GOPHER BALL Meaning and
Definition
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Gopher ball is a term used in the sport of baseball to describe a specific type of pitch thrown by a pitcher that is intentionally thrown within a batter's wheelhouse or hitting zone, making it easier for the batter to hit a home run or hit the ball with significant power and distance. This term is more commonly used in North America, particularly in the United States.
The term "gopher ball" originated from the idea that the batter is given an ideal opportunity to hit the pitch, much like a gopher popping its head out of a hole, inviting the batter to swing with full force. It is also referred to as a "meatball" in some baseball circles, signifying the deliciousness of the pitch for the hitter.
Pitchers typically avoid throwing a gopher ball as it increases the likelihood of the hitter driving the ball out of the park, resulting in a home run. However, in certain game situations, a pitcher may choose to intentionally throw a gopher ball as a strategic move, such as when a team has a significant lead and wants to challenge the hitter by giving them an opportunity to swing for a home run instead of getting on base with a single or double.
Overall, the term gopher ball is employed in baseball to describe a pitch intentionally thrown in a batter's hitting zone, providing them with a favorable opportunity to hit for power and potentially hit a home run.
Common Misspellings for GOPHER BALL
- fopher ball
- vopher ball
- bopher ball
- hopher ball
- yopher ball
- topher ball
- gipher ball
- gkpher ball
- glpher ball
- gppher ball
- g0pher ball
- g9pher ball
- gooher ball
- golher ball
- go0her ball
- gopger ball
- gopber ball
- gopner ball
- gopjer ball
- gopuer ball
Etymology of GOPHER BALL
The word "gopher ball" originates from the sport of baseball. It refers to a pitch that is deliberately thrown in a location where the batter has a strong chance of hitting a home run. The term "gopher ball" first appeared in print in the early 1920s but its exact etymology is uncertain.
There are a few theories about the origin of the term. One hypothesis suggests that it derived from the phrase "go for the ball". This interpretation implies that the pitcher knows the batter is likely to hit the ball, and thus "goes for it" by throwing a pitch that can easily be hit for a home run.
Another theory connects the term to the field-dwelling mammal, the gopher.
Idioms with the word GOPHER BALL
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gopher ball
In baseball, a "gopher ball" refers to a pitch that is easy for the batter to hit far, typically resulting in a home run.
