Definition

Noun: 1. A batted baseball that travels high into the air: In the sport of baseball, a "fly ball" is a ball that is hit by the batter and travels on a high, arcing trajectory into the field of play. It is distinct from a ground ball, which rolls or bounces along the ground.

Usage

The term "fly ball" is used specifically in the context of baseball and softball to describe the flight path of a batted ball. It is a standard term used by players, coaches, commentators, and fans. - The batter hit a deep fly ball to center field. - The shortstop caught the fly ball for the second out of the inning. - He popped up a lazy fly ball to the infield.

Advanced Usage

• "Can of corn": This is a colloquial baseball idiom for an easy-to-catch fly ball, typically hit directly to an outfielder.
  • The left fielder camped under the routine fly ball—a real can of corn.
• The term is often used in verb phrases like "hit a fly ball," "catch a fly ball," or "drop a fly ball."

Variants and Related Words

• Pop fly / Pop-up (noun): A specific type of fly ball that is hit very high but does not travel very far, usually staying within the infield.
  • The catcher caught the pop fly near home plate.
• Line drive (noun): A batted ball hit on a low, fast, and nearly straight trajectory, as opposed to the high arc of a fly ball.
• Ground ball / Grounder (noun): A batted ball that travels along the ground.

Synonyms

• Aerial hit
• High fly (informal)

Related Phrases

• Sacrifice fly (noun): A specific strategic play where a batter hits a fly ball that is caught for an out, but allows a runner on base to advance or score after the catch.
  • He drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly to right field.

Noun

1. (baseball) a hit that flies up in the air