Glossary

A bunt where the batter intentionally makes an out to advance a runner.

Batter hit by pitch advances to first.

A batter who can hit from both sides of the plate.

A substitute runner replacing another player on base.

A substitute batter replacing another player.

The sequence in which batters come to the plate.

Runs scored as a direct result of a batter's action.

When a baserunner advances to the next base during a pitch.

Batter advances to first after four balls.

A hit where the ball clears the outfield fence. The most spectacular batting outcome.

When a pitcher retires every batter faced without allowing any baserunner.

When a starting pitcher pitches the entire game without relief.

Relief pitcher who handles the final inning.

When a batter accumulates three strikes and is called out. Strikeout ability indicates pitching dominance.

A pitch that breaks laterally. One of the most common pitches in modern baseball.

Credited to a relief pitcher who finishes a game while maintaining the lead.

Middle reliever bridging to the closer.

A pitch thrown with fastball arm action but reduced velocity.

A pitch thrown with minimal spin that moves unpredictably.

When a pitcher allows no hits through an entire game.

A pitch gripped between the index and middle fingers that drops sharply.

Credited to a middle reliever who maintains the lead before passing to the next pitcher.

When a fielder fails to make a play that should have been made with ordinary effort.

Runner advances after returning to base once a fly ball is caught.

Two outs recorded on a single play. The most efficient defensive outcome.

Automatic out on pop fly with runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded.

Process giving other teams the opportunity to claim a player.

A double awarded when a fair ball bounces into the stands.

Postseason tournament among top three teams.

Official games between Central and Pacific League teams.

A player who bats in place of the pitcher. Used in the Pacific League.

The annual meeting where professional teams select amateur players.

Annual championship between Central and Pacific League champions.

A system allowing players who meet certain criteria to freely choose their next team.

Illegal pitching motion; all runners advance one base.

A system allowing NPB players to transfer to MLB before earning FA rights.

Walks plus hits allowed per inning pitched. Measures a pitcher's consistency.

On-base percentage plus slugging percentage. A simple composite measure of overall offensive ability.

Award for the best defensive player at each position.

NPB's most prestigious pitching award.

Leading the league in batting average, home runs, and RBI simultaneously.

The rate at which a batter reaches base, including hits, walks, and hit-by-pitches.

Comprehensive metric showing wins contributed above a replacement-level player.

Hits divided by at-bats. The most fundamental measure of hitting ability.

Total bases divided by at-bats. Measures a batter's power.

Average earned runs allowed per nine innings pitched. The most basic measure of pitching ability.

Exhibition game featuring selected players from both leagues.

Pre-season training camp held in February.

The minor league affiliate for player development.

Area where relief pitchers warm up; also refers to the relief corps.