Football terms


Hockey terms


  • Adams Division - Part of the Wales Conference until the 1992-93 season; renamed the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference starting with the 1993-94 season.

  • Assist - A term common in hockey where credit is given to the player who contributes directly to a goal scored by another player by way of a pass or deflection of the puck to another teammate who actually scores the goal. A maximum of two player assists can be credited per goal scored.

  • Give and Go - A phrase common in hockey where one player immediately returns a pass back to the initial player using his stick or foot to move the puck to a teammate. Common uses include "Howe passes the puck to Clarke who returned in using a nice give and go play" or "Lemieux made a great give and go play with Jager".

  • Goal - A term common in hockey where the puck has entered into the opponents net which awards one point to the scoring team.

  • Offside[s] - A term common in hockey where a player crosses the blue line before the puck. This rules Common uses include "Gretzky passes the puck to Kurri" or "Lemeiux made a great pass to Fancis".

  • Pass - A term common in hockey where one player using his stick or foot moves the puck to a teammate. Common uses include "Gretzky passes the puck to Kurri" or "Lemeiux made a great pass to Fancis".

Baseball terms


  • % Inherited Scored - A Relief Pitching statistic indicating the percentage of runners on base at the time a relief pitcher enters a game that he allows to score.

  • 1st Batter OBP - The On-Base Percentage allowed by a relief pitcher to the first batter he faces in a game.

  • 1B - First Base / Singles

  • 2B - Second Base / Doubles

  • 3B - Third Base / Triples

  • A - Assists

  • AB - At Bats

  • AB/GIDP - At-Bats per Grounded Into Double Play

  • AB/HR - At-Bats per Home Run

  • AB/RBI - At-Bats per Runs Batted In

  • Ace - A term used for a team's best starting pitcher.

  • Active Career Batting Leaders - Minimum of 1,000 At Bats required for Batting Average, On-Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage, At Bats Per HR, At Bats Per GDP, At Bats Per RBI, and K/BB Ratio. One hundred (100) Stolen Base Attempts required for Stolen Base Success %. Any player who appeared in 1995 is eligible for inclusion provided he meets the category's minimum requirements.

  • Active Career Pitching Leaders - Minimum of 750 Innings Pitched required for Earned Run Average, Opponent Batting Average, all of the Per 9 Innings categories, and Strikeout to Walk Ratio. Two hundred fifty (250) Games Started required for Complete Game Frequency. One hundred (100) decisions required for Win-Loss Percentage. Any player who appeared in 1995 is eligible for inclusion provided he meets the category's minimum requirements.

  • Adjudged - Term used for a judgment decision by the umpire.

  • Ag - Age the player

  • Alley - The section of the outfield between the outfielders. Also "gap."

  • AO - Fly Outs

  • APP - Appearances

  • Appeal - Term used for the process where by a fielder claims a violation of the rules by the offensive team

  • Around The Horn - A phrase used to describe a double play going from third base to second to first.

  • At Bats - Is a term used to define how many times an offensive player has taken his position in the batters box over a period of time. Commonly used for "How many at bats did Sosa have today?" or "This season Sosa has had more at bats then Bonds".

  • AVG - Batting Average

  • BA - Batting Average

  • Backdoor Slider - A pitch that appears to be out of the strike zone, but then breaks back over the plate.

  • Bag - A base

  • Balk - is a term used to describe an illegal action by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one base.

  • Ball - Term used to define a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter. If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a "ball." If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base. If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the ball cannot be caught. If the batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if he hit the ball in flight.

  • Baltimore Chop - A ground ball that hits in front of home plate (or off of it) and takes a large hop over the infielder's head.

  • Bandbox - A small ballpark that favors hitters

  • Bang-Bang Play - A play in which the baserunner hits the bag a split-second before the ball arrives or vice versa.

  • BA ScPos Allowed - Batting Average Allowed with Runners in Scoring Position.

  • Base - Is one of four points which must be touched by a runner in order to score a run; more usually applied to the canvas bags and the rubber plate which mark the base points.

  • Baseball - Defined as a game between two teams of nine players each, under direction of a manager, played on an enclosed field in accordance with these rules, under jurisdiction of one or more umpires. Also considered the official ball in which the game is played with.

  • Base Coach - Term used for a team member in uniform who is stationed in the coach's box at first or third base to direct the batter and the runners.

  • Base on Balls - is an award of first base granted to a batter who, during his time at bat, receives four pitches outside the strike zone.

  • Basket Catch - When a fielder catches a ball with his glove near belt level.

  • Batter - is an offensive player who takes his position in the batter's box.

  • Batter Runner - Is a term that identifies the offensive player who has just finished his time at bat until he is put out or until the play on which he became a runner ends

  • Batter's Box - Is the term for the area by the home plate, outlined in white chaulk, within which the batter shall stand during his time at bat.

  • Battery - Is the term used to describe th pitcher and catcher combination.

  • Beanball - A pitch intentionally thrown to hit the batter.

  • bench clearer - a physical brawl. Refers to a fight between two teams onfield, in which the dugouts of both teams are emptied and everyone participates in a free-for-all. Originated from the semi-annual phenomenon of Red Sox - Yankees fights.

  • Bequeathed Runners - Any runner(s) on base when a pitcher leaves a game are considered bequeathed to the departing hurler; the opposite of inherited runners (see below).

  • BB - Base on Balls or Walks

  • BB/9 - Walks per Nine Innings

  • Bench - or dugout is the seating facilities reserved for players, substitutes and other team members in uniform when they are not actively engaged on the playing field

  • BF - Batters Faced

  • BFP - Batters Faced Pitching

  • BK - Balks

  • big show - The major leagues.

  • Blown Saves - This is charged any time a pitcher comes into a game where a save situation is in place and he loses the lead.

  • Bottom of the Inning - The second half of an inning, during which the home team bats.

  • Breaks - luck and good fortune

  • Bronx cheer - When the crowd boos.

  • Brushback - A pitch that nearly hits a batter.

  • Buckner - To make a horrible defensive error that costs the team the game.

  • Bunt - is defined as a batted ball not swung at, but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly within the infield

  • Bush - Also "bush league." An amateur play or behavior.

  • bush league - amateurish, unprofessional, or inferior. The term was originally a slang reference to minor league baseball, with the implication that something was not ready for wide exposure and competition.

  • Cactus League - The group of teams that conduct their pre-season exhibition games in Arizona.

  • Called Game - Or Call game is a term used where, for any reason, the umpire in chief terminates play. Usually games get cancelled due to outside reasons like poor weather / rain but there are more extreame reasons to call a game.

  • Can Of Corn - An easy catch by a fielder.

  • Catch - is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with a player, or with a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such collision or falling, drops the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball which then hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire and then is caught by another defensive player. If the fielder has made the catch and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following the catch, the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught. In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the ball and that his release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielder before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases the instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach over a fence, railing, rope or other line of demarcation to make a catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may be in foul ground. No interference should be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. If a fielder, attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is "held up" and kept from an apparent fall by a player or players of either team and the catch is made, it shall be allowed.

  • Catcher - Name for the fielder who takes his position back of the home base. The catcher is a defensive player who catches the pitches thrown by the pitcher and is often times responsible for calling the pitch selection used by the pitcher.

  • Catcher's Box - Term given to the area within which the catcher shall stand until the pitcher delivers the ball.

  • Catcher's ERA - The Earned Run Average of a club's pitchers with a particular catcher behind the plate. To figure this for a catcher, multiply the Earned Runs Allowed by the pitchers while he was catching times nine and divide that by his number of Innings Caught.

  • Caught Looking - When a batter is called out on strikes.

  • Caught Napping - caught off guard. Originally a term for when a pitcher or catcher throws to an occupied base and puts out a runner who is taking a lead and not paying attention to activity on the mound. Also "catch leaning;" the thrown-out runner can also be said to be cut down or picked off.

  • Cellar - Last place. Also "basement."

  • CF - Center Field

  • CG - Complete Games

  • CGL - Complete Game Losses

  • Charley Horse - a muscle cramp in the lower leg

  • Chase After - Swinging at a pitch well outside of the strike zone.

  • Check the Runner - When the pitcher looks in the direction of a runner on base, and thereby causes him to not take as large of a lead as he would otherwise have taken.

  • Cheese - Also "good cheese." Refers to a good fastball.

  • Chin Music - A pitch that is high and inside. a sock on the jaw. (May also come from gangster slang. Refers to a beanball (see above) or knockdown pitch that passes close to the batter's jaw.

  • Circus Catch - An outstanding catch by a fielder.

  • Cleanup - The fourth batter for a team, usually a power hitter. The idea is to get some runners on base for the "cleanup" hitter to drive home.

  • Cleanup Slugging % - The Slugging Percentage of a player when batting fourth in the batting order.

  • Closer - A team's relief pitcher who finishes the game. A relief pitcher who is consistently used to get the final outs in games. Closers are often among the most overpowering pitchers.

  • Club - is a person or group of persons responsible for assembling the team personnel, providing the playing field and required facilities, and representing the team in relations with the league

  • Clutch - This category shows a player's batting average in the late innings of close games: the seventh inning or later with the batting team ahead by one, tied, or has the tying run on base, at bat or on deck.

  • Clutch, in the Clutch - the ability to do well when the pressure is on, or when it really counts (e.g. the bottom of the 9th, with bases loaded and two outs, when the team is about to lose.) Refers to the controversial belief in the phenomenon of clutch hitting, an uncharted variable in baseballfor which no reliable statistical formula has yet been devised.

  • Coach - Defined as a team member in uniform appointed by the manager to perform such duties as the manager may designate, such as but not limited to acting as base coach.

  • Crackerjack - a really good player or team.

  • CS - Caught Stealing

  • Cup of Coffee - had a brief fling with fame or success, but blew it. Reference to having played briefly in the Major or Minor leagues, as in "He had a cup of coffee once."

  • Curveball - Slang for a surprise. The curveball is a pitch in baseball designed to fool the batter by dropping unexpectedly.

  • 'Cut off' - Refers either to a cut-off man who shortens the throw or to cut off the ball.

  • Cutter - A cut fastball (one with a late break to it).

  • Cycle - When a batter hits a single, double, triple and home run in the same game.

  • Dead Ball - Is defined as a ball out of play because of a legally created temporary suspension of play

  • Defense - or defensive is the team, or any player of the team, in the field.

  • Defensive Batting Average - A composite statistic incorporating various defensive statistics to arrive at a number akin to batting average. The formula uses standard deviations to establish a spread from best to worst.

  • Defensive Indifference - A play in which a runner advances to the next base without a throw from the catcher or without any fielder attempting to cover the bag to accept a throw from the catcher. The runner then does not get credit for a stolen base because his action was not challenged in any way. This usually occurs in a game in which the score is heavily favored towards one team and a runner advancing a base will not make a large difference in the expected outcome of the game.

  • DER - Defensive Efficiency Rating

  • Dinger - A home run. Also homer, round-tripper. See more nicknames in the article home

  • Dish - Home plate.

  • Double - A hit that results in the batter making it to the 2nd base

  • Double Header - is two regularly scheduled or rescheduled games, played in immediate succession on the same day

  • Double Play - is defined as a play by the defense in which two offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is no error between putouts. (a) A force double play is one in which both putouts are force plays. (b) A reverse force double play is one in which the first out is a force play and the second out is made on a runner for whom the force is removed by reason of the first out. Examples of reverse force plays: runner on first, one out; batter grounds to first baseman, who steps on first base (one out) and throws to second baseman or shortstop for the second out (a tag play). Another example: bases loaded, none out; batter grounds to third baseman, who steps on third base (one out); then throws to catcher for the second out (tag play).

  • Down the Line - On the field near the foul lines, often used to describe the location of batted balls.

  • Down the Middle - Over the middle portion of home plate, used to describe the location of pitches.

  • DP - Double Plays

  • Drop Off the Table - When a pitched ball (e.g., a curveball) breaks extremely sharply.

  • Drop the Ball - to fail in one's responsibilities. A reference to fielding, when catching a fly ball is expected to be easy.

  • Dug Out - or bench is the seating facilities reserved for players, substitutes and other team members in uniform when they are not actively engaged on the playing field

  • Dying Qail - A weak fly ball that lands just past the infield, appearing to "die" / loose momentum quickly.

  • E - Errors

  • Earned Run Average - (Earned Runs times 9) divided by Innings Pitched.

  • ER - Earned Runs Allowed

  • ERA - Earned Run Average

  • ERA+ - the ratio of the league's ERA

  • E - Errors

  • Fair Ball - Is defined as a batted ball that settles on fair ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that is on or over fair territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or that touches first, second or third base, or that first falls on fair territory on or beyond first base or third base, or that, while on or over fair territory touches the person of an umpire or player, or that, while over fair territory, passes out of the playing field in flight. A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time he touches the ball. If a fly ball lands in the infield between home and first base, or home and third base, and then bounces to foul territory without touching a player or umpire and before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball; or if the ball settles on foul territory or is touched by a player on foul territory, it is a foul ball. If a fly ball lands on or beyond first or third base and then bounces to foul territory, it is a fair hit. Clubs, increasingly, are erecting tall foul poles at the fence line with a wire netting extending along the side of the pole on fair territory above the fence to enable the umpires more accurately to judge fair and foul balls.

  • Fair Territory - Is a term used to describe the part of the playing field within, and including the first base and third base lines, from home base to the bottom of the playing field fence and perpendicularly upwards. All foul lines are in fair territory.

  • Fast-A - Otherwise known as "Advanced A," these A-level minor leagues are the California League, Carolina League and Florida Stat League.

  • Fast Ball - An intmidating pitch thrown to overpower the batter. A good fast ball can be thrown in excess of 100 mph making it difficult to hit.

  • Fielder - Is defined as any defensive player.

  • Fielder's Choice - Is defined as the act of a fielder who handles a fair grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batter runner, throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner. The term is also used by scorers (a) to account for the advance of the batter runner who takes one or more extra bases when the fielder who handles his safe hit attempts to put out a preceding runner; (b) to account for the advance of a runner (other than by stolen base or error) while a fielder is attempting to put out another runner; and (c) to account for the advance of a runner made solely because of the defensive team's indifference (undefended steal).

  • Fielding Percentage - This statistic tells you the batting average allowed by a relief pitcher to the first batter he faces.

  • Fireman - A team's closer or late-inning relief pitcher.

  • Fly Ball - Term used to describe a batted ball that goes high in the air in flight.

  • foot in the Bucket - to act timidly

  • Force Play - is defined as a play in which a runner legally loses his right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner. Confusion regarding this play is removed by remembering that frequently the "force" situation is removed during the play. Example: Man on first, one out, ball hit sharply to first baseman who touches the bag and batter runner is out. The force is removed at that moment and runner advancing to second must be tagged. If there had been a runner on third or second, and either of these runners scored before the tag out at second, the run counts. Had the first baseman thrown to second and the ball then had been returned to first, the play at second was a force out, making two outs, and the return throw to first ahead of the runner would have made three outs. In that case, no run would score. Example: Not a force out. One out. Runner on first and third. Batter flies out. Two out. Runner on third tags up and scores. Runner on first tries to retouch before throw from fielder reaches first baseman, but does not get back in time and is out. Three outs. If, in umpire's judgment, the runner from third touched home before the ball was held at first base, the run counts.

  • Forfeited Game - Term used for a game declared ended by the umpire in chief in favor of the offended team by the score of 9 to 0, for violation of the rules

  • Foul Ball - Defined as a batted ball that settles on foul territory between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that bounds past first or third base on or over foul territory, or that first falls on foul territory beyond first or third base, or that, while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground. A foul fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the infielder is on foul or fair territory at the time he touches the ball. A batted ball not touched by a fielder, which hits the pitcher's rubber and rebounds into foul territory, between home and first, or between home and third base is a foul ball.

  • Foul Territory - Is a term used for the part of the playing field outside the first and third base lines extended to the fence and perpendicularly upwards

  • Foul Tip - Term used for a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher's hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip unless caught and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play. It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher's glove or hand.

  • Fouling Off - Batting a pitch foul with two strikes, in order to keep the at bat going

  • FP - Fielding Percentage

  • FPCT - Fielding Percentage

  • Full Count - A count of 3 balls and 2 strikes, that is, no more balls or strikes can occur without a result.

  • Fungo - A ball hit to a fielder during practice. It's usually hit by a coach using a "fungo bat," which is longer and thinner than a normal bat.

  • G - Games played in

  • Game Score - A pitcher's Game Score is determined as follows: (1)Start with 50. (2)Add 1 point for eachout recorded by the starting pitcher. (3)Add 2 points for each inning the pitcher completes after the fourth inning. (4)Add one point for each strikeout.(5)Subtract 2 points for each hit allowed. (6)Subtract 4 points for each earned run allowed.(7)Subtract 2 points for an unearned run.(8)Subtract 1 point for a walk.If the starting pitcher scores over 50 and loses, it is a Tough Loss. If he wins with a game score under 50, it's a Cheap Win.

  • Gap - See "alley." A ball hit here is a "gapper."

  • GDP or GIDP - Grounded into Double Plays

  • GF - Games finished in relief

  • GIDP - Ground into Double Plays

  • GO - Ground Outs

  • Go-Ahead RBI - Any time a player drives in a run which gives his team the lead, he is credited with a go-ahead RBI.

  • GO/AO - Ground Outs/Fly Outs

  • "Going, Going, Gone"- dramatic description of anything departed. This phrase is used when a home run is hit, most famously by the Chicago Cubs baseball announcer Harry Caray.

  • Golden Sombrero - One who strikes out four times in one game is said to have gotten the Golden Sombrero.

  • Golfing - Swinging at an obvious ball, particularly one pitched low or in the dirt. Also, golfing can be used to describe actual contact with a pitch low in the zone (he golfed that one for a home run).

  • Gopher Ball - A pitch hit for a home run, as in "go for."

  • Grapefruit League - The group of teams that conduct their pre-season exhibition games in Florida.

  • Grounded Ball - is a batted ball that rolls or bounces close to the ground.

  • Ground Outs - When a player's at bat results in a ground ball that is successfully fielded by the defensive team.

  • Ground Out to Air Out Ratio (GOAO) - Number of times a batter hits ground outs compared to his number of air outs.

  • Ground Out to Air Out Ratio (GO/AO) - Number of times a batter hits ground outs compared to his number of air outs.

  • GS - Games started

  • GSH - Grand Slam Home Runs

  • H - Hits

  • H/9 - Hits per Nine Innings

  • HB - Hit Batsmen

  • HBP - Hit by Pitch

  • Heat - A good fastball. Also "heater."

  • High and Tight - Referring to a pitch that's up in the strike zone and inside on a hitter. Also known as "up and in."

  • Hill - Pitcher's mound.

  • Hit and Run - anything that strikes quickly and then abruptly departs. This originally refers to a play in which a base runner starts to advance to the next base when the ball is pitched (similar to a stolen base), with the batter instructed to try to hit the ball (to prevent the runner being thrown out).

  • Hits or Hits Against - Phrase used with number of hits a batter safely reaches a base on not including walks or sacrifices. For pitchers, the number of hits given up while pitching.

  • Hit By Pitch - Number of times a batter is struck by a pitch.

  • Hitting for the Cycle - Term used for a player that hits a single, double, triple and home run in the same game. To accomplish this feat in order is termed a "progressive cycle."

  • HLD - Hold

  • Hold - A Hold is credited any time a relief pitcher enters a game in a Save Situation (see definition below), records at least one out, and leaves the game never having relinquished the lead. Note: a pitcher cannot finish the game and receive credit for a Hold, nor can he earn a hold and a save.

  • Homer - A home run. Other terms include: blast, dinger, dong, four-bagger, four-base knock, moon shot, tape-measure blast and tater.

  • Home Plate - is the plate from where the game action begins including the calls of balls and strikes as well as the location where the play ends with runs scored.

  • Home Team - is the team on whose grounds the game is played, or if the game is played on neutral grounds, the home team shall be designated by mutual agreement

  • Hot Corner - The third base fielding position, so called because many batted balls arrive very quickly to the position.

  • HR - Home Runs

  • IBB - Intentional Base on Balls

  • I/GS - Innings Per Games Started

  • Illegal - Or Illegally are terms that define action that is contrary to the rules of baseball

  • Illegal Pitch - Can be defined as (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when the pitcher does not have his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate; (2) a quick return pitch. An illegal pitch when runners are on base is a balk.

  • Infielder - Name given to a fielder who occupies a position in the infield. Examples of this are 1st baseman, 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman, short stop, back catcher etc...

  • Infield Fly - is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare "Infield Fly" for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare "Infield Fly, if Fair." The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul. If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to the ground outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an Infield Fly. On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire's judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire's judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately. When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions of Rule 6.05 (L). The infield fly rule takes precedence.

  • Inherited Runner - Any runner(s) on base when a relief pitcher enters a game are considered "inherited" by that pitcher.

  • In Jeopardy - of a batter-runner or base runner at risk of being thrown out because a ball is in play.

  • Inn - Innings Played

  • Inning - is that portion of a game within which the teams alternate on offense and defense and in which there are three putouts for each team. Each team's time at bat is a half inning.

  • Interference - Is defined as a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. If the umpire declares the batter, batter runner, or a runner out for interference, all other runners shall return to the last base that was in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference, unless otherwise provided by these rules. In the event the batter runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch. (b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch. (c) Umpire's interference occurs (1) When an umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher's throw attempting to prevent a stolen base, or (2) When a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder. (d) Spectator interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of the stands, or goes on the playing field, and touches a live ball. On any interference the ball is dead.

  • In Flight - describes a batted, thrown, or pitched ball which has not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder

  • In Jeopardy - is a term indicating that the ball is in play and an offensive player may be put out

  • In the Hole - The batter after the on-deck hitter. On the infield at a location nearly exactly between fielders, used to describe the location of batted balls.

  • Intentional Base on Balls - When a batter is intentionally thrown four balls outside the strike zone.

  • IP - Innings Pitched

  • IRA - Inherited Runs Allowed

  • "It Ain't Over Till It's Over" - is a famous quotation from baseball player Yogi Berra; one of many yogiisms

  • Jack - A Home Run, as in, "Hitting a jack" or "Jacking one out of here"

  • Jam - When a hitter gets a pitch near his hands, he is "jammed." Also when a pitcher gets himself in trouble, he is in a "jam."

  • K - Strike out. A backwards K is sometimes used to denote a strikeout looking and forwards to indicate a strikeout swinging.

  • K/9 - Strikeouts per Nine Innings

  • K/BB - Strikeout / Walk Ratio

  • L - Losses

  • Late & Close - A Late & Close situation meets the following requirements: the game is in the seventh inning or later, and the batting team is either leading by one run, tied, or has the potential tying run on base, at bat, or on deck. Note: this situation is very similar to the characteristics of a Save Situation.

  • Leadoff Hitter - Term used for the first player that bats in a game for each team. This term also is used sometimes as the player that leads off the inning.

  • Lead Off (batting order) - The player who is first in the batting order for a given team.

  • Lead Off (base running) - When a base runner steps off of the base in order to reduce the distance to the next base, before a pitch is thrown.

  • Leadoff On Base% - The On-Base Percentage of a player when batting first in the batting order.

  • League - is a group of clubs whose teams play each other in a pre arranged schedule under these rules for the league championship

  • League President - Person who enforces the official rules, resolve any disputes involving the rules, and determine any protested games. The league president may fine or suspend any player, coach, manager or umpire for violation of these rules, at his discretion.

  • Leather - Refers to how good a player plays defensively or handles the glove. Ex: "He flashed some leather on that play."

  • Left Field - Position (LF) or a descriptor for something unusual, unexpected, or irrational

  • LF - Left Field

  • Lg - League they played in

  • lgERA - Earned Run Average for a league average pitcher

  • lgFP - Major League Average Fielding Percentage at that position that year.

  • lgRF9 - Major League Average Range Factor at that position that year per nine innings.

  • lgRFg - Major League Average Range Factor at that position that year by games.

  • Live Ball - is a ball which is in play.

  • Line Drive - is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to a fielder without touching the ground.

  • LIPS - Late Inning Pressure Situations

  • load the Bases - The act of causing runners to occupy the three numbered bases (first, second, and third bases).

  • LOB - Left On Base

  • Long Bomb - Hit with great power. A home run hit a great distance.

  • Lou Gehrig's Disease - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), made famous by famed New York Yankee who had the disease

  • Manager - is a person appointed by the club to be responsible for the team's actions on the field, and to represent the team in communications with the umpire and the opposing team. A player may be appointed manager. (a) The club shall designate the manager to the league president or the umpire in chief not less than thirty minutes before the scheduled starting time of the game. (b) The manager may advise the umpire that he has delegated specific duties prescribed by the rules to a player or coach, and any action of such designated representative shall be official. The manager shall always be responsible for his team's conduct, observance of the official rules, and deference to the umpires. (c) If a manager leaves the field, he shall designate a player or coach as his substitute, and such substitute manager shall have the duties, rights and responsibilities of the manager. If the manager fails or refuses to designate his substitute before leaving, the umpire in chief shall designate a team member as substitute manager.

  • MB/9 - Baserunners per 9 Innings

  • Meatball - An easy pitch to hit, usually right down the middle of the plate.

  • Mendoza Line - A batting average of .200. Batters hitting below .200 are colloquially said to be below the Mendoza line. Named for Mario Mendoza, a notoriously poor hitter of the 1970s.

  • Merkle Boner - Mental error that causes cost team the game, a good example would be forgetting the number of outs and tossing the ball into the stands, allow runners to advance. Origin: Rookie Giant firstbaseman Fred Merkle singled to right field with two outs and a runner on first in the bottom of the ninth with the score tied. The next batter, Al Bridwell, hit a single to center which scored the baserunner Moose McCormick. Seeing McCormick cross the plate, Merkle - as was the custom of the time in such situations - headed for the Giant clubhouse in center field. Cub secondbaseman Johnny Evers - a stickler for rules - noticed that Merkle had not gone on to touch second. Evers called for the ball (whether it was the genuine ball that was hit is debatable), tagged second and appealed to umpire Bob Emslie who did not see the play and refused to make the call. He appealed to his partner, the famous Hank O'Day who granted Evan's appeal and called Merkle out on a force play. The Giants had left the field, celebrating their victory when umpire O'Day declared the game a tie. When the game was made up on October 8th with the Giants and Cubs tied in the standings, the Giants lost the game - and lost the pennant. "Both bonehead, meaning "stupid," and boner, meaning "a ridiculous blunder," predate that fateful September day, but there's no doubt that Merkle's boner did a lot to solidify the place of both terms in our language." - Merriam Webster's Word For The Wise

  • Middle of the Inning - The few minutes that lapse between the top and bottom of an inning when the away team takes field to defend, and the home team prepares to bat. No gameplay occurs during this period. Television and radio broadcasts run commercial breaks during the middle of an inning. See also seventh-inning stretch.

  • Moon Shot - A very long, high home run.

  • Mound - is the location from which the pitcher throws the ball to the home plate. The distance between the pitcher's plate and home base (the rear point of home plate) is 60 feet, 6 inches.

  • Muff - Make a silly mistake or screw up

  • Nail Down - As in "nail down a victory." Refers to a relief pitcher finishing off the game.

  • ND - No Decision

  • No Decision - The result when a starter is credited with neither a win nor a loss.

  • NP - Number of Pitches

  • OBA - On-base Against

  • OBP - On-Base Percentage

  • Obstruction - is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the ball he may be considered "in the act of fielding a ball." It is entirely up to the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act of fielding a ball. After a fielder has made an attempt to field a ball and missed, he can no longer be in the "act of fielding" the ball. For example: an infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the progress of the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner.

  • OFA - Outfield Assists

  • Offbase - Out of line, working on faulty assumptions. In base running, being offbase is a mistake that could lead to a runner being put out.

  • Offense - the team, or any player of the team, at bat.

  • Offensive Winning Percentage - The Winning Percentage a team of nine Fred McGriffs (or anybody) would compile against average pitching and defense. The formula: (Runs Created per 27 outs) divided by the League average of runs scored per game. Square the result and divide it by (1+itself).

  • Offical Scorer - The league president shall appoint an official scorer for each league championship game. The official scorer shall observe the game from a position in the press box. The scorer shall have sole authority to make all decisions involving judgment, such as whether a batter's advance to first base is the result of a hit or an error. He shall communicate such decisions to the press box and broadcasting booths by hand signals or over the press box loud speaker system, and shall advise the public address announcer of such decisions if requested. The Official Scorer must make all decisions concerning judgment calls within twenty four (24) hours after a game has been officially concluded. No judgment decision shall be changed thereafter except, upon immediate application to the League President, the scorer may request a change, citing the reasons for such. In all cases, the official scorer is not permitted to make a scoring decision which is in conflict with the scoring rules. After each game, including forfeited and called games, the scorer shall prepare a report, on a form prescribed by the league president, listing the date of the game, where it was played, the names of the competing clubs and the umpires, the full score of the game, and all records of individual players compiled according to the system specified in these Official Scoring Rules. He shall forward this report to the league office within thirty six hours after the game ends. He shall forward the report of any suspended game within thirty six hours after the game has been completed, or after it becomes an official game because it cannot be completed, as provided by the Official Playing Rules. (b) (1) To achieve uniformity in keeping the records of championship games, the scorer shall conform strictly to the Official Scoring Rules. The scorer shall have authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules. (2) If the teams change sides before three men are put out, the scorer shall immediately inform the umpire of the mistake. (3) If the game is protested or suspended, the scorer shall make a note of the exact situation at the time of the protest or suspension, including the score, the number of outs, the position of any runners, and the ball and strike count on the batter. NOTE: It is important that a suspended game resume with exactly the same situation as existed at the time of suspension. If a protested game is ordered replayed from the point of protest, it must be resumed with exactly the situation that existed just before the protested play. (4) The scorer shall not make any decision conflicting with the Official Playing Rules, or with an umpire's decision. (5) The scorer shall not call the attention of the umpire or of any member of either team to the fact that a player is batting out of turn. (c) (1) The scorer is an official representative of the league, and is entitled to the respect and dignity of his office, and shall be accorded full protection by the league president. The scorer shall report to the president any indignity expressed by any manager, player, club employee or club officer in the course of, or as the result of, the discharge of his duties.

  • On Base Percentage - (Hits plus Walks plus Hit by Pitcher) divided by (At Bats plus Walks plus Hit by Pitcher plus Sacrifice Flies).

  • On the Screws - When a batter hits the ball hard. Also "on the button."

  • Opponent Batting Average - Hits Allowed divided by (Batters Faced minus Walks minus Hit Batsmen minus Sacrifice Hits minus Sacrifice Flies minus Catcher's Interference).

  • OPS - On-base Plus Slugging Percentage

  • Out - Is one of the three required retirements of an offensive team during its time at bat

  • Out Fielder - Is a fielder who occupies a position in the outfield, which is the area of the playing field most distant from home base

  • Outfielder Hold Percentage - A statistic used to evaluate outfielders' throwing arms. "Hold Percentage" is computed by dividing extra bases taken (by baserunners) by the number of opportunities. For example, if a single is lined to center field with men on first and second, and one man scores while the other stops at second, that is one extra base taken on two opportunities, a 50.0 hold percentage.

  • Out of Bounds - Location on the playing field where the ball is no longer in play.

  • Out of Left Field - an argument or claim that appears difficult to imagine without prior knowledge

  • Out in Left Field-- Strange, odd, out of it, space-case

  • Outside Corner - Over the edge of home plate away from the batter, used to describe the location of pitches.

  • Overslide - Or Oversliding is the act of an offensive player when his slide to a base, other than when advancing from home to first base, is with such momentum that he loses contact with the base.

  • Painting the Black - When a pitcher throws the ball over the edge of the plate.

  • PA - Plate Appearances. The divisor for On Base Percentage: At Bats plus Walks plus Hit By Pitcher plus Sacrifice Flies; or Plate Appearances minus Sacrifice Hits and Times Reached Base on Defensive Interference.

  • PA/SO - Plate Appearances per Strikeout

  • Payoff Pitch - A pitch made when the pitch count is full, i.e., when three balls and two strikes have been totaled for the batter. The implication is that much effort has gone into reaching this point (this is at least the sixth pitch of the at bat), and the pitch will either pay off for the pitcher (resulting in a strikeout) or the batter (resulting in a hit or a walk). This is not always so, though, as a foul would extend the length of the at bat.

  • PCS - See Pitchers' Caught Stealing

  • Pea - A ball traveling at high speed, either batted or thrown.

  • Penalty - is the application of these rules following an illegal act.

  • Pepper - Pepper is a common pre-game exercise where one player bunts brisk grounders and line drives to a group of fielders who are standing about 20 feet away. The fielders try to throw it back as quickly as possible. The batter hits the return throw. (Some ballparks ban pepper games because wild pitches could land in the stands and injure spectators).

  • Percentage of Pitches Taken - This tells you how often a player lets a pitch go by without swinging.

  • Percentage of Swings Put In Play - This tells you how often a player hits the ball into fair territory, or is retired on a foul-ball out, when he swings

  • Person - The person of a player or an umpire is any part of his body, his clothing or his equipment.

  • PB - For catchers, Passed Balls

  • P/GS - Pitches per Start

  • Pick - A good defensive play by an infielder on a ground ball. Also a shortened version of "pick-off."

  • Pick Offs - Players who are caught trying to steal as a result of the pitcher catching the base runner off guard. See Pitchers Caught Stealing.

  • Pickle - A rundown. Where a hitter is caught between to bases. There is two basemen on either side of him, throwing the ball back and forth until the hitter it tagged out.

  • Pinch Hitter - Substitute. In baseball, having another player take one's place at bat is a pinch hitter.

  • P/IP - Pitches per Innings Pitched

  • Pitch - is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. All other deliveries of the ball by one player to another are thrown balls.

  • Pitch Out - A pitch that is so far outside that it can't be hit. The catcher catches the pitch standing to allow a quick throw to try picking off a runner.

  • Pitcher - is the fielder designated to deliver the pitch to the batter.

  • Pitchers Caught Stealing - The number of runners officially counted as Caught Stealing where the initiator of the fielding play was the pitcher, not the catcher. Note: such plays are often referred to as pickoffs, but appear in official records as Caught Stealings. The most common pitcher caught stealing scenario is a 1-3-6 fielding play, where the runner is officially charged a Caught Stealing because he broke for second base. Pickoff (fielding play 1-3 being the most common) is not an official statistic.

  • Pivot Foot - is that foot which is in contact with the pitcher's plate as he delivers the pitch

  • Pivot Percentage - The number of double plays turned by a second baseman as the pivot man, divided by the number of opportunities.

  • PK - Pickoffs / Pick-offs / Pick offs

  • PkOf Throw/Runner - The number of pickoff throws made by a pitcher divided by the number of runners on first base.

  • Plate Appearances - Number of plate appearances versus the pitcher. Formula: (AB + SF + SH + BB + Catchers Interference + HBP)

  • Play - is the umpire's order to start the game or to resume action following any dead ball.

  • Playing Field - The playing surface the game is played on includng the out of bounds areas where a fielder can make a play.

  • PO - Putouts - a play where by a player has been knocked out of the play for the inning resulting in an out. Each inning has three outs per team.

  • Position - Any one of nine available field locations.

  • Power Hitter - A powerful batter who hits many home runs and extra base hits, but who also may not have a high batting average, due to an "all or nothing" hitting approach. Also slugger.

  • Power/Speed Number - A way to look at power and speed in one number. A player must score high in both areas to earn a high Power/Speed Number. The formula: (HR x SB x 2) divided by (HR + SB).

  • Punchout - A strikeout.

  • Putouts A play where by a player has been knocked out of play for the inning resulting in an out. Each inning has three outs per team.

  • Quality Start - Any start in which a pitcher works six or more innings while allowing three or fewer earned runs.

  • Quick Hook - Term used for the removal of a pitcher who has pitched less than 6 innings and given up 3 runs or less

  • Quick Return - Defined as a pitch made with obvious intent to catch a batter off balance. It is an illegal pitch.

  • R - Runs Scored / Allowed

  • Rain Check - in the event of cancellation, an invitation that may be renewed at a later date. Baseball games are cancelled for rain, but must be rescheduled.

  • Range Factor - The number of Chances (Putouts plus Assists) times nine divided by the number of Defensive Innings Played. The average for a Regular Player at each position in 1997: Second Base: 5.00 Third Base: 2.67 Shortstop: 4.56 Left Field: 1.99 Center Field: 2.55 Right Field: 2.06

  • RBI - Runs Batted in

  • Relief Points - Wins plus saves minus losses

  • Relief Pitcher - Pitcher who comes into the game to relieve that starting pitcher.

  • Retouch - is the act of a runner in returning to a base as legally required.

  • RF - Right Field (Position) / Range Factor (Fielding)

  • RF9 - Range Factor per nine innings

  • RFg - Range Factor by games played

  • Rhubarb - A fight or scuffle. A noisy or heated argument between players or between one or more umpires and players. Can also refer to a difficult situation for a team to get out of.

  • Ribbie - Another way of saying RBI. Also "ribeye."

  • Rope - A hard line drive hit by a batter. Also "frozen rope."

  • Rubber Game - The deciding game of a series.

  • Run - or score is the score made by an offensive player who advances from batter to runner and touches first, second, third and home bases in that order.

  • Run Down - is the act of the defense in an attempt to put out a runner between bases.

  • Run Support - Calculated by the Per 9 innings pitched, The number of runs scored by a pitcher's team while he was still in the game times nine divided by his Innings Pitched.

  • Runner - is an offensive player who is advancing toward, or touching, or returning to any base.

  • Runs Created - A way to combine a batter's total offensive contributions into one number. The formula: (H + BB + HBP - CS - GIDP) times (Total Bases + .26(TBB - IBB + HBP) + .52(SH + SF + SB)) divided by (AB + TBB + HBP + SH + SF). Runs/Times on Base This is calculated by dividing Runs Scored by Times on Base

  • Ruthian Blast - With great power. A home run hit a great distance. Made famous by Babe Ruth's many long bombs

  • RW - Relief Wins

  • SAC - Sacrifice Bunts

  • Sacrifice Fly - Phrase used when a fly ball to the outfield advances a base runner to the next base, but results in an out for the batter.

  • Sacrifice Hit - Phrase used when a sacrifice results in the current base runner advancing a base and an out for the batter.

  • Safe - is a declaration by the umpire that a runner is entitled to the base for which he was trying.

  • Safety Squeeze - A squeeze play in which the runner on third waits for the batter to lay down a successful bunt before breaking for home. Contrast this with the suicide squeeze.

  • Save Percentage - Saves (SV) divided by Save Opportunities (OP).

  • Saves - Number of times a relief pitcher finishes a game where the potential tying or winning run is on base, at home plate or in the on-deck circle. Also the number of times a relief pitcher pitches the final three innings of a win; or the number of times a reliever pitches one inning or more in which he protects a lead of three runs or less.

  • Save Opportunities - Number of times a relief pitcher enters a game in which one of the three situations under the definition of a save presents itself.

  • Save Situation - A Relief Pitcher is in a Save Situation when upon entering the game with his club leading, he has the opportunity to be the finishing pitcher (and is not the winning pitcher of record at the time), and meets any one of the three following conditions: he has a lead of no more than three runs and has the opportunity to pitch for at least one inning, or he enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, at bat, or on deck; or he pitches three or more innings regardless of the lead and the official scorer credits him with a save.

  • "Say it ain't so, Joe!" - an expression of disbelief. A reference to the Black Sox scandal of 1919.

  • SB% - Stolen Base Percentage

  • SB - Stolen Bases / Allowed

  • SBA - Stolen-base attempts against a catcher

  • Score - or run is the score made by an offensive player who advances from batter to runner and touches first, second, third and home bases in that order.

  • Secondary Average - A way to look at a player's extra bases gained, independent of Batting Average. The formula: (Total Bases - Hits + TBB + SB) divided by At Bats.

  • Screwball - Eccentric, zany, off the wall or crazy. The screwball is a pitch that is intended to behave very erratically -- it "breaks" in the opposite direction of the curveball. (This pitch is hard on pitchers arms and not often used) Made famous by New York Giants Carl Hubbell and Christy Mathewson (who named it the "fadeaway".)

  • Seeing-eye Single - A soft ground ball that finds its way between infielders for a base hit.

  • Set Position - is one of the two legal pitching positions

  • Set-up Man - A relief pitcher who usually enters the game in the 7th or 8th inning.

  • Seventh-Inning Stretch - The period between the top and bottom of the seventh inning, when the fans present traditionally stand up to stretch their legs and sing. "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" has become part of this tradition, a practice most associated with legondary Chicago Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, "God Bless America" is sometimes played in addition to, or in lieu of, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" in rememberence of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.

  • SF - Sacrifice Flies

  • SHO - Shutouts

  • Shoestring Catch - A running catch made just above the fielder's shoetops.

  • Slow-A Otherwise known as "Regular A," these full-season minor leagues contain less-experienced professional players. The Slow-A leagues are the Midwest League and South Atlantic League (Sally).

  • Slow Hook - Is defined as when a pitcher pitches more than 9 innings, or allows 7 or more runs, or whose combined innings pitched and runs allowed totals 13 or more.

  • Slugging Percentage - Term used do determine a power hitters effectiveness at the plate. It is calculated by taking the total number of bases a batter reaches divided by at bats.

  • SLG - Slugging Percentage

  • Slice Foul - When a fly ball or line drive starts out over fair territory, then curves into foul territory due to aerodynamic force caused by spinning of the ball, imparted by the bat. A slice which curves to the right is not to be confused with a hook which curves to the left.

  • Slide - A slide is when a player drops to the ground when going into a base to avoid a tag.

  • SH - Sacrifice Hits or Bunts

  • SO - Strikeouts

  • Sophomore Jinx - The tendency for players to follow a good rookie season with a less-spectacular one. (This term is used outside the realm of baseball as well.) Two of the most notorious examples are Joe Charboneau and Mark Fidrych.

  • Southpaw - A left-handed pitcher. To avoid the sun shining into the eyes of a batter during the afternoon, every ballfield was built with center field aligned due east of home plate. As such, a right-handed pitcher's throwing hand would point facing north when facing the batter. With that understanding, a left-hander was thus called a "southpaw".

  • Squeeze Play - is a term to designate a play when a team, with a runner on third base, attempts to score that runner by means of a bunt.

  • Stolen Base Percentage Allowed - This figure indicates how successful opposing baserunners are when attempting a stolen base. It's stolen bases divided by stolen-base attempts.

  • SV - Saves

  • SVO - Save Opportunities

  • Step Up to the Plate - Rise to a challenge or a particular occasion in life. Reference to taking a turn at bat.

  • Strike - is a legal pitch when so called by the umpire, which (a) Is struck at by the batter and is missed; (b) Is not struck at, if any part of the ball passes through any part of the strike zone; (c) Is fouled by the batter when he has less than two strikes; (d) Is bunted foul; (e) Touches the batter as he strikes at it; (f) Touches the batter in flight in the strike zone; or (g) Becomes a foul tip.

  • Strike Zone - is that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the hollow beneath the knee cap. The Strike Zone shall be determined from the batter's stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball.)

  • Stolen Bases - Term used when a player steals a base during play. Number of times a base runner successfully advances to the next base without the help of the hitter.

  • Submariner - A pitcher who throws underarm. Somewhat uncommon.

  • Suicide Squeeze - A squeeze play in which the runner on third breaks for home on the pitch, so that, if the batter does not lay down a bunt, then the runner is an easy out. Contrast this with the safety squeeze.

  • Suspended Game - is a called game which is to be completed at a later date

  • SV - Saves

  • Sweet Spot - The part of the bat just a few inches from the barrel.

  • Swing Away - Let it rip. Take a chance.

  • Swings Both Ways - see switch-hitter.

  • Switch-hitter - Refers to players who are capable of hitting as a left-handed or right-handed batter.

  • Table Setter - Batter whose job is to get on base for other hitters to drive him in. Usually a leadoff or No. 2 hitter.

  • Tag - is the action of a fielder in touching a base with his body while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove; or touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the ball, while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove.

  • Take Sign - A sign given to a batter to not swing at the next pitch.

  • Tape-measure Blast - An extremely long home run.

  • Tater - A home run.

  • TB - Total Bases

  • TC - Total Chances

  • Texas Leaguer - A bloop hit that drops between an infielder and outfielder.

  • Throw - is the act of propelling the ball with the hand and arm to a given objective and is to be distinguished, always, from the pitch.

  • Tie Game - is a regulation game which is called when each team has the same number of runs.

  • Time - is the announcement by an umpire of a legal interruption of play, during which the ball is dead.

  • Times on Base - Hits plus walks plus hit by pitch

  • Tm - Team they played for

  • Tommy John Surgery - A type of elbow surgery for pitchers named after Tommy John, a pitcher and the first professional athlete to successfully undergo the operation.

  • Tools of Ignorance - Catcher's equipment.

  • Top of the Inning - The first half of an inning, during which the visiting team bats.

  • Touch 'em All - Hitting a home run (touching all the bases).

  • Touch - To touch a player or umpire is to touch any part of his body, his clothing or his equipment.

  • Total Bases - Hits plus Doubles plus (2 times Triples) plus (3 times Home runs).

  • TP - Triple Play

  • TPA - Total Plate Appearances

  • Triple Play - is a play by the defense in which three offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is no error between putouts.

  • Twin Killing - A double play.

  • Uncle Charlie - Curve ball.

  • Up the Middle - On the field very close to second base, used to describe the location of batted balls.

  • Upper Decker - A home run that lands in the stadium's upper deck of seating.

  • UR - Unearned Runs

  • Utility Player - A player who fills in at many positions.

  • W - Wins

  • Wait Til Next Year - Phrase used to inspire hope for the next season. Usually used when a team has been taken out of the payoffs. Was first used by Chicago Cubs fans in reference to their various failed attepts at the World Series since 1908.

  • Walk - Term used for a player getting a free pass to first base when the pitcher throws four balls during an at bat.

  • Walk-off Home Run - A game-ending home run. The walk-off derives from the fact that the victims of such a hit will often walk off the field, seemingly in disgust or despair.

  • Warning Track - The dirt, as opposed to grass, area bordering the outfield fence. It is intended to prevent outfielders from inadvertently running into the fence.

  • Wheelhouse - A hitter's power zone. Usually a pitch waist-high and over the heart of the plate.

  • Wheels - A ballplayer's legs.

  • Whiff - Strikeout. when a pitcher strikes out a batter because the batter makes poor swings, OR when a batter makes a weak hit that goes straight to the mound.

  • Whiff Out - See Whiff

  • Whiffleball - See Whiff

  • WHIP - Walks + Hits/Innings Pitched

  • Whole New Ball Game - Start of a new game. Fresh start. Forget the past.

  • Wild Pitch - is defined as a pitch that is so high, so low, or so wide of the plate that it cannot be handled with ordinary effort by the catcher.

  • Wind Up Position - is one of the two legal pitching positions.

  • Win-Loss Percentage or Winning Percentage - Wins divided by (Wins plus Losses).

  • Wohlerize - To hit a pitcher so well, that mentally he never pitches as well again

  • WP - Wild Pitches

  • WPCT - Winning Percentage

  • XBH - Extra Base Hits

  • Yakker - Curve ball.

  • Year - Year in which the season occurred. Generally with the seasons now overlapping from one year to the next the year only indicated the year in which the season was started in.

  • Zone Rating - Simply the percentage of balls fielded by a player in his typical defensive "zone," as measured by STATS reporters.

Golf terms


Basketball terms


Soccer / European Football


  • 1/8 final - The designation given to playoff matches in the quarterfinals of tournament play, particularly in Continental Europe and Latin America, since eight teams remain in contention at that stage of the competition. The teams emerging successfully from the quarterfinals, either by winning the match or by outscoring their opponents in a penalty kick shootoout after play has ended in a draw, proceed to the semifinals.

  • 1/16 final - The designation given playoff matches in the round of 16 teams in tournament play, particularly in Continental Europe and Latim America, since 16 teams remain in contention at that stage of the competition. The teams emerging successfully from the round of 16 teams, either by winning the match or by outscoring their opponents in a penalty kick shootout after play has ended in a draw, proceed to the quarterfinals.

  • A.E.T. / AET - The abbreviation for "After Extra Time."

  • A team - The No. 1 / favorite team / strongest team a club or a country fields. It is sometimes referred to as the senior team or side.

  • All - The term used in England to denote a tie or a draw, as in "They finished 2-all"

  • Appearance[s] - Term used to denote a player's participation in a match / game, as in, "He made 10 appearances (Played in 10 games / matches) for Manchester last season," or "He made a single appearance (Played a single match / game) for Germany." In international football, a player earns a cap for each appearance for the national side, whether it is as a starter or a substitute appearance.

  • At the end of the day - A phrase used more commonly in England, particularly when addressing something unpleasant. It means something similar to "after all is said and done," as in, "At the end of the day, they were better than we were" or, "At the end of the day, if you make mistakes like that you are going to pay the price."