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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/base-can-of-corn

In baseball slang, what is a "can of corn"?

An easy, routine fly ball to an outfielder.

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  1. A ground ball through the legs
  2. An easy fly ball to an outfielder ✔
  3. A home run to center field

Why: A can of corn is a routine fly ball to an outfielder. When it is caught in the air, the batter is out on a flyout.

Huh, didn't know that: The name may come from old grocery clerks who knocked cans off high shelves and caught them in their aprons.

The dad joke
Why did the outfielder bring a can opener? Someone hit a can of corn.
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References

Answer: An easy fly ball to an outfielder. A can of corn is a routine fly ball to an outfielder. When it is caught in the air, the batter is out on a flyout.

  1. MLB Glossary: Can of Corn www.mlb.com/glossary/idioms/can-of-corn
    A "can of corn" is a routine fly ball hit to an outfielder.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. MLB Glossary: Flyout www.mlb.com/glossary/standard-stats/flyout
    an opposing defender catches it before it hits the ground or fence
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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