ballplayer

[ bawl-pley-er ]

noun

1. a person who plays ball professionally, especially baseball.
2. anyone who plays ball.

ballplayer

/ ˈbɔːlˌpleɪə /

noun

1. a player, esp in soccer, with outstanding ability to control the ball
2. a baseball player, esp a professional

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballplayer¹

First recorded in 1610–20; ball ¹ + player

Example Sentences

As millions cheered Shohei Ohtani’s debut in the World Series at Dodger Stadium, a couple of dozen ballplayers of Japanese descent gathered last weekend on a dusty field 200 miles north.

From Los Angeles Times

I did this as a courtesy since I didn’t want to shock the ballplayers by walking in.

From Los Angeles Times

Since he is no longer physically with us, I propose the National Baseball Hall of Fame committee and MLB take the necessary steps to enshrine this great ballplayer into the Hall of Fame posthumously.

From Los Angeles Times

It could have ended there; Rose wasn’t yet a great ballplayer.

From Los Angeles Times

In Bowyer’s plea agreement, prosecutors allege that two current or former ballplayers placed bets with him.

From Los Angeles Times