LEADOFF PERSON Meaning and
Definition
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A leadoff person, alternatively known as the leadoff hitter or leadoff batter, is a specific player in a sport such as baseball or softball who is strategically assigned to bat first in the lineup for their team. The role of the leadoff person is to start the game, inning, or rally with their batting performance, setting the tone and providing an opportunity for their team to score early. This position is considered crucial as it can dictate the momentum and pace of the game.
In baseball, the leadoff person is responsible for being the initial batter to step up to the plate at the beginning of each inning. They possess essential qualities, including a high on-base percentage, good base-running skills, and the ability to make consistent contact with the ball, as their main objective is to safely reach the base and ideally progress further through subsequent hits or stolen bases.
The leadoff person is significant for their ability to energize their teammates, alongside putting pressure on the opposing pitcher from the first pitch. Their success in reaching base frequently can disrupt the opponent's defensive strategy, creating better opportunities for their teammates to hit and score runs. Additionally, their presence helps to study the pitcher's style and gives the rest of the lineup an opportunity to observe the opposing pitcher's tactics, providing valuable information for subsequent at-bats.
Overall, the leadoff person plays a fundamental role in setting the stage for a successful performance by their team by starting the game strongly and maximizing the potential for scoring early on.
Common Misspellings for LEADOFF PERSON
- lead off person
- keadoff person
- peadoff person
- oeadoff person
- lwadoff person
- lsadoff person
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- lezdoff person
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- learoff person
- leaeoff person
Etymology of LEADOFF PERSON
The etymology of the term "leadoff person" originates from baseball jargon. In baseball, the term "leadoff" refers to the first batter or player in the batting order for a team. This player's role is to start the game by facing the opposing pitcher and attempting to get on base. They "lead off" the offensive effort for their team. The expression "leadoff person" comes from this context and is commonly used to describe the individual who starts or initiates a particular event, activity, or process in various settings beyond baseball.
