can of corn

[ kan uhv kawrn ]

noun

, Baseball Slang.

1. a fly ball that is so easy to catch that the fielder need only stand under the falling ball and let it drop into their glove:

   That’s the third straight can of corn off a Yankee bat tonight, and the Toronto outfield is not complaining.

Word History and Origins

Origin of can of corn¹

First recorded in 1930–35; origin uncertain; perhaps referring to a grocer using a long-handled grabber to tip canned goods down from a high shelf into his hand or apron

Example Sentences

Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara took a 4-3 lead into the fifth and retired the first two batters before Kyle Schwarber a can of corn fly to Bleday that the outfielder failed to squeeze with his glove.

From Seattle Times

“I have to learn for this baby,” Zabih said, as he wedged a butter knife into a can of corn to open it.

From Los Angeles Times

The nuts made their way into American pies in the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that the pecan pie recipe we know today was popularized — by being printed on the back of a can of corn syrup.

From New York Times

Judge had his moment later, launching a three-run smash in the third — it was no can of corn, sailing to deep right.

From Washington Times

But, even without a single day of practice at judging fly balls in 34 years, they knew a harmless can of corn when they saw one.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• bloop
• blooper
• looper
• pop-up