PUNCH OUT

A picture from last week's opening day game between the Nats and Marlins probably gives as good an example as possible for the baseball usage of the phrase "punch out."  We "punch out" from work when we finish our day (assuming we use time clocks) and, of course, one boxer may "punch out" another in winning the match.  There are other usages of the phrase as well but in baseball the phrase is frequently used to refer to a called strike three (for a couple of you that means the batter didn't swing.)  Over time umpires have become more animated in their calling of the game.  Not only does the umpire call the batter "out" (punches him out) but takes a stance as if baseball has for the moment turned into boxing.  The picture presents home plate umpire, Jeff Kellogg, calling out Marlin's slugger, Giancarlo Stanton, on strikes.  The Nats catcher, Wilson Ramos is getting out of the way; just in case.  It almost appears as if Stanton is showing Kellogg his chin.  Sometimes after striking out a batter might just as well take one on the chin from the ump rather than return to a dugout.  Often I've wondered though why an ump might dare be so animated with someone in front of him holding a bat.  Oh well...

Today is the "rubber game" between the Nats and Reds.  Both teams will be pitching their "Aces" (Strasburg and Cueto).  More baseball phrases: "aces" and "rubber game."   Think about their derivation.

More later...