What did the baseball player do at home plate? Why is everyone cheering? Baseball is as American as apple pie, but it’s not for everyone. If you have a son who plays Little League, not knowing the difference between an inside-the-park home run and a triple play can take the fun out of your shared experience. This article hopes to provide baseball terminology and find a way for you and your Little League player to enjoy the season together.
He has never caught a baseball, run to the plate or even watched a baseball game for nine innings. Now, his son has let her know of his desire to join the local Little League team. So what do you do now? Do you just drop it off at practice and pick it up when it’s time for dinner or familiarize yourself with a few terms and familiarize yourself with America’s favorite pastime to invest in a better relationship?
My guess is that since you are still reading, you have decided to adapt to some terms and help your child become a better player. Good for you! Let’s start with ten basic terms heard during a typical Little League game.
Ace, the star pitcher of a team… hopefully his son.
Barrel: The part of the bat that is conventionally used to hit the baseball.
Base Hit: A hit that allows the batter to reach first, second, third, or base, unless it is a “fielder’s choice.”
Fielder’s Choice – When the fielder allows the batter to reach first base to put out a runner on another base.
Foul Lines: The lines that extend from home plate through first and third base to the outfield walls.
Full Count: A count with three balls and two strikes.
Ground Rule Double – A hit awarded automatically by the umpires when the ball lands fair and bounces out of play.
Knuckle Ball/Knuckler: A slow pitch with no spin that wobbles as it approaches the batter.
Major Leagues (or “the majors”) – The American League and the National League.
Substitute batter or substitute runner – a substitute batter or runner who comes into the game to replace another batter or runner.
Once you learn these terms and are craving more, you can easily search for additional baseball terms online.
So you’ve got the terms down and you’re ready for the big leagues…that is, hanging out with your kid and showing him you’re in the game. What is the next step?
Watch your child play ball, watch what he’s doing, and discuss all the great contributions he made during practice or during his Little League game. His need for your undivided attention will be satisfied and he will know that you really care.