Friday, January 13, 2012

Things to Know About Baseball Terminologies


From sandlots to major league stadiums, baseball is played around the world. If you are new to baseball, there is an entire language of lingo you need to become familiar with to enjoy watching a game. Regardless of the level of play, baseball terminology always is the same and includes offensive, defensive, base running and positional phrases.
Offensive Baseball Terminology
The first offensive phrase you will likely encounter is batting average. This term indicates the likelihood that a given batter will get a hit. It is calculated by dividing the number of hits a batter has made by the number of times he has been up to bat. If a batter gets three strikes, he strikes out. If the pitcher throws four balls, the batter gets a walk and moves to first base. If the batter hits the ball into the air and it is caught, it is a fly out, and if he hits the ball along the ground and is thrown out, it is called a ground out.
Defensive Baseball Terminology
If a batter puts the ball into play and the defensive team is able to record two outs by also getting a runner out who already is on base, it is called a double play. If a defensive player fails to make a play that he should have, be it a throw or catch, it is an error. The terms “infield in” and “infield out” refer to the depth at which the infielders are playing. Managers often play with the infield in if they anticipate a batter will try to bunt the ball. If the defense gets the first three batters out in an inning, it is called “out in order” or a “one-two-three inning.”
Base Running Terminology
While a pitcher is making a throw to the batter at home plate, a base runner can attempt to advance another base and the catcher must try to throw the ball to the base before the runner gets there. If successful, it is called a stolen base, but if he unsuccessful, he has been thrown out stealing. A base runner often gets a head start, called a lead-off, by standing away from his current base. If the pitcher is able to throw the ball to a teammate at the bag before the runner can get back, it is called a pick-off and the runner is out.
Positional Baseball Terminology
A designated hitter is a player who plays only on offense. If a designated hitter is used, he hits in place of the team’s pitcher. A pinch hitter is a player who enters the game from the bench to bat in place of another player. He remains in the game following his at-bat and the player he batted for is removed. Likewise, a pinch runner is a player who enters the game from the bench to run for a fellow player on base. A relief pitcher is a pitcher who enters the game from the bullpen to assume pitching duties. The previous pitcher is removed from the game. Players who are removed from the game cannot return.

 
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