Baseball is a sport that is full of unique phrases and references that can be quite confusing to those who are unfamiliar with the game. One of the most common phrases that you may hear in a baseball broadcast is “can of corn”, which has become a popular way of referring to an easy catch in the outfield. However, many people may not know where the phrase comes from or why it is used in baseball. In this article, we will explore the origins of the phrase and why it is used to describe an easy catch in the outfield.
History of the Phrase
The phrase “can of corn” is believed to have originated in the 1800s, when grocery stores sold cans of corn that were tall and thin and had a large opening on the top. Grocers would stack these cans on shelves and when they needed to grab one, they could easily reach up and pluck it off the shelf with one hand, much like an outfielder catching a fly ball. This simple yet effective method of retrieving the cans of corn gave rise to the phrase “can of corn”, which is still used today in baseball to describe an easy catch in the outfield.
Why is it Used in Baseball?
In baseball, the phrase “can of corn” is used to describe an easy catch in the outfield. This phrase is used to describe a fly ball or a line drive that is hit high in the air and is easy for an outfielder to catch. The phrase is often used to describe a situation in which an outfielder can easily run under the ball and make the catch without having to jump or dive. The phrase “can of corn” is used to describe a situation in which the fielder does not have to exert much effort to make the catch, much like when a grocer plucks a can of corn off the shelf with one hand.
Uses of the Phrase
The phrase “can of corn” is often used to describe a situation in which an outfielder makes an easy catch. However, the phrase can also be used in other contexts. For example, it can be used to describe an easy hit or an easy decision. Additionally, the phrase can be used to describe a situation in which a fielder is in the right place at the right time and is able to make an easy catch.
Conclusion
The phrase “can of corn” is a popular way to describe an easy catch in the outfield. The phrase is believed to have originated in the 1800s, when grocers would pluck cans of corn off shelves with one hand. Today, the phrase is used to describe a situation in which an outfielder does not have to exert much effort to make the catch, much like when a grocer plucks a can of corn off the shelf with one hand. Additionally, the phrase can be used in other contexts to describe an easy hit or an easy decision.