ghost runner

[ gohst ruhn-er ]

noun

, Baseball.

1. automatic runner ( def ).
2. imaginary runner ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of ghost runner¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Major League Baseball has implemented a “ghost runner” rule that automatically places a runner at second base in extra innings during the regular season.

From Seattle Times

The Angels lost to the Blue Jays 12-11 in 10 innings after Cavan Biggio, Toronto’s ghost runner, scored on Kevin Kiermaier’s ground-rule double and George Springer drove in another run against Carlos Estévez.

From Los Angeles Times

Drury, the Angels’ ghost runner, and Urshela, who knocked a single into center field, and Ward, who worked a walk against Trevor Richards, loaded the bases.

From Los Angeles Times

Just don’t get me started on the ghost runner at second base in extra innings.

From Los Angeles Times

While there are other examples of his failures, there is none greater than the so-called ghost runner, which is nothing more than a gimmick ostensibly to speed up a game that was never designed to be quickly paced.

From Los Angeles Times