General
dying quail
What does dying quail mean?
A softly hit fly ball that drops suddenly just beyond the infielders for a bloop single, like a shot bird falling from the sky.
"It wasn't pretty, but that dying quail fell in to drive in the winning run."
Origin
American baseball slang, possibly coined in the 1940s; also called a blooper.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'dying quail' in baseball?
A dying quail is a softly hit fly ball that drops suddenly just beyond the infielders for a bloop single.
Why is it called a dying quail?
The ball's sudden drop resembles a shot bird falling from the sky, hence the vivid nickname.
Is a dying quail the same as a blooper?
Yes — a dying quail is also commonly called a blooper, both describing a weak fly ball that falls in for a hit.
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