The phrase “can of corn” is a slang term used in baseball to describe an easy catch. It has been around since the early 1900s and is still used today by players and fans alike. But where did this term come from and what does it mean? This article will explore the origin of the phrase “can of corn” and how it has become such an integral part of the game of baseball.
History and Origins of “Can of Corn”
The phrase “can of corn” originated in the early 1900s and is believed to have been coined by baseball players in the early days of the game. According to legend, the term was first used to describe an easy catch that a player could make with one hand. The phrase is thought to have come from the old-time method of harvesting corn, which involved using one hand to grab a can of corn from the top of a tall stalk. The phrase then became a metaphor for an easy catch in baseball, where a player could use one hand to make a simple, easy catch, just like picking a can of corn.
The phrase was first recorded in print in the early 1900s, with the earliest reference coming from a 1912 newspaper article in the San Antonio Express. The article was about a game between the San Francisco Seals and the Portland Beavers. In it, the reporter wrote, “McGee made a can of corn catch of a long fly ball.” Since then, the phrase has become a staple of baseball lingo.
Modern Use of “Can of Corn”
Today, the phrase “can of corn” is used to describe an easy catch that any player, regardless of position, can make. It is commonly used to describe a routine fly ball or a pop-up that a fielder can catch with one hand. The phrase is also used to describe an easy ground ball that a fielder can scoop up with one hand.
The phrase is often used by baseball announcers and commentators to describe an easy catch made by a fielder. It is also often used by players and fans alike to describe an easy catch, or even to describe a player who is particularly adept at making easy catches.
The phrase is also sometimes used jokingly. For example, if a player makes a difficult catch, they may be said to have “pulled a can of corn out of the sky.”
Conclusion
The phrase “can of corn” is an integral part of baseball lingo and has been around since the early 1900s. It is used to describe an easy catch that a player can make with one hand, and it is often used by players and fans alike to describe an easy catch or a particularly adept fielder. It is also sometimes used jokingly to describe a difficult catch. No matter how it is used, the phrase “can of corn” is an important part of the language of baseball.