Step up to the plate of baseball lingo where every word is a home run!
Whether you’re a dugout dreamer or a fielding fanatic, mastering these 30 must-know terms will amp up your ballpark banter from little league to the bigs.
Batter up for the ultimate linguistic grand slam!
Must-Know Baseball Terms, Phrases and Slang:
Table of Contents
An illegal motion by the pitcher when one or more runners are on base, which can lead to runners advancing. A balk can result from a variety of actions, such as an interrupted or deceptive delivery.
A pitch thrown with a similar arm action to a fastball, but at a significantly slower speed. The changeup deceives the batter by disrupting their timing, making it an effective pitch in the right hands.
Typically the fourth batter in the lineup known for power hitting and the ability to drive in runs. The cleanup hitter’s objective is often to “clean the bases” by batting in teammates on base.
The area along the foul lines near home plate where players sit when not on the field. The dugout serves as the team’s headquarters during a game, providing shelter and a strategic meeting place.
A home run hit with all three bases occupied, resulting in four runs scoring. It’s a significant, game-changing hit and is one of the most exciting plays in baseball.
A pitch with an unpredictable trajectory, thrown without spin by gripping with the knuckles or fingertips. The knuckleball’s erratic movement makes it hard for batters and catchers alike to anticipate.
The term “on deck” refers to the next batter scheduled to bat after the current batter. This player typically waits in a designated area close to the team’s dugout, known as the on-deck circle, preparing to bat by warming up, taking practice swings, and watching the pitcher.
A pinch hitter is a substitute batter brought into the game to bat in place of another player, typically because of strategic decisions related to the pitcher-batter matchup, the current player’s batting performance, or injury. Pinch hitters are often used in critical situations to increase the likelihood of getting a hit.
A deliberate hit that allows a runner to score from third base, even though the batter is almost guaranteed to be out. It’s a strategic play that prioritizes a team’s run over an individual’s batting performance.
A term used when the home team scores the winning run in the bottom of the final inning, ending the game immediately. It’s a dramatic finish that sends the fans home happy and the team into victory celebration.
A type of pitch that curves dramatically in flight due to spin, making it difficult for the batter to hit. It’s a key weapon in a pitcher’s arsenal, used to outwit hitters with its deceptive movement.
A play in which two offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action, typically involving a ground ball. It’s a momentum-shifting moment and a testament to a team’s defensive coordination.
A pitch thrown at high speed, often the fastest pitch in a pitcher’s repertoire. It’s a classic show of strength and pitching prowess, aiming to overpower the batter with sheer velocity.
A segment of the game that consists of each team having a turn to bat until three outs are recorded. A standard game consists of nine innings, and they are the fundamental structure of baseball’s flow.
The leadoff hitter is the first batter in the lineup for a team in a baseball game. This position is crucial because the leadoff hitter sets the tone for the inning. Typically, leadoff hitters are known for their ability to get on base, speed, and solid batting skills to spark offensive opportunities.
The mound, or pitcher’s mound, is a raised section of the baseball field where the pitcher stands when throwing the pitch. It is elevated to give the pitcher a gravity advantage, making pitches faster and more challenging for the batter to hit. The regulation distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate is 60 feet, 6 inches.
A rare pitching accomplishment where one or more pitchers do not allow the opposing team to get a hit throughout the entire game. It’s a testament to exceptional skill and often celebrated as a significant achievement.
Players who patrol the outfield (the grassy area beyond the infield) and are responsible for catching fly balls and preventing hits from becoming extra bases. Their roles are categorized as left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder.
A ball hit high into the air within the infield or shallow outfield. These are typically easy plays for fielders and often result in an out, assuming the ball is caught before it touches the ground.
A statistic that measures the total number of runs a hitter contributes by their at-bats, excluding runs scored due to errors or fielder’s choice. An important measure of a player’s offensive productivity.
A pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed and specializes in pitching for short periods, often in high-pressure situations. Their job is crucial for preserving leads or keeping the game within reach.
A term for a baseball player known for their ability to hit home runs and drive in runs. A slugger typically has a high slugging percentage, indicating their power-hitting capability.
A strikeout occurs when a batter accumulates three strikes before putting the ball in play or being awarded a walk. Strikeouts can happen through swinging misses, called strikes by the umpire, or foul balls when already having two strikes (except for certain foul tips caught by the catcher).
A rare defensive play where three outs are recorded in a single continuous play, usually occurring when the fielding team catches a batted ball and then tags or throws out two additional runners before they can safely advance.
An official who enforces the rules of the game, calls balls and strikes, and makes decisions on plays. Baseball typically has a crew of umpires, with one calling the game behind home plate and others positioned around the field.
Also known as a base on balls, this occurs when a pitcher throws four pitches out of the strike zone during a batter’s at-bat, allowing the batter to advance to first base without the risk of being put out.
The strip of dirt or different-colored artificial surface that runs parallel to the outfield wall, alerting outfielders they are approaching the wall as they track a flyball, potentially helping them avoid a collision.
Slang for when a batter swings at a pitch and misses it entirely. It’s often used in the context of a strikeout, highlighting the batter’s failure to make contact with the ball on a swing.
A player in the batting lineup who does not play a defensive position, used primarily in the American League. The designated hitter bats in place of the pitcher, adding offensive potential to the lineup.
An error in baseball is a mistake made by a fielder that allows a batter or runner to reach a base or advance an extra base that they would not have reached with ordinary effort. Errors can include misplays such as fumbling the ball, overthrowing a base, or dropping a catchable fly ball. Errors negatively impact the fielding team by potentially leading to unearned runs.
“Balk,” “Fastball,” and “Grand slam,” are some Baseball terms beginners should start with to understand pitching mistakes, a common type of pitch, and a four-run home run.
“Knuckleball,” “Whiff,” and “Meatball,” are some funny Baseball terms, referring to a fluttering pitch, a missed swing, and an easy pitch to hit hard – injecting humor into the sport’s vocabulary.
“Touch ’em all,” is a famous Baseball phrase, used when a player hits a home run and rounds all the bases, celebrating one of the sport’s most exciting plays.
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