What did the baseball player do at home plate? Why is everyone cheering? Baseball is as American as apple pie, but it’s not for everyone. If you have a child who plays Little League, not knowing the difference between a home run inside the park and a triple play can take the fun out of your shared experience. This article hopes to offer baseball terminology and find a way that you and your Little Leaguer can enjoy the season together.

He has never caught a baseball, run to the plate, or even watched a baseball game go nine innings. Now, his son has let her know of his desire to join the local Little League team. So what do you do now? Do you just drop it off in practice and pick it up when it’s time for dinner or familiarize yourself with a few terms and familiarize yourself with America’s favorite pastime to invest in a better relationship?

My guess is that since you’re still reading, you’ve decided to adjust to some terms and help your child become a better player. Good for you! Let’s start with ten basic terms heard during a typical Little League game.

Ace, the star pitcher on a team…hopefully, his son.

Barrel: The part of the bat that is conventionally used to hit the baseball.

Base Hit – A hit that allows the batter to reach first, second, third, or base, unless it is a “fielder’s choice.”

Fielder’s Choice – When the fielder allows the batter to reach first base to put out a runner at another base.

Foul Lines: The lines that extend from home plate through first and third base to the outfield walls.

Complete count: a count with three balls and two strikes.

Ground Rule Double – A hit awarded automatically by the referees when the ball lands just right and bounces out of play.

Knuckle Ball/Knuckler – A slow pitch with no spin that wobbles as it gets closer to the batter.

Major Leagues (or “the majors”) – The American League and the National League.

Substitute Batter or Substitute Runner – A substitute batter or runner who enters the game to replace another batter or runner.

Once you learn these terms and are craving more, you can easily search for additional baseball terms on the internet.

So you’ve learned the terms and you’re ready for the big leagues…that is, going out with your son and showing him you’re in the game. What is the next step?

Watch your child play catch, observe what he’s doing, and discuss all the great contributions he made during practice or during his Little League game. His need for your undivided attention will be satisfied and he will know that you really care.