What does “can of corn” mean in baseball?

Question

Here is the question : WHAT DOES “CAN OF CORN” MEAN IN BASEBALL?

Option

Here is the option for the question :

  • Rookie
  • Tired pitcher
  • Corked bat
  • Easy fly ball

The Answer:

And, the answer for the the question is :

Easy fly ball

Explanation:

In baseball, a ‘can of corn’ is a simple fly ball. If one of the outfielders can lope casually across a few paces and effortlessly capture the batted ball, he caught a ‘can of corn.’ Nobody knows for certain where the phrase originated, although baseball historians have some very compelling suggestions. The phrase initially appears in print in 1896, and the New Dickson Baseball Dictionary suggests several plausible origins. The expression may refer to the practise of old-fashioned grocers of tipping cans of vegetables off high shelves and catching the cans in their aprons. It’s also possible that the original term implied that flyballs were as easy to catch ‘as corn from a can.’

What does `can of corn` mean in baseball?
In the realm of baseball, there are numerous terms and phrases that can leave newcomers scratching their heads. One such phrase is “can of corn,” which, in baseball jargon, refers to an easy fly ball. In this article, we delve into the origins of this peculiar phrase, its usage in the game, and why it has come to represent a routine play in the outfield.

The term “can of corn” has its roots in the sport’s early days, specifically in the realm of baseball’s general stores or small-town groceries. In these stores, cans of corn and other canned goods were typically placed on high shelves, requiring store employees to use a long stick with a hook to dislodge them. When customers requested a can of corn, the clerk would use the hook to easily grab the can, making it a straightforward and effortless task.

This concept of a simple and effortless action gradually made its way into baseball lingo. Over time, “can of corn” became synonymous with an easy fly ball that posed little challenge for outfielders. The reasoning behind this association lies in the notion that just like retrieving a can of corn from a high shelf in a grocery store, catching a routine fly ball in the outfield should be a routine and uncomplicated task for a skilled player.

In a game where outfielders are often tested by deep drives, line drives, and sharply hit balls, an easy fly ball offers a welcome respite. When an outfielder sees a ball hit high in the air, seemingly hanging in the sky with little velocity or difficulty, they can confidently position themselves under it and make the catch with ease. It is in these instances that the term “can of corn” is often used by broadcasters, commentators, and fans to describe the routine play.

While the phrase “can of corn” may not be as commonly used in everyday conversation, it remains deeply ingrained in baseball vernacular. Its usage adds color and character to the sport, allowing fans and participants to connect with the rich history and traditions of the game. Additionally, the phrase serves as a reminder that even in a sport as challenging and unpredictable as baseball, there are moments of simplicity and ease that can be appreciated and celebrated.

It is worth noting that the term “can of corn” is not the only colorful expression used in baseball to describe routine plays. Other phrases, such as “routine grounder,” “soft liner,” or “routine pop-up,” are employed to convey similar ideas. Each of these phrases highlights the notion that certain plays in the game are expected to be executed without difficulty or extraordinary effort.

the phrase “can of corn” in baseball parlance signifies an easy fly ball. Its origins can be traced back to the days of general stores and the effortless retrieval of canned goods from high shelves. Used to describe routine outfield plays, the term adds charm and nostalgia to the sport while emphasizing the moments of simplicity within the game’s intricate nature. So, the next time you hear the phrase “can of corn” during a baseball broadcast or conversation, you’ll know that it refers to a routine fly ball that should be caught with ease, much like grabbing a can of corn from a grocery store shelf.