What does can of corn mean in baseball slang?
Baseball is a sport with its own unique language, filled with terms, slang and jargon. Many of these terms have been around for decades, and some have taken on new meanings or have been reinterpreted over the years. One of these terms is “can of corn,” which is often used to describe an easy catch or a lazy fly ball.
Origins of the Term
The term “can of corn” has been used in baseball since at least the early 20th century, with some sources claiming it has been in use since the 1800s. There are several theories as to the origin of the term, but it is likely that it originated in the grocery store. Grocers in the early 20th century would often use a hook to pull down a can of corn from a high shelf, which would then slowly fall into the grocer’s hands. This action is believed to have been the inspiration for the phrase, as it is a similar motion to an outfielder catching a fly ball.
What the Phrase Means Now
Today, the term “can of corn” is used to describe an easy catch for an outfielder. It usually refers to a lazy fly ball, or one that has a predictable trajectory. This type of ball is easy to predict and catch, as it is usually not hit with much force or speed. The phrase is often used to describe a routine fly ball that a fielder should be able to catch without much difficulty.
How It Is Used
The phrase “can of corn” is often used in baseball broadcasts and conversations. It is used to describe a seemingly easy fly ball that an outfielder should be able to catch. It can also be used in a complimentary way, to praise an outfielder for making a good catch on a difficult ball.
What It Is Not
It is important to note that the phrase “can of corn” does not refer to a home run. A home run is hit with much more force and speed than a lazy fly ball, and is usually a much more difficult catch for an outfielder. It is also not used to describe a line drive, as these are usually hit with more speed and force than a typical fly ball.
Examples of Use
The phrase “can of corn” is often used to describe a seemingly easy catch for an outfielder. Here are some examples of how it is used:
- Commentator 1: “That was an easy fly ball, right into the outfielder’s glove – a real can of corn!”
- Commentator 2: “The outfielder made it look easy, but it was still a great catch – a real can of corn!”
- Player 1: “That was an easy one – a real can of corn!”
- Player 2: “You got it! That was a can of corn for sure!”
Difference between a Can of Corn and a Routine Play
The phrase “can of corn” is often used to describe an easy catch for an outfielder, but it is important to note that it is not the same as a routine play. A routine play is one that a fielder expects to make, and is often done without much difficulty. A can of corn, on the other hand, is a lazy fly ball that a fielder should be able to catch without too much difficulty, but is still more difficult than a routine play.
Other Uses of the Phrase
The phrase “can of corn” is not only used to describe a seemingly easy catch for an outfielder, it is also sometimes used to describe other scenarios or situations. It can be used to describe a situation that is easy to understand or a task that requires little effort. It can also be used to describe a situation that is seemingly easy to solve, but can actually be more complicated than it appears.
Conclusion
The phrase “can of corn” is a phrase that has been used in baseball for decades. It is used to describe an easy catch for an outfielder, usually a lazy fly ball that is easy to predict and catch. It can also be used to describe other scenarios or tasks that require little effort. So next time you hear someone talking about a “can of corn,” you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about!