Are you a fan of America’s pastime, or are you a newcomer to the world of baseball? Either way, this conversational post is designed to introduce some of the key vocabulary, phrases, and discussions common among baseball enthusiasts. Not only will this post improve your English language skills, but you’ll also gain insight into the cultural significance and intricate details of this fascinating sport.
Let’s start with the basics. A baseball game is played between two teams, each composed of nine players. The goal is simple: score more runs than your opponent by hitting the ball and running around four bases to complete a run.
Joe: Hey Sam, did you catch the Yankees game last night? They played an incredible game.
Sam: I sure did, Joe. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Their pitcher was throwing some serious heat!
Joe: Absolutely, that ninth-inning strikeout was a sight to see. I thought for sure the Red Sox were going to score a run.
Sam: Me too, but the Yankees’ defense was on point. That double play in the seventh inning was a game changer.
Joe: Definitely, the Red Sox couldn’t recover after that. It’s always thrilling when a baseball game comes down to the wire.
In this conversation, we see a variety of baseball terms used:
- Yankees and Red Sox (n., /ˈjæŋkiz ænd rɛd sɒks/): Two of the most famous Major League Baseball teams, based in New York City and Boston, respectively.
- Pitcher (n., /ˈpɪtʃər/): The player who throws the baseball from the pitcher’s mound toward the catcher to begin each play.
- Heat (n., /hiːt/): Slang for a fast pitch.
- Strikeout (n., /ˈstraɪkaʊt/): A player’s turn at bat is over after three strikes.
- Run (n., /rʌn/): A point scored in baseball.
- Defense (n., /dɪˈfɛns/): The team that is in the field and not currently batting.
- Double play (n., /ˈdʌbl pleɪ/): A play in which two offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action.
- Swinging for the fences (idiom, /ˈswɪŋɪŋ fɔːr ðə ˈfɛnsɪz/): A phrase often used in baseball which means trying very hard to achieve the greatest possible success.
Now that you can talk a little bit about baseball, try the quiz below! And stay tuned for more baseball coverage!
#1. What does ‘Swinging for the fences’ mean in baseball?
#2. What is a ‘Double play’ in baseball?
#3. What does ‘Heat’ mean in the context of baseball?
#4. Who is the player that throws the baseball from the pitcher’s mound toward the catcher to begin each play?
#5. What is a ‘Run’ in baseball?
#6. What is a ‘Strikeout’ in baseball?
#7. What is ‘A losing streak’ in baseball?
#8. What is ‘Defense’ in baseball?
#9. Who are the Yankees and Red Sox?
#10. In baseball, what is the term for when the ball is hit out of the field?
Results
You swung for the fences and hit a home run on this one. Good job!
You got this. Grab a hot dog and cola, and try the quiz again.
