What sport coined the term “Home Run” long before baseball did? Answer
The sport that originally coined the term “Home Run,” predating its association with baseball, is horse racing. In the 19th century, particularly during the earlier part of the century, “home run” was a phrase used to describe the final, straight stretch of a racetrack leading to the finish line. This segment was considered crucial as it was often where the outcome of the race was decided, with horses making their final push towards “home.”
The term’s adoption by baseball occurred later in the 19th century, where it came to signify a batter hitting the ball out of the field in such a way that they could circle all the bases and score a run without being put out. The metaphorical link between the final stretch of a race and the completion of a full circuit in baseball made the term a fitting transfer. This illustrates how language and terminology can evolve and migrate across different activities, often retaining a core sense of completion or finality.
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPaLBl_Z6y8
https://www.threads.net/@heavyweightwriting/post/DIydjN7TCv0