Top 15 Baseball Terms You Must Know!

When you are new to the beautiful game of baseball, it is perfectly normal to be a little lost at first. However, learning these frequently used baseball terms will help you quickly overcome your rookie hurdles and learn, understand, and eventually master the game. 

Here are the top 15 baseball terms to know: 1. OPS (On-Base Slugging)

In baseball, OPS means “On-base Plus Slugging,” and it is a statistic used to measure a player’s overall offensive production.  To derive a player’s OPS, combine their on-base percentage (OBP) and their Slugging Percentage (SLG). A higher OPS means a better offensive player. 

Use this formula: OPS = OBP + SLG.

• OBP is “On-Base Percentage,” and it tells you how often a batter reaches base, whether by hit, walk, or hit-by-pitch.
• Typically, an OBP above .350 is considered good, but an OBG above .400 is elite.
• SLG stands for Slugging Percentage, and it measures a player’s power and ability to hit for extra bases like doubles, triples, and home runs.

2. WAR (Wins Above Replacement)

WAR in baseball means “Wins above Replacement”, and it is a statistic that is used to measure a player’s overall value to their team in terms of wins. WAR is used to quantify how many more wins a player on a team contributes compared to a replacement player like a minor league call-up or bench player.

• A positive WAR means the player contributes more wins to their team and, therefore is significantly better than a replacement player.
• Negative WAR means the player is worse than a replacement-level player and is potentially hurting the team's chances of winning.

Interpreting WAR

• A player with a WAR of 6.0 would theoretically contribute 6 more wins than a replacement player throughout a season, making them an incredibly valuable asset to their team.
• A player with a WAR of -0.5 would be contributing negatively compared to a replacement player.

3. Balk

In baseball, a balk refers to an illegal motion by a pitcher while on the mound. Usually, a balk occurs when a pitcher makes an illegal move with runners on base.

A common example of a bark is when the pitcher starts a pitching motion, then stops or fails to come to a complete stop before delivering the pitch.

4. Inning

An inning in baseball is a segment of the game during which both teams get a chance to bat and field. Each inning is made of two parts: the top of the inning and the bottom of the inning.

• During the top of the inning, the visiting team bats, and the home team fields
• During the bottom of the inning, the home team bats, and the visiting team fields

A standard baseball game consists of nine innings, but additional innings are played if the game is still tied after the ninth inning.

How long is an inning?

On average, a half-inning can last about 15-20 minutes, and a full inning (both halves) in a Major League Baseball (MLS) game might last between 30 minutes to 1 hour.However, an inning can be shorter or longer: it all depends on the number of pitches, speed of strikeouts, defensive plays, and the frequency of pitching changes.

• Each half-inning continues until the defensive team records three outs (meaning three batters are retired). 
• The length of an inning varies depending on how many batters there are and how quickly outs are made.

5. WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched)

In baseball, WHIP stands for “Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched,” and it is a pitching statistic that measures the number of baserunners a pitcher allows per inning.

To calculate the WHIP for any player, sum up their walks and hits, then divide by the number of innings pitched.

Use this formula: WHIP = (Walks + Hits) / Innings Pitched. A lower WHIP is better.

6. BB (Base on Balls)

BB baseball stands for “Base on Balls,” and it is essentially the same as a walk. BB occurs when a batter is awarded first base, and it happens if the pitcher throws four balls outside the strike zone. 

7. RBI (Run Batted In)

In baseball, RBI means “Run Batted In.” It is a statistic that counts the number of runs a player drives in by either a hit, sacrifice or other means (like a walk or hit-by-pitch).

8. ERA (Earned Run Average)

ERA in baseball means “Earned Run Average”, and it is a statistic used to measure how effective a pitcher is. To calculate a pitcher’s ERA, you divide the number of earned runs divided by the number of innings.

Use this formula: ERA = (Earned Runs / Innings Pitched) × 9.

What is a Good ERA in Baseball?

• In Major League Baseball, an ERA below 3.0 is considered the best. A pitcher with an ERA below 3.0 is considered elite and an exceptional player.  
• An ERA between 3.0 -3.50 is considered to be very good and would likely put a pitcher amongst the top in the league
• An ERA of 3.50-4.0 ERA is average for many MLB pitchers, especially for rookies and starters.
• Above 4.0 ERA is seen as below average for a starting pitcher, especially a starting pitcher. Some relief pitchers can get away with a slightly higher ERA, but 4.0 ERA is generally considered to be poor.

• A solid ERA for a reliever is typically below 3.50, as they often face fewer batters and have fewer innings to allow earned runs.
• For a rookie or developing player, An ERA under 4.50 would generally be acceptable, but higher than that might indicate struggles.

9. MVP (Most Valuable Player)

Just like in basketball, MVP stands for “Most Valuable Player” in baseball. It is an award given annually to the player judged to be the most valuable in their league (American League or National League).

What Does MVR Mean?

MRV stands for “Most Valuable Rookie,” and it is a term sometimes used to refer to the most outstanding rookie player in a league or season.

• MRV is not an official MLB award like MVP, but it is still used in certain contexts to highlight the top-performing rookie player in a particular year.

10. DFA (Designated for Assignment) 

In baseball, DFA means “Designated for Assignment”. Designated for Assignment happens when a player is removed from a team's 40-man roster, often to make room for another player. The player can either be traded, placed on waivers, or released.

 

11. Walk-Off 

In baseball, a walk-off is a hit, home run, or any other play that puts the home team ahead in the bottom of the final inning and ends the game. It is termed a “walk-off” because the home team effectively "walks off" the field with a victory.

12. Grand Slam

In baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with the bases loaded, which scores four runs—one for each base occupied.

13. Hold

A “hold” in baseball is a statistic where a relief pitcher enters the game in a save situation but does not earn the save themselves.

To earn a hold, a pitcher must:

• Enter the game with a lead.
• Record at least one out.
• Leave the game without the lead changing hands.

14. PO (Putout)

PO in baseball stands for “Put out,” and it is a defensive statistic: players are credited with a putout when they record an out, such as catching a ball, tagging a runner, or throwing a runner out at first base.

• A PO directly measures a player’s role in recording an out.
• The number of Pos a player accumulates can provide an insight into their involvement and effectiveness in the game.

How Much Does a Baseball Weigh?

A standard baseball weighs between 5 and 2.5 ounces (i.e., About 142 to 149 grams).  It has to be light enough for batters to hit with speed and pitchers to be able to ensure good control and movement.

Is a Baseball Harder than a Softball?

Yes, a baseball is harder than a softball. The core of a baseball is made of hard rubber or cork center, which makes it heavier, firmer and more rigid. Though a softball is generally larger than a baseball, its core is much softer.

What is a Baseball Made Of?

The core of baseball is made from either cork or rubber, which makes the ball hard and bouncy. Around the core is a layer of wool yarn to give the ball its structure. Then the ball is wrapped with a leather cover, usually white with red stitching.

Breaking in A Baseball Glove

There are three common ways to break in a baseball glove: using it regularly, applying glove oil or conditioner, or shaping the glove.

• The best way to break in a baseball glove is by simply using it regularly. You can do this in practice by playing catch or using a ball to throw into the pocket of the glove.
• The second method to break in a baseball glove is to apply a small amount of glove oil or leather conditioner to soften the leather. Make sure to use just a little amount of oil on the glove, as excess oil might cause it to wear out faster.
• You can also break in your baseball glove by shaping it. Place the ball in the glove and tie it with a rubber or string to keep it closed overnight. This helps create the pocket and gives the glove some structure.

Training for Baseball?

Training is crucial for success in baseball. Good training sessions not only enhance your skill as a baseball player but also strengthen your mental focus and help you minimize the risk of injuries.

You can practice the following batting practice, pitching practice, fielding drills, catching practice, and overall confidence building. For all of these you need a baseball net.

Best Nets for Practice.

AT 5 x 5 inches, Zelus Baseball Hitting Nets come with a baseball and a batting tee, and they are ideal for both adults and children. Here are some main features:

• They are adjustable and portable.
• The ball is balanced and perfectly weighted
• The practice nets are made of polyester: it is thick and tear resistant.