Balk: An illegal movement by a pitcher. Balks are called
for various reasons, typically if a pitcher, with runners
on base, begins his motion towards home plate to throw a pitch
and then stops before delivering the ball. A balk results
in runners moving up one base.
Base On Balls: Also commonly referred to as a "walk".
When a batter receives four pitches that are out of the strike
zone, he is awarded first base.
Bases Loaded: Runners occupy first, second and third
base.
Batting Average: The number of at-bats divided by the
number of hits. A .300 batting average (ex. 180 hits in 600
at-bats) is a standard goal.
Beanball: A pitch that is intentionally thrown at the
batter, generally when the batter is "crowding the plate."
A power play by the pitcher.
Clean-up hitter: The fourth player in the batting order.
Control Pitcher: Phrase used to describe a pitcher
who records less base on balls than most other pitchers.
Double Play: A play in which two outs are recorded.
Earned run: A run scored without the benefit of an
error.
Earned Run Average: The number of earned runs (runs
scored without the benefit of an error) that pitcher allows,
multiplied by nine (the number of innings in a regulation
game) and divided by the actual number of innings pitched.
Ex. Pitcher allows 5 earned runs in 6 innings. ERA = 5 X 9
= 45 / 6 = 7.50 ERA.
Fielder's Choice: A scoring decision where a batter
reaches base safely but an out is recorded at another base.
The at-bat is recorded as hitless.
Full Count: When a batter has three balls and two strikes
against him.
Grand Slam: A home run hit with the bases loaded.
Ground-rule double: A ball hit in fair territory that
bounces out of the field play. Play is stopped and the batter
is given second base. Any runners on base at the time ball
was hit are advanced two bases.
Infield Fly Rule: With runners on first and second
base, or the bases loaded and zero or one out, a ball hit
in the air that does not go past the infield (or fifteen feet
into the outfield). The batter is automatically declared out,
thus preventing the fielders from purposely dropping the fly
ball in an attempt to force out runners.
In The Hole: The player who takes a turn at-bat second
after the current batter.
On Deck: The player who takes a turn at-bat after the
current batter.
On His Horse: Phrase commonly used to describe an outfielder running after a fly ball.
Passed ball: A pitch that is not wild which is missed
or dropped by the catcher allowing the runner to advance.
Perfect Game: A game where a pitcher allows no batter
to reach base safely. There have been only fifteen perfect
games pitched in the major leagues since 1900.
Plate Appearance: The aggregate of a player's at-bats,
walks, sacrifice hits (bunts and flies) and hit by pitches.
Sacrifice Bunt: A bunt intended to advance runners
at the expense of the batter being put out. The hitless plate
appearance is not counted towards a player's batting average.
Save: A statistical notation given to a pitcher who
effectively maintains his team's lead and finishes a game.
A save is awarded when a pitcher; a) Works three innings or
more in relief, maintains a lead and finishes the game; b)
Enters the game with a lead of three runs or less and maintains
the lead and finishes the game.
Southpaw: A left-handed pitcher.
Squeeze Play: A bunt with a runner on third base designed to advance the runner home. The runner on third waits to ensure that the batter has successfully laid down the bunt before advancing towards home.
Snowcone: Common term for when a fielder catches a ball, and a portion of the ball protrudes the end of the glove, appearing like a snowcone.
Strike Out: When a batter swings and misses three pitchers, receives three pitches within the strike zone without swinging, or a combination of the two. The batter is declared out. Foul balls are counted as strikes, except for the third strike, which either must be a swing-and-a-miss or looking.
Suicide Squeeze: A hit-&-run bunt with a runner on third base. The runner breaks for home as the pitch is delivered and the batter attempts to lay down a bunt.
Utility Man: A player who can play multiple defensive positions.
Wild Pitch: A pitch that eludes the catcher and allows base runners to advance. A scoring decision of a wild pitch puts responsibility for the action on the pitcher.
Workhorse: Phrase used to describe a pitcher who can pitch a lot of innings.
World Series: The championship series matching the winners of the American League and the National League. The series is preceded by Divisional and League Championship series in each league. The World Series is a best-of-seven affair that takes place in October and has been held annually since 1903 (except in 1904 and 1994).
See Also:
Baseball Glossary
Basketball Glossary
Soccer Glossary
Football Glossary
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