Baseball is a beloved game with a rich and storied history, and a unique language all its own. While some terms are quite obvious, others can leave even the most passionate fan scratching their head in confusion. One such term is “can of corn.” To understand why this phrase is so closely associated with the game, one must look to the past.
History of the Term
The phrase “can of corn” has been in use since the late 1800s. It was first recorded in a collection of stories and bits of wisdom called the Farmer’s Almanac in 1879. The original meaning of the phrase was to describe an easy or effortless task. It first began to be used in the context of baseball in the early 1900s when it was used to describe an outfielder catching a fly ball.
Infielders and Outfielders
The phrase “can of corn” is most closely associated with outfielders and their ability to catch fly balls. To understand why, one must look at the differences between infielders and outfielders. Outfielders are the players who stand in the back of the field, behind the infielders. They are the players who are tasked with catching the ball after it has been hit by the batter.
Infielders, on the other hand, are the players who stand in the front of the field, closest to the batter. They are responsible for fielding ground balls and line drives. Infielders have less time to react to a ball hit in their direction and must be prepared to make a quick, clean throw to first base.
An Easy Catch
An “easy” or “can of corn” catch is one that is relatively easy for an outfielder to make. This type of catch is usually a high fly ball that is hit deep into the outfield. It is a ball that the outfielder has plenty of time to prepare for and catch without having to move too much.
These types of catches are often referred to as “can of corn” catches due to the fact that they are relatively easy and require minimal effort. It is said that the phrase is derived from the practice of store keepers in the late 1800s, who would stack cans of corn on high shelves. To retrieve the cans, the store keeper would simply reach up and pluck them off the shelf, a task that was said to be as easy as catching a can of corn.
Conclusion
The phrase “can of corn” is a unique part of the language of baseball. While the phrase may have originally been used to describe a simple task, it has since come to be associated with the game. It is used to describe an easy catch made by an outfielder, one that requires little effort and minimal movement. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of store keepers in the late 1800s, who would reach up and pluck cans of corn off of high shelves.