shave rule n.— «Add the fact that curveballs aren’t allowed, with a few exceptions for more developed pitchers, who fit what is called the shave rule, meaning that a youngster is generally physically developed enough to safely throw...
Grant gives a brief review of the new third edition of Paul Dickson’s The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, all 974 pages and 4.5 pounds of it. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Baseball Dictionary” You’re...
How about the phrase “on the ball”? A listener wonders if its origin derives from a landing maneuver on aircraft carriers. Does his theory hold water? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Origin of “On the...
crooked number n.— «Manuel believes the home run “is your greatest hit in baseball.” It gives the Phillies big-innings capability. They began Game 5 with 14 multi-run innings—”crooked numbers” in the parlance—out...
cutter n.— «It is a bread-and-butter pitch for many left-handers—the fastball that bores in on right-handed batters, a “cutter” as it is known.» —“Slumping Renteria: ‘I feel bad’” by Lynn Henning in...
soaking n.— «While only the historical clubs will play baseball, they will invite children to take part in rounders. “You could throw the ball at people to get them out,” Mr. Fesolowich said, a practice called soaking.» —“Spare...