Our collection of baseball terms
Select from the alphabet. If you don't find a term you need explained, or you know a good baseball phrase that you think should be here, please send us an email (mail icon bottom of page).
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W X Y
| Phrase |
Definition |
| IBB |
(IBB) is the scorekeeping abbrev. for Intentional Walk (base on balls) |
| Illegal Pitch |
(1) A pitch delivered to the batter when the pitcher does not have his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate. (2) A quick pitch without coming to a set position. An illegal pitch when runners are on base is a balk |
| In the hole |
When the pitcher's behind in the count by two pitches (at least) - 2 and 0 count, 3 and 1 count |
| In the park home run |
The batter safely reaches each base and scores on a hit which lands in fair territory and doesn't roll out of play. Errors by the defensive nullify the RBI but not the scoring |
| Infield Fly |
A pop-up in the infield when there are less than two out and runners on first and second or first, second and third (more than one force out situation). The batter is automatically out and the runners do not have to advance |
| INN |
(INN) is the scorkeeping abbrev. for Innings Played |
| Intentional walk |
(IBB) in scorekeeping. Four pitches thrown on purpose well outside the strike zone, so the batter has no chance to hit, and earns a base on balls. Generally when 2nd or 3rd is occupied, 1st base is empty, a power hitter at bat, with a weaker hitter following. The intent is to create a force play at all bases |
| Interference |
Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. If the umpire declares the batter, batter runner, or a runner out for interference, all other runners shall return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference, unless otherwise provided by these rules. In the event the batter runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch. Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch. Umpire's interference occurs (1) When an umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher's throw attempting to prevent a stolen base, or (2) When a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder. Spectator interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of the stands, or goes on the playing field, and touches a live ball. On any interference the ball is dead |
| IP |
(IP) in scorekeeping stands for Innings Pitched not to be confused with (IPS), Innings Per Start |
| IRA |
(IRA) on the pitcher's game sheet stands for Inherited Runs Allowed |
