Can of Corn: The Origin of a Baseball Term

Can of corn is a baseball term used to describe an easy catch. The phrase is thought to have originated in the late 19th century.

The Etymology of “Can of Corn”

The phrase “can of corn” is used in baseball to describe an easy catch. While the origin of the phrase is unknown, there are a few theories. One theory is that it comes from the early days of baseball when outfielder’s gloves were smaller and they needed to use two hands to catch the ball. This resulted in them having to use one hand to cradle the ball like a can of corn.

Where the phrase comes from

The earliest known use of the phrase “can of corn” in print is from 1858, in an article in the Troy Daily Times, where it is used to describe a kind of easy catch:

“A fine running catch by Morris in left field, of a fly ball which looked ‘a can of corn’ for any body.”

How the phrase is used in baseball

The phrase “can of corn” is used by announcers to describe an easy catch in the outfield, one that any player should be able to make. The term likely comes from the days when grocery stores would place cans of corn on high shelves, requiring a tall ladder to retrieve them. An outfielder who could catch a ball hit high in the air was said to be able to “get the can of corn.”

The Use of “Can of Corn” in Baseball

“Can of corn” is a term used in baseball to describe an easy catch. It is typically used to describe a ball that is hit high in the air and is easy for the outfielder to catch. The term originated in the late 1800s and is thought to be derived from the phrase “can of beans.”

Examples of how the phrase is used

The phrase “can of corn” is used to describe a number of different things in baseball. Most commonly, it is used to describe a routine fly ball that an outfielder should have no trouble catching. It can also be used to describe a high pop fly or any easy putout.

The phrase is believed to have originated in the early days of baseball, when outfielders would use baskets or wicker corn cans to catch fly balls. These “cans of corn” were much easier to catch than barehanded, so the phrase came to describe any easy catch.

Today, the phrase is still used to describe an easy catch or putout. It can also be used more generally to describe anything that is simple or easy to do. For example, a player who hits a home run might be said to have “hit a can of corn out of the park.”

The meaning of the phrase in baseball

The use of the phrase “can of corn” in baseball refers to an easy catch by an outfielder. The phrase is thought to have originated in the early days of the sport, when outfielders often had to catch balls hit into the stands instead of gloves. These balls were often packed in cans, hence the name “can of corn.”

The phrase is most commonly used when an outfielder makes a routine catch, such as one that does not require them to run very far or jump. It can also be used when referring to a pop fly that is not hit very high into the air.

While the phrase “can of corn” is most commonly associated with baseball, it can also be used to describe any easy catch or task.

The Origin of “Can of Corn”

It is generally accepted that the term “can of corn” originated in the early 1900s. There are a few theories about how the term came to be, but the most popular one is that it came from the way outfielders would catch fly balls. Can of corn is a term used to describe an easy catch, usually by an outfielder.

How the phrase originated

The term “can of corn” is used to describe an easy fly ball that a outfielder can catch. It supposedly originates from the days when outfielders had to bring their own food to the ballpark, and they would bring canned goods like corn. These were easy to open and eat while they were playing, and an easy fly ball was just as easy to catch.

The first use of the phrase

The first use of the phrase “can of corn” in relation to baseball appears to date back to the early 1900s. There are a few stories about how the term came to be, but the most likely explanation is that it originated with outfielders who would call for a catchable ball by saying “That’s a can of corn!”

The phrase is thought to have come from the tinned food product, which was common at the time and easy to catch. Outfielders would use the phrase to let their teammates know that the ball was an easy catch, just like taking a can of corn off the shelf.

Over time, the phrase “can of corn” became synonymous with an easy catch in baseball, and is still used today by players and commentators alike. So next time you hear someone say “That was a can of corn!” during a baseball game, you’ll know exactly what they mean.