The term “Crooked Number” is a phrase used to describe an odd or unusual statistic, usually in the realm of sports. The phrase originates from baseball, where it is used to describe an at-bat that results in a hit or run without the batter ever having reached base. The phrase is often used when a statistic is particularly impressive or noteworthy. In this article, we’ll explore the origin of the term and some interesting examples of crooked numbers in professional sports.
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase “Crooked Number” originated in the early days of baseball when statistics were not as closely tracked and monitored as they are today. During a game, a player would come to bat and hit a ball that would result in a hit or a run but was not counted as an at-bat because the player had not actually reached base. This rare occurrence was given the nickname “Crooked Number” due to its odd and unusual nature.
The phrase has since been adopted by other sports, such as basketball and football, to describe any statistic that is particularly impressive or noteworthy.
Examples of Crooked Numbers in Professional Sports
1. Baseball
The most common example of a Crooked Number in baseball is a home run hit without the batter ever having reached base. This can occur when a ball is hit directly off the pitcher’s mound and goes over the outfield fence for a home run. This is an impressive feat and rare occurrence, which is why it is considered a Crooked Number.
Other examples of Crooked Numbers in baseball include a player hitting a triple on the first pitch of an at-bat and a player hitting a home run in their first Major League at-bat.
2. Basketball
In basketball, a Crooked Number can be any statistic that is particularly impressive or noteworthy. For example, a player scoring 50 points in a single game is considered a Crooked Number, as this is an impressive feat and a rare occurrence.
Additionally, a player scoring 30 points in a single quarter or making 10 consecutive three-point shots in a single game are both considered Crooked Numbers.
3. Football
In football, a Crooked Number can be any statistic that is particularly impressive or noteworthy. For example, a quarterback throwing for 500 yards in a single game is considered a Crooked Number, as this is an impressive feat and a rare occurrence.
Additionally, a team scoring 50 points in a single game or a player returning a kick-off for a touchdown are both considered Crooked Numbers.
4. Hockey
In hockey, a Crooked Number can be any statistic that is particularly impressive or noteworthy. For example, a player scoring a hat trick in a single game is considered a Crooked Number, as this is an impressive feat and a rare occurrence.
Additionally, a player scoring a goal in the first 10 seconds of a game or a goaltender making 50 saves in a single game are both considered Crooked Numbers.
Why Crooked Numbers are Significant
Crooked Numbers are significant because they are often a sign of an athlete’s skill and prowess. A Crooked Number is a rare occurrence and is a sign that a player is able to rise to the occasion and perform when it matters most. They are also significant because they often signify a moment of history or a milestone in an athlete’s career.
Additionally, Crooked Numbers are often used as a way to compare players from different eras. For example, a player’s career batting average can be compared to those of players from the past to get an idea of how the player’s performance stacks up against the competition.
Conclusion
The phrase “Crooked Number” is a term used to describe an odd or unusual statistic, usually in the realm of sports. The phrase originates from baseball, where it is used to describe an at-bat that results in a hit or run without the batter ever having reached base. The phrase is often used when a statistic is particularly impressive or noteworthy.
Examples of Crooked Numbers in professional sports include a player hitting a home run without ever having reached base in baseball, a player scoring 50 points in a single game in basketball, and a quarterback throwing for 500 yards in a single game in football.
Crooked Numbers are significant because they are often a sign of an athlete’s skill and prowess, they often signify a moment of history or a milestone in an athlete’s career, and they are used as a way to compare players from different eras.