The term "long reliever" is used in the world of baseball to refer to a type of relief pitcher who is typically called upon to pitch multiple innings. In terms of pronunciation, the word "long" is pronounced with the long o sound (lɑŋ), while "reliever" is pronounced with a short e sound (rɪˈli.vər). When these two words are combined, the stress falls on the first syllable of "reliever" (lɔŋ rɪˈli.vər). Correct spelling is vital in conveying the right meaning, whether in sports or in any other domain of communication.
A long reliever is a term predominantly used in the realm of sports, particularly in baseball. It refers to a specific type of relief pitcher who is tasked with taking over the role of pitching for an extended period, usually multiple innings, in the event of a starting pitcher's early exit from the game or an unexpectedly lengthy game.
Unlike a closer or a short reliever, whose primary objective is to protect a narrow lead in the late innings, a long reliever is generally employed in situations where a team's starting pitcher is unable to complete the expected number of innings due to poor performance or injury. The long reliever acts as a substitute, aiming to bridge the gap until a team's other relief pitchers and setup man, or middle relievers, can take over.
Because of their role, a long reliever needs to possess endurance, flexibility, and the ability to pitch effectively over a more extended period compared to a typical relief pitcher. They are occasionally referred to as "mop-up men" since their appearances often come in times when the game is already out of hand or when the outcome has been decided.
In summary, a long reliever is a relief pitcher who is called upon to substitute a starting pitcher who cannot complete his innings, often providing long-lasting support and stability to the team until other relief pitchers are fit to enter the game.
The word "long reliever" is derived from the combination of two words: "long" and "reliever".
The word "long" is derived from the Old English word "lang" which means "long" or "lengthy".
The word "reliever" is derived from the verb "relieve", which comes from the Latin word "relevare", meaning "to lighten" or "to alleviate".
In the context of sports, particularly baseball, a "reliever" is a player who comes into the game to replace the starting pitcher. They "relieve" the starting pitcher by taking over their role.
Therefore, a "long reliever" refers to a type of relief pitcher who is used in situations where the starting pitcher is unable to complete the game or needs to be substituted early.