Baseball's Strange Language

[cshs81]

1. Why do we say "flied out" and not "flew out?"

 

2. Why do we say "he helped his own cause" when a pitcher gets a hit? Doesn't every player help his own cause when he gets a hit?

 

I'm sure there are others.

[Bandit29]

Good points. I guess every player helps the teams cause, but the pitcher really helps his own..... idk.

[cshs81]

Good points. I guess every player helps the teams cause, but the pitcher really helps his own..... idk.

 

If you're saying that only a pitcher can help his own cause by getting a hit aren't you really saying that the non-pitcher doesn't try to win?

[gametime]

If you're saying that only a pitcher can help his own cause by getting a hit aren't you really saying that the non-pitcher doesn't try to win?

The non pitcher doesn't get credited with wins and loses...

[cshs81]

The non pitcher doesn't get credited with wins and loses...

 

So the non-pitcher has no stake in a victory? Are they just out there to pad stats? Are they just out there to win for the pitcher?

[MJAlltheWay24]

I'm with you on point 1 cshs81...but not on point 2...it makes sense to me.

[cshs81]

...but not on point 2...it makes sense to me.

 

Heck, I think that only proves my point then, right?

[gametime]

So the non-pitcher has no stake in a victory? Are they just out there to pad stats? Are they just out there to win for the pitcher?

Sure they are out to win, but their success isn't directly tied to it...

[cshs81]

Sure they are out to win, but their success isn't directly tied to it...

 

Tied to what? A hit? How is a pitcher's hit lead to more success than the everyday guy?

 

Obviously, its a case of "wow this is a surprise and surely can't hurt" but , to the point of the thread, its an odd expression when you actually think about it.

[gametime]

Tied to what? A hit? How is a pitcher's hit lead to more success than the everyday guy?

 

Obviously, its a case of "wow this is a surprise and surely can't hurt" but , to the point of the thread, its an odd expression when you actually think about it.

I think it's pretty clear. The pitcher is more directly tied to a win or loss than a position player, and when they get a hit it is considered helping himself by doing something that is not seen very often. Just doesn't pass the test for me...

[STRIKE3]

How about....

 

Get me a groundball

Atta boy

Going yard

Hit the cut-man

Inside/Outside

I've got the bag

[cshs81]

I think it's pretty clear. The pitcher is more directly tied to a win or loss than a position player, and when they get a hit it is considered helping himself by doing something that is not seen very often. Just doesn't pass the test for me...

 

So if Adam Dunn gets a triple, does that fall under "helping his own cause?"

[gametime]

So if Adam Dunn gets a triple, does that fall under "helping his own cause?"

It pads the stats he is paid for...

[The Scribe]

Why are left-handers described as "crafty"? Who was the last pitcher you heard described as the "crafty righty"?

 

How come right-handed pitchers aren't called "Northpaws"?

 

Why does a winning pitcher "scatter six hits" but a losing pitcher never "scatters" six hits?

 

Why is a bloop hit called a "Texas leaguer"? Were there no power hitters in Texas?

 

Have you really ever tried to catch a can of corn thrown high in the air?

 

The term "Bolster" is only used in the English language when referring to the addition of a pitcher to the roster. You've never "bolstered" your family with the addition of a child have you?

[cshs81]

Why are left-handers described as "crafty"? Who was the last pitcher you heard described as the "crafty righty"?

 

How come right-handed pitchers aren't called "Northpaws"?

 

Why does a winning pitcher "scatter six hits" but a losing pitcher never "scatters" six hits?

 

Why is a bloop hit called a "Texas leaguer"? Were there no power hitters in Texas?

 

Have you really ever tried to catch a can of corn thrown high in the air?

 

The term "Bolster" is only used in the English language when referring to the addition of a pitcher to the roster. You've never "bolstered" your family with the addition of a child have you?

 

...and if you're white, under 6'0, and slide a lot you're "gritty."

 

Name a gritty black ballplayer.

 

I'm going to do some research on "can of corn."