"Called the shot" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the game of baseball, but has also come to re context in other sports and non-athletic situations. It refers to a player confidently predicting or declaring the successful outcome of their forthcoming action or performance.
In baseball, specifically, "called the shot" refers to a player verbally announcing or gesturing toward the specific spot where they will aim to hit the ball before making the swing. An iconic example of this occurred during the 1932 World Series, when Babe Ruth allegedly pointed towards the center-field bleachers just before hitting a home run in that exact location.
Beyond baseball, the term has broadened in usage to describe instances in other sports where an athlete boldly claims to achieve a specific result. For instance, a basketball player may declare that they will make an extremely difficult shot from half-court before actually attempting it.
Furthermore, "called the shot" also extends to non-athletic contexts. It can be used figuratively to describe individuals who confidently proclaim their intentions or predict the exact outcome of a situation before it occurs, often with a sense of bravado or self-assuredness.
Overall, "called the shot" encapsulates the act of predicting or stating the outcome of an action, performance, or situation with confidence and specificity, both within and beyond the realm of sports.
