Baseball Lingo

Baseball is such a charming game. Some people think it is the best thing going and packed with action, strategy and surprise achievements. Well, maybe. I have to choose my words carefully because there are overzealous fanatics who will not brook any criticism. Also, patriotism has a way of creeping into any discussion of the topic. On the other hand, to its credit it has evolved to modern standards of entertainment and has a treasured place in summertime activity.

Americans in general are perplexed by foreign sporting tradition and I mention the game of cricket as an example. The rules are one thing but the lingo creates another impenetrable barrier to appreciation of the sport. For those who are not familiar with baseball and are continually perplexed by its so called virtues, I have compiled a short list of terms that may help demystify some of the accounts given by savvy broadcasters.

Celeste’s Clip ‘n’ Save Guide to Baseball Lingo

Can of corn – an easily caught fly ball to the outfield.

Catbird seat – a position of unarguable advantage. Not just physical, as in the press box.

Dinger – a home run. Round all the bases and score.

Fan him – strike him out. It takes three by the way.

Full count – three balls and two strikes against a batter. A foul ball then doesn’t count.

Gas inside – a fast pitch close to the hitter. A brush back is a dangerously close one.

Go with the heat (or gas) – serve up a very fast pitch. 100 mph is not unheard of.

Johnson – a home run. I have no idea who Johnson is or was.

Off speed – a slower pitch. 70 mph is considered lethargic!

On the corners – simultaneously a runner at first base and a runner at third base.

One (two or three) aboard – number of base runners.

Paint the corners – pitches delivered close to the corners of the rectangular strike zone.

Punch out – a strike out.

Put mustard on it – a throw or a hit with energy and vigor.

Swing for the fences – muscular and aggressive batting.

Walk off home run – a game winning home run for the home team in the last inning.

Huge hugs, Celeste