Can of Corn Baseball – The Easiest Fly Ball?

Over 90% of fly balls are easy to catch. The Can of Corn is one of the different types of fly balls. 

The Can of Corn baseball term is used to describe an easy-fly ball that any outfielder can catch without much effort.

Though this baseball slang came into the scene in the early 19th century, many new baseball fans don’t have any idea about how it occurs in the real match.  

In this article, I’m gonna share all the information about this baseball terminology so that you can better understand the commentary or communicate with other fans and players easily. 

Key Takeaways

• The phrase originated in general stores where clerks used sticks to knock cans off high shelves into their aprons. This action mirrored an easy fly ball catch.
• Broadcasters like Red Barber helped popularize the term in baseball commentaries in the 1930s/40s. 
• Techniques like positioning under the ball and using two hands are vital for successful ‘can of corn’ catches. 

What Is the Can of Corn Baseball?

In baseball slang, a “Can of Corn” or sometimes “Ken of Corn” refers to a high fly ball that is easily catchable for an outfielder and sometimes for an infielder. 

It is a routine play for any skilled baseball fielder, requiring minimal effort. Thanks to the trajectory and hang time of the ball. 

This gives the fielder ample opportunity to move under the ball and complete a straightforward catch.

Key Characteristics of a Can of Corn

There are a few key characteristics that make a fly ball an easy “can of corn” for the outfielders:

• High arc: The ball travels very high up into the air off the bat.
• Long hang time: From the time it’s hit to when it descends, the ball seems to hang in the air forever. This allows fielders time to get positioned underneath it.
• Lazy descent: The ball comes down slowly in a rainbow trajectory. There’s no force behind its descent, allowing for an easy catch.
• Well-hit to the outfield: The ball is solidly hit but carries deep into the outfield, away from the infielders.
• Plenty of open space: Outfielders have lots of open ground to run under the ball and get in position.

Common Phrases Associated with “Can of Corn”

There are a few other phrases you will hear around MLB stadiums related to cans of corn:

• “Pop Fly Catch” – Denoted for indicating balls that are hit higher in the sky.
• “Blooper” – This is a weak fly ball that drops between the infield and outfield area.
• “In the bucket” – Meaning the fielder caught the ball safely in the pocket of his glove.
• “Camped under it” – The fielder got in position and waited calmly for the ball to come down.
• “Chest-high can of corn” – The ball descended to chest level for an easy catch.
• “Three-point stance can” – The fielder got in a stance like a football lineman to catch the lofty pop-up.
• “Pop bottle rocket” – Slang for a very high pop-up that shoots straight up before coming down.
• “Sky ball” – Another name for an extremely high fly ball.

Who Coined Can of Corn Phrase in Baseball? Origin and History

The exact origins of who coined ‘can of corn’ as baseball terminology are disputed. 

But two influential figures stand out in popularizing this phrase – broadcaster Red Barber and White Sox announcer Ken ‘Hawk’ Harrelson.

Red Barber cemented the slang into the baseball lexicon when he started using it in the late 1930s while calling games for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His charismatic style as an announcer helped establish the term in broadcasts. 

Around the same time, Harrelson also frequently used this phrase as part of his distinctive commentary.

History of the Baseball Slang

“The ‘Can of Corn’ idiom originated from general stores in the early 1900s”

At that time, clerks would use long wooden sticks to tip cans sitting on high shelves, causing them to fall into their aprons waiting below. 

Just like these falling cans, a pop-up fly ball descends right into the fielder’s glove. 

Hence the phrase ‘can of corn’ came to signify an easy outfield catch in baseball.

It succinctly conveys that the outfielder should make the play comfortably, showcasing their skills. For audiences, it creates a vivid picture of an effortless snag.

Why Announcers Use Can of Corn in the Game?

Announcers often use the baseball term to emphasize the simple nature of a routine fly ball out. This colorful phrase adds imagery and intrigue to commentaries. 

But what makes this term so appealing as part of their vernacular?

• Firstly, the term efficiently conveys the effortless nature of the play for audiences. 

“The imagery creates a picture of an outfielder waiting under a simple pop fly and making a routine catch into their glove. This helps viewers instantly recognize it as a mundane defensive play.”

• Secondly, the term adds color and metaphorical flair to the commentary. 
• Lastly, using this phrase enables broadcasters to highlight fielding skills. 

Can of Corn Examples in Commentary

You will frequently hear the baseball terminology used in colorful ways by commentators covering baseball games:

• “Smith settled under that easy fly ball like he was nestling into an armchair, making the can of corn catch look routine.”
• “With the calmness of a grocery store clerk, the center fielder made that can of corn catch to end the inning.”
• “The left fielder barely had to move to haul in that can of corn fly ball. Fans here could have caught that one!”

Some Can of Corn Catch Moments in Baseball History

Let’s explore some iconic catches that embodied the ease of ‘canning corn’:

Willie Mays’ Can of Corn (1954 World Series)

With the score tied in Game 1, Mays turned his back and sprinted to make an over-the-shoulder grab look easy. A key catch at the time, it remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.

Kris Bryant Can of Corn (22nd April 2015)

The remarkable catch is made by center fielder Chris Bryant, noted for his defensive brilliance. In the 8th inning, Bryant pulled off the catch smoothly, running from his zone to the center field. 

5/31/15: Andre Ethier catcher Yadier Molina’s fly ball, then throws to first to get Randal Grichuk out for the double play in the 3rd inning

Andre Ethier’s Can of Corn (31st May, 2015)

It was a real easy-peasy for Andre to catch this fly ball hit by Yadier Molina during a very crucial moment of the 3rd inning. BTW, the catch also resulted in a double play.

Shameful Can of Corn Drops in MLB 

Yeah, even though Can of Corns is a pretty easy deal for MLB players, I’ve seen many easy catch drops that made me ask “What the hell these guys are doing!.” Check out a few of them from the MLB highlights:

Mike Trout (7th May, 2014)

This unfortunate drop occurred during a pivotal moment in the game. a fly ball was struck to the right-center gap. Two defenders converged – center fielder Mike Trout and right fielder Collin Cowgill. 

However, a lapse in communication between the outfielders led to a collision. As Trout set himself underneath the catchable ball, Cowgill stumbled into his side, jarring the ball loose from Trout’s glove. 

“This highlights the difficulty of tracking balls outside one’s usual zone. For Cowgill, it marked his second miscue this season.” 

Luis Robert (2021 Season)

Now this is enough to make any baseball fan annoyed with Luis. He just shouted loud, calling Tim Anderson to not come in his way. And what was the result?

He not only missed it but also got hit by the ball on his head. Should you laugh, or feel pity for Luis? I don’t know.

Luis Castillo (12 June, 2009)

This was just another bad day for Luis Castillo. Why does this catch-drop matter? Because of that, the New York Yankees got the victory. 

Techniques for Catching a Can of Corn

If you study the above CoC fly balls, one thing is pretty evident. Without following the basics, even the pros can miss the catch, even the easiest one like this. If you want to learn about catching a can of corn as an outfielder here are some tips to follow:

• Quickly read the ball off the bat to get an early jump on positioning
• Use precise footwork and angles to get your body behind the ball’s trajectory
• Keep your eyes locked on the ball throughout the flight to accurately track it
• Position your body directly under the ball and get comfortable for the catch
• Communicate clearly with teammates to avoid collisions
• Extend your arms fully and use soft hands to catch the ball in your glove
• Use two hands for added stability and control if needed
• Remain relaxed and balanced throughout the process
• Make any last-second adjustments subtly and smoothly

Conclusion

So the next time you hear an announcer calling a can of corn baseball during a game, you know exactly what they are talking about. If you find this insightful and can help others, make sure to share the article with them on your social media. Take care.

Check out more interesting baseball terminologies:

What Is a Dinger in Baseball?

What Does BB Mean In Baseball?

What Is Chin Music In Baseball?

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