Baseball has a language all its own—one that can feel like a secret code to new players and parents. But once you know the basics, the game becomes a lot more fun and easier to follow.
At BedStuy Sluggers, we make sure our players not only play the game but understand it too. Here’s a beginner-friendly glossary of baseball terms every kid should know before stepping onto the field.
🏷️ Common Baseball Terms (Kid-Friendly Definitions)
⚾ At-Bat (AB)
Every time a player goes up to the plate to hit.
⚾ Strike
A pitch that either goes over the plate in the strike zone or is swung at and missed.
⚾ Ball
A pitch that is outside the strike zone and not swung at.
⚾ Foul Ball
A hit that goes outside the lines of the field. It counts as a strike unless the player already has two.
⚾ Base Hit (Single)
When the batter safely gets to first base after hitting the ball.
⚾ Double / Triple / Home Run
Hits where the batter makes it safely to second, third, or all the way home.
⚾ Out
Any play where the batter or runner is removed from the field by a defensive action.
⚾ Inning
Each team gets to bat once and play defense once. A full game usually has 6 innings in youth baseball.
⚾ Tag Up
When a runner waits for a caught fly ball before running to the next base.
⚾ RBI (Run Batted In)
When a batter helps a runner score with their hit.
⚾ Error
A mistake made by a fielder that allows a batter or runner to advance or score.
⚾ Pitcher’s Mound
The raised area in the center of the infield where the pitcher throws the ball from.
⚾ Shortstop
The player who fields between second and third base.
🧒 Why This Matters
When kids understand what’s happening on the field, they stay focused, feel more confident, and communicate better with teammates. They also learn to think ahead—a key part of baseball IQ.
We often introduce these terms during practice with fun games and mini-quizzes, so learning feels like part of the action.
🎯 Try This at Home
Make flashcards or quiz your child using real-life game situations like:
- “If you hit a foul ball with two strikes, what happens?”
- “Where does the shortstop usually stand?”
- “What’s the difference between a double and a home run?”
