gopher ball

noun

, Baseball Slang.

1. a pitched ball hit for a home run:

   leading the league in gopher balls.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gopher ball¹

First recorded in 1945–55

Example Sentences

But still passing muster, for now: ducks on the pond, dying quail, gopher ball and dog days of summer.

From Seattle Times

If a gopher ball is in his future, he accepts the risk.

From Washington Post

The 27-year-old right-hander gave up just three hits over seven innings while striking out four but a late-game gopher ball gave the Orioles a series win over the Mariners.

From Seattle Times

Scherzer’s high gopher ball total is entirely attributable to him giving 'em up.

From Washington Post

I, instead, cited Kenley Jansen’s gopher ball to Gonzalez in the ninth inning of that game.

From Los Angeles Times