Can of Corn

What is the Definition of Can of Corn in Baseball?

Baseball, a sport rich in history and traditions, has its fair share of unique phrases and terms. One such term, “can of corn,” may leave those not familiar with the sport scratching their heads. However, this idiom is deeply rooted in the game and holds an interesting origin story.

The term “can of corn” is used to describe a routine fly ball hit to an outfielder, one that is easily caught due to its straightforward trajectory. Fueled by a blend of baseball history and early American store practices, the phrase traces its inspiration to store clerks catching cans that they pulled down from high shelves using long, hooked sticks. Much like those cans, the fly balls described as “can of corn” are similarly effortless and simple to catch.

Attributed to MLB broadcaster Red Barber, this phrase encapsulates an essential aspect of baseball outfield play. As a vital part of the sport’s lexicon, “can of corn” showcases the inextricable link between language and the game, blending its rich history and practical application on the field.

Baseball Terminology

Definition of Can of Corn

In the world of baseball, various terminologies and expressions are used to describe different aspects of the game. One commonly used phrase is “can of corn.” A “can of corn” refers to a routine fly ball hit to an outfielder, which is easy to catch and results in a virtually guaranteed out. The term is believed to have originated from 19th-century grocery store clerks, who would use long, hooked sticks to pull down canned goods from high shelves, making the process simple and efficient.

A “can of corn” fly ball is characterized by its straightforward trajectory, granting outfielders enough time to position themselves for the catch. Although this phrase predominantly pertains to balls hit in the outfield, it may occasionally be applied to infield pop flies as well. Hitters typically display their awareness that they’ve just hit a “can of corn” by not hustling out of the batter’s box, knowing that there is a 99.9% chance of the ball being caught and resulting in an out.

In summary, the term “can of corn” in baseball is used to describe an easy-to-catch fly ball that almost always leads to an out. It is an example of the many colorful phrases employed within the sport of baseball to convey specific aspects of gameplay to both players and spectators alike.

Origins and Usage

Historical Context

The term “can of corn” has an intriguing history within the realm of baseball. It is said to have originated from an old American grocery store practice during the early 20th century when shopkeepers pulled down canned goods from high shelves using a hooked stick. These cans would fall, and the shopkeepers would catch them in their aprons, similar to how a fly ball is caught in baseball.

The phrase was first recorded sometime between 1930 and 1935, indicating that it was not a part of baseball’s lexicon during the early years of the sport, which was founded in 1869. There are several theories about who first coined the phrase, including renowned baseball announcer Harry Caray and a 1938 incident involving a fight between fans of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants.

Contemporary Use

In present-day baseball terminology, a “can of corn” refers to an easy-to-catch, high fly ball, typically hit within the infield. This could be due to the lack of movement, trajectory, or the ball’s proximity to the fielder. It has become a popular term used by players, announcers, and fans alike to describe a routine catch that resembles the motion of catching a falling can of corn.

Other food terms in baseball

In addition to the term “can of corn”, there are several other food-related expressions that have made their way into the world of baseball. These terms add a unique flavor to the game’s language and are often used to describe various plays, actions, and positions.

One such term is “meatball”, which refers to a pitch that is easy for the batter to hit, typically thrown slow and with little movement. Like a spherical, appetizing meatball in the culinary world, this pitch is quite tempting for the hitter.

Another notable food term is “pickle”. In baseball, this refers to a baserunner who is caught between two fielders and must try to avoid being tagged out as they throw the ball back and forth. This situation is also known as a rundown, but the term “pickle” likely brings up the image of being in a difficult, tangy spot, just like a pickle in a jar.

“Rhubarb” is not only a delicious ingredient in pies, but also a term used to describe a heated argument or altercation between players during a game. While the connection to the plant is uncertain, some speculate that its bitter taste inspired the term, as tensions during a rhubarb are also quite sour.

Here are a few other food terms in baseball:

• Cheese: Refers to a good, fast fastball. A pitcher throwing “pure cheese” is delivering a powerful pitch.
• Dish: Another name for home plate.
• Pepper: A warm-up exercise where a batter hits soft ground balls to a nearby group of fielders, who toss the ball back.

These terms, along with “can of corn,” form a delicious vocabulary in the rich language of baseball, reflecting the game’s historic roots and playful spirit.