If you are new to baseball, then you must be looking for some basic baseball terminology as you know, to get to know the game better. Whereas it is one of the most popular games played in states, not everyone is acquainted with the game all of a sudden. Therefore, it is better to learn some baseball language terms before you step into the field.
As a coach for almost 7 years, I can easily let you dive into some baseball terms which will be quite helpful for you.
So, let’s wait no more, rather get your heads together for learning the A to Z of Baseball terms with easy explanations.
You will thank me after finishing.
Baseball Field Area Terms
These are the basics of the basics. If you step into a baseball field, it’s sacred ground for the players. You should learn the basic baseball field area terms even before thinking about playing the game. We will start from this “0”, zero point and move forward to the most important parts’ terms of baseball
Baseball Diamond – The baseball field is called a baseball diamond. It is established like a diamond which has three bases and one home-plate point. Altogether they make a diamond shape.
Innings – The time taken when three batters are out from each team. Usually, a Baseball match consists of 9 innings.
Want to how a baseball team is formed? It's an interesting process that you must know.
Baseball Pitching Terms
Pitching and batting are the most important parts of baseball. Then comes catcher’s and fielder’s responsibilities. Following terms will help you to get acquainted with baseball pitching terms-
Pitcher – This is the player who throws the ball towards the batter in an innings. The Pitcher stands on the pitcher’s mound. He plays an important role in baseball and is sometimes called game changer.
1st Baseman – 1st baseman stands near the first base to catch the ball. He is a fielder from the defense team.
2nd Baseman – 2nd baseman is the fielder who stands near the 2nd base for interrupting the batter from getting to the base by catching the ball
3rd Baseman – 3rd baseman stands near the 3rd base for fielding.
Baseball Batting Terms and Baseball Base Running Terms
After basic baseball pitching terms, we should be moving onto baseball batting terms. If you are interested in batting, you must learn these terms carefully.
Batter/Batter-runner – The person who uses the bat to hit the ball. He stands on the home plate.
Battery – Battery refers to the combo made by the pitcher and the catcher.
Base Running – Base running means the batter takes initiative to run from the home base to the first, second and third base towards the home base or home plate again. Thus he can score a run.
Base Runner – Someone from the batting team standing on any of the bases. They run to the next base whenever a batter hits the ball and runs towards first base. Base runners follow the same.
Scoring Position – A batter who got to 2nd or 3rd base.
First base runner – A base runner reaches first base. Ultimately at the next position of the batter. Also called the lead runner.
Walk – Four balls at the batter, giving him ultimate independence to go to first base without hassle.
Strike Zone – A batter’s striking area from a batter’s knees to chest. The pitcher can throw the ball anywhere in that area.
Cleanup – Happens when the fourth batter in line takes the position at the home base.
Baseball Fielding Terms
Catching and Fielding are two most important parts of the game. Their responsibility is high. You should look into learning their language so you can connect to the field without any hassle –
Catcher – The person from the fielding team who stays behind the batsman and catches the ball. He stays behind the home plate.
Catches – If the ball is hit and in the air, then if it gets caught by a fielder before touching the ground, it is a catch and leads to catch out.
Shortstop – Someone who stands between the 2nd and the 3rd base for relaying the ball. Usually, the captain of the fielding team takes this position.
Center Field – The position is just behind the second base outfield. It is one of the most important positions for fielding.
Right Field – It is an outfield position, which is in between first and second base.
Left Field – Like left field, it is an outfield position between second and third base.
Change Up – Slow pitch, should be faster.
If you are new to baseball you should also learn baseball field overview.
Miscellaneous Baseball Terminology
Following are some baseball terms that are needed to understand the game all over. Basically the umpires use these terms all the time. To learn the baseball rules from the scratch, these terms will be very helpful for you –
Baseball Outs – Means when the batter is announced out by the umpire because of following certain criteria.
Strike Out – If the ball is not hit even at the strike zone for three times, strike out is called.
Tag Out – When the batter is touched with the ball by a fielder while running out of the home base is called a Tag Out.
Force Out – When a base runner is forced to leave his/her base due to the advance of the previous base runner, but the next base is still occupied and he or she is in the middle, he or she is forced out.
Thrown Out – It happens when a fielder catches the ball and steps on a base before the runner of the previous base can reach it, thrown out happens.
Interference – This unusual out happens when any team member of the offense and defense team gets into interference with any team member of the opposite team.
Dugout – Although sounds like an out, it is just a meeting around the benches called upon by team members.
Balk – Illegal pitching criteria used for fooling the batter by the pitcher.
Bunt – Intentional tapping the ball with the bat rather than hitting it by the batter.
Count – Score made by a batter hitting the ball.
Foul Ball – Ball thrown out of the associated area by rules.
Fly Ball – Ball hits right into the air.
Grounder – A ball touching the ground. AKA a ground ball.
Hit and Run – One of the most important parts of baseball play. Hit and run ensured the ball was hit and ran towards the next base.
Hit for the cycle – It means a baseball player scores a single, a double, a triple, as well as a home run in one game, it’s called a Hit for the Cycle.
Double Play – When pitching results in two consecutive outs, it’s called a double play.
On Deck – When the next batter is up to the home base for batting.
Reliever – When the next pitcher is up for pitching due to tiredness of the pitcher.
Power Hitter – A powerful batter who hits the ball hard so that a home run can be obtained. Or extra bases can be acquired.
Pinch Hitter – A substitute batter for the game.
Pinch Runner – A substitute base-runner for the game.
Now, if you are already associated with all the basic baseball terminology, then we shall move towards learning about some baseball terminology associated with equipment and accessories:
Baseball Bat or Lumber
A piece of wooden or aluminum bat specially made for the batter to hit the ball with. It is 9 and a quarter long and weighs around 5 ounces.
Batting Glove
A pair of specially made gloves for the batter. It helps to have a firm grip on the lumber.
Pine-tar Rag
It is a rag soaked with pine-tar. Batters use it on the bat to have a good grip.
Batting Helmet: A helmet made for the batter. It keeps the eyes safe in case they are hit by a ball on the face.
Cleat/Stud
Pair of external protrusions specially made for baseball players. They give leverage when you run on the field.
Baseball Cap
Baseball cap is a requirement for all the fielders including the pitcher. It is important to use a baseball cap to secure the eyes from the sun. Besides baseball players, it is also adored by general people and you can see many kids using baseball caps.
Pitcher’s Gloves, mitts
Gloves can be upto 12 inches in size. Baseball gloves are specially made mittens for baseball pitchers and catchers. It is mostly made out of leather. Without the piping, the glove you use should not be white or gray. Because, in the field, it may distract the umpire.
Rosin Bags
It is a bag full of rosin that pitchers often hold in their hands. It helps to have a better grip on the ball.
9 Hole Pitcher’s Pocket
It is a practice screen. Looks like a goalpost for soccer or ice hockey. It has 9 pockets. Pitcher’s try to pitch the ball in the pockets to learn more accuracy of their balling prowess.
Advanced Command Trainer
It is a pad standing upon a stand. Pitcher’s throw their ball practicing towards the pad. It helps to have more accuracy as well as more pressure on their throw.
J-Bands
It is a baseball aid which allows one to learn having more control, grip and pressure on both hands. Basically it is an elastic rope with grips to bind two arms at the ends. It is used with a stand or the net to put negative pressure with them on the hands. Pitchers looking for a serious career use this training aid regularly.
Pitcher’s Power Stride
It is a metal equipment that helps the pitcher to understand the techniques to stand with controlled gestures and pitch the ball with accuracy. Often used by coaches to correct the positions of new pitchers.
Baseball Terminology regarding shields for the players
Chest Protector
Chest protector is one of the most important terms as a baseball catcher’s gear. This vital shield protects the chest of the catcher from the balls.
Shin Guards
This is important to protect the kneecap, ankles and legs from the baseball.
Catcher’s Helmet/ Catcher’s mask
Catcher’s helmet including catcher’s mask is especially made to protect the whole head including jaws of the catchers. Be assured, it is different from a batter’s helmet and gives much more protection against the ball.
Some Baseball Training Equipments are –
Swing Trainer/Hitting Stick/Hit Stick
Usually, it is a stick with a ball shape at the front using which you can learn the swing with your bat acquiring proper accuracy and pressure. You can adjust the height of the ball coming from different heights and positions and then hit them with proper accuracy. This is a very important piece of equipment for personal training for the batters. Most of the batters always use it for their training on the field.
Rope Bat
For baseball or softball, this is an equipment often used for better accuracy and pressure. You can even gift it to your kids for playing and learning without hassle. Basically, it is a set of balls with a bat partly made out of a rope. It gives the opportunity to concentrate on the ball’s movement accurately for good eye-bat coordination.
Baseball Pitching Machine
It is an electronic baseball pitching machine that helps the batter to have good performance by hitting the balls with controlled speed and accuracy. The modern equipment is very popular and all the MLB batters use this equipment to maintain their good performance. Besides electric pitching machines, you can also find analog pitching machines as baseball equipment and accessories.
FAQ
- What is a baseball diamond?
Answer: The field of a baseball is called a baseball diamond because of its shape with four corners – three bases and the home plate. You can see it if you look at the diagram of the field.
- What are the four different types of hits in baseball?
Answer: A hit happens when the batter strikes the ball within the territory he is supposed to, runs for the base, and makes it there. Singles, Doubles, Triples, and Home runs are the four different types of hits in baseball.
- What are the bases called in baseball?
Answer: There are four bases on a baseball field. They are – home plate, first base, second base, and third base. The home plate is where the batter stands. Other bases each have one base runner.
- What does 2B stand for in baseball?
Answer: A batter hits the ball within fair territory. Then he starts to run to the first base. And successfully reaches second base. In the running, he does not cross over other base runners to make it. Then it is called a 2B or double run.
- What does IP mean in baseball?
Answer: IP means Innings Pitched in a baseball game. It is a pitching term. Meaning the innings a pitcher has landed in a game. In each innings, three outs are measured. So, the pitcher’s pitching is measured in the game by IP.
Conclusion
Baseball is another name for America’s pastime. If you are thinking about getting into the field to test your ability, then please go through the baseball terminology first. You can get a clear picture of what you are getting into.
Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.