair territory and outside of the base lines a batted ball is considered in foul territory

bases empty

No runners on the bases

bases loaded

When all first, second, and third bases are occupied with runners

basket catch

When a fielder catches a ball with his glove near belt level

bat

The instrument used by the hitter while batting. In MLB the bat must be made of wood, be no longer than 42 inches long, and no wider than 2¾ inches. Players are allowed to cover the first 8 inches of the bat's handle in order to grip it better

batter

An offensive player who takes his position in the batter's box

batter's box

The area beside home plate in which the batter must stand while at bat. The batter cannot leave his position in the batter's box after the pitcher comes to the set position or begins his windup (unless given time out by the Umpire)

battery

The pitcher and the catcher

batting order

The offensive line-up of a team that lists the order player's will bat. The batting order is given to the Umpire before each game

bean

To hit a batter with an incoming pitch

beanball

A pitch that is intentionally thrown at the batter

behind

At a disadvantage; describes a team that is losing or a batter who has a count with more strikes than balls. Conversely, when a pitcher has thrown more balls than strikes, he is considered behind the batter

Billy Goat Curse

This curse was supposedly placed on the Cubs by Billy Goat Tavern owner Sam Sianis. In 1945, when Sianis brought his goat to the 4th game of the World Series at Wrigley, against the Detroit Tigers, management threw him & the goat out. The goat had always been allowed to games before. Sianis swore then and there, "There will never be another World Series played at Wrigley Field." Despite several attempts to lift the curse, there never has been another World Series for the Cubs since then.

bleachers

The cheapest seats in a ballpark, usually not covered by an upper deck, so when the sun shines on these seats they 'bleach' in color

Blind Tom

An umpire

bloop

A fly ball that lands in between the infielders and outfielders. See also 'texas leaguer' and 'blooper'

blown save

A statistic charged to a pitcher who comes into a game with his team in the lead and allows the opposing team to tie or take the lead

blue

Another term for umpire

bottom

The second half of each inning, when the home team is at bat

box score

The progression of the game as written in a series of boxes indicating hits, runs, errors, and player substitutions of each inning played during a game

breaking ball

An off-speed pitch that curves. Also known as 'curve ball', 'Uncle Charlie', and 'yakker'

Bronx cheer

When the crowd boos

brushback

A pitch that nearly hits a batter

bullpen

The area beyond the outfield fence (or down teh foul lines, depending on the design of a particular ballpark) where relief pitchers wait during a game and then warm up before entering a game. Also the 'pen'

bunt

A soft hit meant to travel only a few feet, forcing the catcher, pitcher, or infielder to field it. Most often a bunt is used as a 'sacrifice' so that runners on base can advance into scoring position

bush

Also "bush league". An amatuer play or behavior

C

Cactus League

A term used to describe the teams that conduct spring training and play exhibition games in the U.S. Southwest (Arizona)

called game

A game suspended or ended by an Umpire

cannon

A strong arm. Also referred to as a 'rifle'

can of corn

An easy catch by a fielder

captain hook

A baseball team manager who frequently changes pitchers during a game

catch

A catch is valid if the fielder holds the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the ball and that the release of the ball is voluntary and intentional

catcher

Player positioned behind home plate and responsible for receiving the pitch from the pitcher

catcher's box

Area behind home plate where the catcher must remain until the pitcher delivers the ball

caught looking

When a batter is called out on strikes without swinging. See also "backwards K"

cellar

Last place. Also 'basement'

change up

A slow pitch thrown with the same arm motion as a fastball; designed to disrupt the timing of the hitter

check swing

A partial swing. If the swing has gone more than halfway around, the Umpire can rule it a full swing, or strike

cheese

Refers to a good fastball. Also 'good cheese', 'gas', 'heat', or 'heater'

cherry hop

A ground ball that takes a big bounce straight to a fielder

chin music

A pitch that is high and inside, delivered to clear a batter away from the inside of the plate

choke up

When a batter moves his hands up on the handle of the bat to promote a more controled swing

circus catch

An outstanding catch by a fielder

clean-up hitter

Player who hits fourth in the batting order

closer

A team's best relief pitcher who finishes a game

clubbie

The person in charge of the home team's dressing room. Also 'clubhouse manager'

clutch hitter

A player known for his ability to get a base hit in crucial game situations

complete game

Statistical credit to a starting pitcher for pitching the entire game

count

The number of called balls and strikes on a hitter

crowding the plate

When a player moves up close to the plate in the batter's box, either to increase his chances of walking or his ability to hit an outside pitch

The Curse

A supposed curse that has prevented the Boston Red Sox from winning a World Series since 1918 - the year before they sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Also known as 'The Curse of the Bambino'

curve

See 'breaking ball'

cut

To take a forceful swing at a pitch; usually refers to swinging and missing

cut-off man

A fielder who intercepts a ball that has been thrown. Balls are usually intercepted from the outfield. A cut-off man allows a team a better chance of throwing out baserunners

cutter

A cut fastball, similar to a slider (one with a late break to it)

Cy Young Award

Awarded annually to the pitchers who demonstrates the most outstanding performance in their respective league, AL or NL, as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA)

cycle

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

D

daylight play

A play in which an infielder sneaks in behind a base runner who is taking a lead; the pitcher may try to pick off the runner if he sees 'daylight' between the runner and the infielder

dead ball

A ball out of play because of a legally created temporary suspension of play

dead fish

Refers to a pitch thrown with very little speed. Also 'dead mackerel', 'nothing ball', 'nothing pitch', 'salad'

defense

The team, or any player of the team, in the field. See also "defensive"

designated hitter (DH)

A player who bats in place of the pitcher in the American League only. The DH does not play in the field. The National League does not have a DH, but pinch hitters are allowed

diamond

The playing surface of a baseball infield

dinger

A home run

disabled list (DL)

A team list of injured players. A player on this list is still on the team's roster, but cannot play for 15 or 21 days. A team may add a player to their roster to substitute for a disabled player

dish

Home plate

donut

A circular shaped weight that slides over the barrel of a bat. The weight is used when a player is loosening up in teh on deck circle

double

When a batter reaches second base on a fair ball. Also a 'two base hit'

double header

When two games are played by the same teams, with the second game straight after the first. Teams have begun playing 'Day-Night' double headers (in order to capitalize on higher revenue) where the first game is played during the day and the second game occurs hours later as a night game.

double play

A play in which two runners are put out on the same play. For example, a batted ball is hit on the ground to the shortstop (SS), who throws quickly to second base (2B) to put out the runner forced from first base (1B). The second baseman then throws quickly to first base to put out the batter

dribbler

A weakly hit ground ball

ducks on the pond

Runners on base

dugout

The area reserved for players and other team members when they are not actively engaged on the playing field

E

earned run

A run scored without the benefit of an error

error

A statistic charged to a defensive player on a play that allows a batter to reach first base, a runner to advance, or a batter to extend his time at bat, as determined by the official scorer

F

fair ball

Batted ball that lands in fair ball territory

fair territory

Part of the playing field within and including the first base and third base lines, from home plate to the bottom of the playing field fence. All foul lines are in fair territory

Fall Classic

The World Series

fan

To strike out swinging; a reference to the breeze felt from the swing of the bat. Also 'fanned'

farm club/team

A minor-league team subsidized by or linked to a parent club in the major leagues

fielder's choice

When a fielder who handles a fair grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to get the out, throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner. The term is also used by scorers to:

1. account for the advance of the batter who takes one or more extra bases when the fielder who handles his safe hit attempts to put out a preceding runner
2. account for the advance of a runner (other than by stolen base or error) while a fielder is attempting to put out another runner
3. account for the advance of a runner made solely because of the defensive team's indifference (undefended steal)

fireballer

A pitcher who throws uncommonly fast. Also 'flamethrower'

fireman

A team's closer or late-inning relief pitcher. Also known as 'stopper'

five eyes

A training tip for batters that reminds them to keep these on the pitcher: two eyes, front shoulder, front hip, and front ankle

fly ball

A batted ball hit high, giving the fileder enough time to make an easy catch before the ball hits the ground

force play

A defensive play where a base runner, who is forced to run because there is an advancing runner behind him, is put out by a fielder who touches the base a base runner is trying to reach. Also 'force out'

forkball

A pitch thrown by placing the ball between teh index and middle fingers, resulting in a ball that sinks

foul ball

A batted ball that lands in foul ball territory

foul line

Lines extending from home plate through first and third base to the outfield fence. These lines are considered in play

foul territory

Part of the playing field outside the first and third base lines that extends to the outfield fence. The foul poles are considered in play

foul tip

A batted ball that is deflected directly from the bat into the catcher's hands and legally caught. A foul tip that is caught is a strike

freeze

To catch a batter looking for a pitch other than what the pitcher just threw. Typically, pitchers will freeze batters with a nasty curveball when the batter is expecting a fastball

frozen rope

A hard line drive

fungo

A ball hit to a fielder during practice. Hit by a coach with a 'fungo bat', which is longer and thinner than a regular bat

G

gap

See 'alley'. A ball hit here is called a 'gapper'

go fishing

To swing at a pitch outside the strike zone

Golden Sombrero

What a player has earned when he strikes out four times in one game

gopher ball

A pitch hit for a home run, as in 'go for'

goose egg

When a pitcher doesn't give up a run in his half of an inning

Grapefruit League

Spring league for any major league team that trains in Florida

grand slam

When a home run is hit while the bases are loaded; worth four runs

grays

A baseball team's away uniforms, typically. Many teams have adopted 'alternate' road uniforms with different combinations of their particular team colors

green light

A signal from a coach to a hitter that gives the hitter the opportunity to hit the next good pitch, or a signal to a runner that gives the runner the authority to decide when to attempt a steal

ground ball

A ball hit by the batter that bounces in the infield, usually (but not always) resulting in a 'ground out'. Also known as a 'grounder'

ground ball ham 'n eggs

An easy double play ball

ground out

A ball hit along the ground that is fielded and thrown to first base to make an out

ground rules

Rules pertaining to the field of play that make allowances for for certain situations that may arise during the playing of a game. For example, a ball that hits in the outfield and then bounces into the stands would be called a 'ground rule double'

H

ham & eggs

refers to an easy ground ball resulting in a double play

hat trick

The act of a batter striking out three times in a game

heat

A good fastball. Also 'heater'

high and tight

Refers to a pitch that is up in the strike zone and inside on a hitter. Also 'up and in'

hit

A play in which the batter safely reaches a base after hitting the ball, without aid from a fielding error or fielder's choice

hit and run

A play-action situation where the batter must swing at the next pitch while the base runner attempts to steal the next base

hit on the screws

Hit as hard as possible

hitting for the cycle

When a batter gets a single, double, triple, and home run in one game

hold

A statistic credited to a relief pitcher who enters a game with his team leading and leaves the game without giving up the lead, but is not credited with a win or save

home run

When a batter hits a pitched ball out of the ballpark or makes his way around the bases before a fielder can get to the ball and make a play. Other terms include, 'bomb', 'dinger', 'dong', 'round-tripper', 'shot', 'moon shot', 'jack', 'job', 'homer', 'tape-measure blast', and 'tater', along with many others

homerun cycle

A batter going 4-4 with 4 homeruns. The homeruns being a solo shot, a 2-run homerun, a 3-run homerun, and a grand slam. This feat has never been achieved in the history of the major leagues.

home plate

The fourth base to be reached by a base runner. The offensive team is credited with one run every time a player safely crosses this base. A pitched ball must cross the plate when thrown by the pitcher to be credited (or 'called') as a strike

hot corner

Refers to the third base position, since hard line drives are often hit by right-handed batters

hot-stover

A baseball fan who enjoys talking about the game during winter (the off-season)

hurler

A pitcher

I

in the hole

The third batter waiting to hit at any one time. Also the deep area at shortstop

infield

An area 90° square with the corners being the four bases

infielder

A fiedler who occupies a position in the infield. (First base, second base, shortstop, or third base)

inning

The division of play in baseball. There are 9 innings in a regulation game; each team bats in an inning until they record three outs. The visiting team always bats in the top half (beginning) of an inning. If the home team has the lead after the visiting team bats in the top half of the last inning, the bottom half of the inning is not played and the score becomes final. A tie at the end of regulation play forces extra innings. The game continues until an inning is complete and the visitors have a higher score, or until the home team breaks the tie

inside out

To hit the ball to the opposite field. A righthander hitting to right field, for instance

intentional walk

Four balls thrown on purpose to a batter, advancing the batter to first base. Generally executed when first base is empty to set up a force play

interference

When the ball or an attempt to field the ball are interfered with. Four examples exist:

1. Offensive Interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders, or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play
2. Defensive Interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch.
3. Umpire's Interference occurs:
1. when the Umpire hinders, impedes, or prevents a catcher's throw attempting to prevent a stolen base
2. when a fair ball touches an Umpire in fair territory before passing a fielder.
4. Spectator Interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of the stands, or goes on the playing field, and touches a live ball

On any interference the ball is dead

in the dirt

Used to describe a pitch that doesn't make it to the catcher without hitting the ground. If a batter swings at this pitch, he is either blind or in a huge slump...

in the hole

The batter after the on-deck hitter

J

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'

juiced

When runner are on every base. Also bases loaded. This term has recently also come to stand for players who have taken steroids or some other body enhancing drug

junior circuit

The American League

K

k

A strikeout

knuckleball

A pitch thrown by gripping one of the seams on a baseball with the finger nails and/or knuckles of the index and middle finger with the thumb and other fingers underneath the ball. The ball is pushed out of the hand by the two fingers to keep the ball from rotating, causing it to move in an unpredictable fashion.

L

leading lady

Refers to a leadoff batter. Ex: "Let's get the leading lady out."

leather

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

left on base

Runners stranded on base after three outs have been recorded

line drive

A ball hit by a batter that does not rise far off of the ground. Also known as a 'rope' and a 'frozen rope'. Other synonyms include pole, bash, blister, pound, powder, scorch, shellack, pepper, plank, juice, lace, lash, blaze, laser beam, nail, stroke, slap, spank, whack, belt, cork, rip, smash, drill, hammer, slug, smack, smoke, sting, paste, pummel, ram, rap, clip, clock, scald, whang, whip

line up

A team's batting order and fielding positions; given to the Umpire before each game

live ball

A ball that is in play

M

manager

A person appointed by the club to be responsible for the team's actions on the filed, and to represent the team in communications with the Umpire and the opposing team.

mash

To place several players on waivers at the same time to disguise the fact that the team is interested in trading one of the players.

Also refers to hitting a pitch very far, usually for a home run or extra bases. Additional synonyms include connect, drive, tee off, tag, plaster, clout, crank up, crash, shellack, sock, swat, unload, send, pound, power, jack, knock the cover off, ride it, kill, lace, launch, slam, uncork, air it out, blast, crank, cream, crush, hit a ton, get around on a pitch, get hold of it, get hold of one, go deep, slug, smash, clobber, wallop, whale on

meatball

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

Mendoza line

Refers to a batting average below .200. Named after The Pittsburgh Pirate's Mario Mendoza

Merkle boner

A mental error made by a player that costs his team the game. The story - Giants player Fred Merkle failed to touch second base on what should have been a game-winning hit for his team during the 1908 pennant race. The winning run did not count, and The Cubs eventually beat out the Giants for the pennant. The notorious incident is sometimes referred to as "Merkle's Bonehead Play"

Midsummer Classic

The All-Star Game

money wing

A pitcher's throwing arm

mound

The hill the pitcher stands on while pitching. Also 'hill'

N

nail down

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

nasty stuff

A good array of effective pitches

no hitter

A game in which a pitcher allows no safe hits to the other team. Also a 'no-no' and 'throwing blanks'

O

obstruction

When a member of the defensive team who is not involved in the play deliberately tries to stop or hinder an advancing base runner

on deck

A term used to refer to the next batter up in the inning. This person stands in a designated area and warms up before batting

on the screws

When a batter hits the ball hard. Also 'on the button'

out of gas

When a pitcher becomes ineffective

outfield

The area between the back edge of the infield and the fence

outfielder

A fielder who occupies a position in the outfield

overslide

The act of an offensive player when his slide to a base, other than when advancing from home to first base, is with such momentum that he loses contact with the base. Also 'oversliding'

P

painting the black

When a pitcher throws the ball over the edge of the plate

pancake

An old worn-out baseball glove with little padding

pancake glove

A round padded glove without a web, used for teaching infielders to use the palm of the mitt and both hands to field ground balls

passed ball

A pitched ball that is missed by the catcher, allowing a runner to advance

payoff

Any pitch made on a 3 balls, 2 strikes count

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)

perfect game

A game in which a pitcher does not allow any batter to reach base

phenom

Promising young player

pick

A good defensive play by an infielder on a ground ball or thrown ball (usually by the first baseman). Also a shortened version of 'pick-off'

pickle

When a runner is caught off the bases between two fielders, one of which has the ball. See also 'rundown'

pick off

An attempt by the pitcher to get a base runner out by throwing to the base from the stretch position

pilfer

To steal a base

pinch hitter

A hitter who substitutes in the line up for a starting player. The original player cannot return to the game, so the pinch hitter or a third person takes over the defensive position also

pinch runner

A player entering a game to run for a player already on base

pine pony

The dugout bench

pitch out

When a pitch is throw wide of the strike zone on purpose. Generally used if the catcher suspects a base runner is trying to steal on the next pitch

pitching rotation

The order in which the starting pitchers take turns starting games, usually with three or four days rest between starts

pivot foot

The pitcher's foot which is in contact with the pitcher's rubber as he delivers the pitch.

plunked

Hit by a pitch

pop fly

A ball hit very high that is caught in the infield or short outfield

power alleys

Left-center and right-center fields

pull the ball

To hit the ball to left field, if you're a right handed hitter, or to right field, if you're a left handed hitter. Also 'pull hitter'

punch out

See 'strike out'

put out

A statistic credited to a fielder who is directly responsible for a batter or base runner being out, either by tagging the runner or stepping on a base for a force out

Q

R

rain check

If a game is called due to rain or other weather conditions, tickets are issued for a make-up game

rally killer

When an offensive or defensive play ends an inning with runners on base

retouch

The act of a base runner returning to a base and touching it as required by the rules.

rhubarb

A fight or scuffle

ribbie

Another way of saying RBI. Also 'ribeye'

ride the pine

To sit on the bench and not play

rope

See 'line drive'

round tripper

Term for home run

rubber

The thin white slab that a pitcher uses to throw from. Also a general term for the pitcher's mound

rubber game

The deciding game of a series

run

Score obtained when a base runner safely crosses home plate

run batted in (RBI)

Statistic which shows how often a player has made it possible for his team mates to score while he is at bat. A player who has 30 RBI's has caused 30 runs to be scored. A batter is not credited with an RBI if he hits into a double play or if the run is scored due to an error

runner

An offensive player who is advancing toward, touching, or returning to any base

rundown

A situation where a runner is caught off base between two defensive players and attempts to avoid being tagged out by either player. Also known as a 'hot box' and 'pickle'

Ruthian

With great power. Refers to Babe Ruth

Top

S

sacrifice bunt

A bunt designed to advance a runner although the batter will most likely be thrown out

sacrifice fly

A fly ball out that advances or scores a runner

safe

Declaration by an Umpire that a runner is entitled to the base he is trying to reach

save

A relief pitcher can be credited with a save if they can keep their team's lead while the opponent's tying or winning runs are on base, or if they pitch three or more innings without allowing the opponents to tie the game

scoring position

When a runner is on second or third base

seeing eye single

A soft ground ball that finds its way between infielders for a base hit

Senior Circuit

The National League

set position

Indicated by the pitcher when he stands facing the batter with his entire pivot foot on, or in front of, and in contact with, and not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other foot in front of the pitcher's plate, holding the ball in both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete stop. From such Set Position he may deliver the ball to the batter, throw to a base or step backward off the pitcher's plate with his pivot foot. Before assuming Set Position, the pitcher may elect to make any natural preliminary motion such as that known as "the stretch." But if he so elects, he shall come to Set Position before delivering the ball to the batter. After assuming Set Position, any natural motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or interruption.

set-up man

A relief pitcher who usually enters a game in the seventh or eighth inning, before a 'closer'

seventh inning stretch

A refreshment break between the top and bottom halves of the seventh inning stretch. 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' is traditionally sung during this time

shoestring catch

A running or diving catch where a fielder gets to the ball just before it hits the ground

shortstop

Defensive player positioned between second and third base

shutout

When the opposing team scores no runs

signs

Player signals given from a coach to a hitter or runner or hand signals given by the catcher to the pitcher

sinker

A fast pitch that breaks downward as it reaches the plate

skillet

A baseball mitt when worn by a poor fielder

slap hitter

A hitter who will hit the ball to all sides of the playing field with about the same frequency. Also a 'spray hitter'

slider

A pitch that appears to the batter as a fastball until it reaches the plate, then it breaks sharply on a level plane. The ball is held similarly to the curve ball, but the wrist is kept straight, like a fastball, and broken downward

southpaw

A left-handed pitcher

spit ball

An illegal pitch. A foreign substance (most commonly spit or grease) is applied to the ball causing it to react in an unpredictable manner

spoil a pitch

To foul off an otherwise hittable pitch

starter

The pitcher who begins a game and pitches until he wins the game or is replaced by a relief pitcher

steal

An attempt to advance a base between pitches without the batter hitting the ball or getting a base on balls (BB)

stolen base

Successfully advancing a base between pitches without the batter hitting the ball or getting a base on balls (BB)

strike

A strike is called if a batter swings at a pitch and misses, or if a pitch simply passes through the strike zone. The first 2 foul balls count as the first two strikes. A foul ball that is not caught can not be counted as the third strike unless it is bunted foul. A batter with two strikes who bunts a ball foul is called out on strikes

strike out

An out recorded by throwing three strikes on a batter. Also known as 'punch out', 'whiff', and 'k'

strike zone

The area over home plate between the batter's armpits and knees when the batter is positioned to swing. This zone is prone to differences among various Umpires

substitution

When a player is replaced with another player. The replaced player cannot return to the game once removed for a sub

suicide squeeze

A play in which a runner on third breaks toward home on the pitch and the batter's responsibility is to bunt the ball allowing the run to score. Also 'squeeze play'

suspended game

A called game which is to be completed at a later date

sweet spot

The part of the bat just a few inches from the barrell

switch hitter

A player who is able to bat left or right handed. A switch hitter will usually bat from the opposite side from which the pitcher throws

T

table setter

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

tag

An action runners must perform before they can advance on a fly ball. Runners must touch the base they occupy after the ball is caught before they can try to advance. Runners can leave the base before a ball is hit, but must return and touch the base if the ball is caught. Also an action executed when a defensive player touches a runner with the ball to get them out

tag out

When a fielder holding the ball touches a runner while he is off-base or sliding into a base.

Texas Leaguer

A bloop hit that drops between the infielders and outfielders

The Show

The Major Leagues

The Sticks

The Minor Leagues

through the wickets

When a player is trying to field the ball and it goes between his legs

time

The announcement by an Umpire of a legal interruption of play, during which the ball is dead

toe the rubber

To set up on the pitcher's mound

tools of ignorance

The protective equipment of a catcher

top

The first half of each inning

touch 'em all

Hitting a home run (touching all the bases)

triple

A fair ball that allows the batter to reach third base safely

triple crown

When a player leads his league in batting average, RBI, and home runs

triple play

A defensive play that records three outs

turn two

To turn a double play in any fashion possible

twin killing

A double play

U

Uncle Charlie

A curve ball

utility player

A player who can play many different positions

V

W

walk

Given to the batter when a pitcher delivers 4 balls. If a hitter receives 4 balls during an at bat, they automatically advance to first base. Any base runners also advance. Also 'base on balls'

walk-off homerun

A home run in the bottom of the last inning that ends the game.

wheelhouse

A hitters power zone

wheels

A ballplayer's legs

whiff

Another term for a strikeout

whites

A baseball team's home uniforms

wild pitch

A thrown ball by the pitcher that the catcher is unable to catch or block from traveling to the backstop

wind-up position

The pitcher shall stand facing the batter, his entire pivot foot on, or in front of and touching and not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and the other foot free. From this position any natural movement associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without interruption or alteration. He shall not raise either foot from the ground, except that in his actual delivery of the ball to the batter, he may take one step backward, and one step forward with his free foot.

X

Y

Z