center field

noun

1
: the position of the player for defending center field
2
: the part of the baseball outfield between right and left field
center fielder noun

Examples of center field in a Sentence

a fly ball to center field She used to be a shortstop but now she plays center field.
Recent Examples on the Web Gordon has played 92 games (with 66 starts) in center field at the MLB level. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 McLaughlin fouled off a pitch then launched a 420-foot shot off the batter's eye in center field to make it 7-2. Tom Murphy, arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2024 Although his career in the batter’s box has been a roller coaster, Bellinger has consistently been an elite defensive player in center field and at first base, enhancing his value. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024 However, Lee is more of a contact hitter and a plus defender in center field. Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2024 For the first time, Lee lined up in center field behind Webb, giving him a new perspective on the team’s ace. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 Chicago’s plan to turn center field over to rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a snag when the former Studio City Harvard-Westlake High star appeared overwhelmed in a brief September audition, going 0 for 14 with seven strikeouts. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024 Family time: The Stomper Kid Zone in center field entertains fans 12 and younger with T-ball, baseball Skeeball and an honorary Stomper's Teammate certificate for their efforts. Georgann Yara, The Arizona Republic, 19 Feb. 2024 Brady Anderson Longtime leadoff hitter Brady Anderson played center field and left field for the Orioles from 1988 to 2001. Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'center field.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of center field was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near center field

Cite this Entry

“Center field.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center%20field. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

center field

noun
1
: the part of the baseball outfield between right field and left field
2
: the position of the player defending center field
center fielder noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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