SportsAugust 18, 2026

groundout

GROUND-out

Definition

A baseball play where a batter hits the ball into the field of play, and a defensive player fields it and throws it to first base to put the batter out.

Etymology

A compound of 'ground' (referring to the field surface) and 'out' (the state of being retired). It emerged in American baseball terminology in the late 19th century to describe the specific method of recording an out via a hit ball.

In the news

In this article, a player induced a groundout from an opposing batter to help finish an inning, which was crucial to maintaining the game's tie in a high-leverage situation.

Tommy White hits another tank Monday vs. Royals

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NBC Sports

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