Baseball has a long and storied history, full of unique and colorful phrases. One of the most enduring of these phrases is “can of corn”, which is used to describe an easy-to-catch fly ball. While the phrase has become a beloved part of baseball lore, the origin of the phrase is somewhat of a mystery. Who exactly coined this phrase and why is still up for debate.
The Debate Over the Origin of “Can of Corn”
The phrase “can of corn” has been used to describe an easy-to-catch fly ball since the early 1900s, but it is unclear who first coined the phrase. Some believe the phrase originated with legendary baseball announcer Harry Caray, who used the phrase often during his long career. Others believe the phrase was first used by legendary baseball player Ty Cobb. The debate continues to this day, with many different theories as to the origin of the phrase.
The Most Popular Theory
The most popular theory as to the origin of “can of corn” is that it was first used by Harry Caray. Caray was a famous baseball announcer for the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, and was known for his colorful phrases and catchphrases. He is said to have coined the phrase in the 1920s, when he was an announcer for the Cardinals. According to the story, Caray noticed the ease with which outfielder Taylor “Tater” Douthit would catch fly balls and said, “That was as easy as taking a can of corn off the shelf.”
The Ty Cobb Theory
Another popular theory is that the phrase “can of corn” was first used by Ty Cobb. Cobb was one of the greatest players in baseball history and was known for his aggressive and fiery playing style. He is said to have used the phrase in the 1910s, when he was playing for the Detroit Tigers. According to the story, Cobb used the phrase to describe an easy-to-catch fly ball, saying, “That’s a can of corn.”
Other Theories
While the Harry Caray and Ty Cobb theories are the most popular, there are also other theories as to the origin of the phrase “can of corn”. Some believe the phrase originated in the early 1900s as a way to describe a lazy outfielder who was not running hard to catch a fly ball. Others believe the phrase is derived from a game in which a can of corn was used as a makeshift ball.
Conclusion
The origin of the phrase “can of corn” is still up for debate. While the most popular theories attribute the phrase to either Harry Caray or Ty Cobb, there are also other theories as to the origin of the phrase. No matter who first used the phrase, it has become a beloved part of baseball lore and will likely continue to be used for many years to come.