Baltimore chop

noun

, Baseball.

1. a batted ball that takes a high bounce upon hitting the ground on or immediately in front of home plate, often enabling the batter to reach first base safely.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Baltimore chop¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

Bridwell said he is still motivated by his Baltimore chop but is not bitter toward the Orioles.

From Los Angeles Times

“One time, a guy hit a Baltimore chop, and instead of saying that he hit it straight down, Dave said he ‘pounded it into the terra firma,’ ” Mac said.

From Seattle Times

Manny Machado hit a Baltimore chop for an RBI single, and Joseph homered in the ninth.

From Washington Times

The bunt, the stolen base, the Baltimore chop were back-burnered for decades.

From Time Magazine Archive

All that thinking has made him a journeyman catcher with a decade-long career bouncing through the minors like a Baltimore chop on Astroturf.

From Time Magazine Archive