3 Baseball Jargon Words You Should Know

Baseball has a rich history and culture, and with it comes a unique vocabulary of slang terms that are specific to the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to get into the game, understanding these terms can enhance your appreciation for the sport.

Here are three baseball slang terms you should know.

“Five-Tool Player”

This term refers to a player who exhibits exceptional abilities in all five key areas of baseball skills. The term was popularized by baseball scout and executive Allan “Sandy” Sanderson and has since become a coveted designation among players and fans alike.

“Can of Corn”

This term is used to describe a simple fly ball that an outfielder can effortlessly catch. The term dates back to the early 1900s when grocers would use a stick to knock a can of corn off a high shelf, catch it in their apron, and then place it on a lower shelf.

The phrase has since been adopted by baseball players to describe a lazy fly ball that is easily caught.

“Meatball”

A “meatball” is a term used to describe a pitch that is easy to hit. It is typically a pitch that is thrown down the middle of the plate and at a slower speed, giving the batter an advantage.

The term “meatball” is believed to have originated in the early 1900s and refers to a baseball being as easy to hit as a piece of meat thrown to a dog.

Understanding these baseball slang terms can enhance your enjoyment of the sport and help you communicate more effectively with other fans. Whether you’re discussing the merits of a five-tool player, lamenting a missed opportunity on a can of corn, or celebrating a home run off a meatball pitch, these terms add a layer of depth and richness to the language of baseball.