Definition

1. Noun:
   • A substitute batter in baseball: A "pinch hitter" is a baseball player who is substituted for the regular batter, typically in a critical situation where a specific hitting skill is needed.

Usage

• The term "pinch hitter" is used specifically in the context of baseball. It refers to the action of sending a different player to bat in place of the player whose turn it is. This is a strategic move made by the team's manager.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The manager sent in a left-handed pinch hitter to face the right-handed pitcher.
  • With the bases loaded in the ninth inning, their best pinch hitter was called upon to win the game.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: Outside of baseball, "pinch hitter" can be used metaphorically to refer to a person who substitutes for another in any task, especially in a difficult or urgent situation.
  • When our lead presenter got sick, Jane was an excellent pinch hitter for the conference.
  • I need a pinch hitter to finish this report while I deal with the emergency.

Variants and Related Words

• Pinch-hit (verb): To act as a pinch hitter.
  • He was asked to pinch-hit for the starting catcher in the seventh inning.
• Pinch-running (noun): The act of substituting a player specifically to run the bases.
  • After the single, a faster player was brought in for pinch-running.

Synonyms

• Substitute: A person or thing that takes the place of another.
• Replacement: Someone or something that fills a role in place of another.

Related Idioms

• To be called in as a pinch hitter: To be asked to substitute or help out in a difficult situation.
  • When the project was falling behind, they called me in as a pinch hitter to get it back on track.

Noun

1. (baseball) a substitute for the regular batter